Norrona have gone for an 'urban' look with their Røldal gear this winter, despite the fact that it's very much made for hard working freeriders. The construction of the Røldal freeride pants is pretty bombproof, using a waterproof three-layer Gore-tex fabric that has excellent breathability which works well if you're hiking for your turns.
The fit is loose but very comfortable, which is just as well since you'll need to do some serious layering up beneath them - there's no insulation at all here, but then that's what shells are all about.
The Røldal comes with a high waist and chunky adjustable Velcro tabs along with big belt loops, and they feel very snug when adjusted. Beneath this you get two hand pockets, one rear pocket and two cargo pockets conveniently placed on the front of the pants for easier access - all have waterproof zips.
There are large zipped vents on the outside of the thighs with snow mesh inners, and a zipper opening and elasticated gaiter on the cuffs along with inner reinforcements (as opposed to scuff guards). If you have the matching Røldal jacket it can be attached to the pants with a zip and snap seal system to effectively keep snow out if/when you wipe out.
In use the generous cut of the Røldal pants encourages you to go for it as well as being extremely comfortable, and the pants have a cool, rugged look that shouts 'backcountry!' even if you never leave the pistes.
We really liked these pants and for a shell they're hard to beat, despite the high price.
