I am now a big fan of softshell paints (e.g, REI Acme or Mistral pants), coupled with Goretex gaiters. The softshell pants breath and are fairly water resistant (I've glissaded with them ... just need to avoid cotton underwear), and the gaiters will handle the snow.
But I am still a relative newbie to this stuff ... others with more experience may be better sources.
