the Black REI pants will work great for x-c skiing, light climbing, snowshoeing, etc in the winter. Don't expect to wear them in the summer, black is too friggin' hot! Also, it'd have to be in warmer temps (20's or above) because the fabric is thin (otherwise, go with polypro underneath). REI screwed up majorly by not continuing with the tan dynamic pants, they're perfect for summer climbing (and I haven't seen them around since early spring.)