Coming from a woman, I think fit is the most important.
I like the patagonia stuff fits, I am smaller and it seems to fit well in men's extra smalls. North face and most other stuff is too long in the arms and legs. But with patagucci, I have big shoulders so I am still able to move wearing their stuff.
If it is for downhill skiing, I would look at Marmot for good price and fit. They also have stuff that is stylish. Check out proguide.com, they seem to have good deals.Yes, definitly marmot stuff.
BTW, I would NOT want a powder skirt.