This year's snowboarding season may still be in full swing, but designers already have their sights set on next year's hottest threads.

Burton, a snowboard company that prides itself on creating trendsetting clothing and gear, held its annual winter sales meeting in Denver last month, offering a sneak peek at its 2004-05 outerwear line.

Riders and models hit the runway at the Church nightclub, showing off the new trends, which include sleek lines, hot colors and a new emphasis on women's wear.

John Lacy, Burton's director of men's apparel, says the new line was influenced by trends in the sports industry, hip-hop and mainstream music.

"When they're on the mountain, people want good technical gear, but they want to look good, too," Lacy says. "We're looking at really progressive prints, new technical designs and a big military influence."

One jacket can be folded into a small briefcase and comes with a travel kit. Another has illumination lights built into it. Other touches include ever-popular cargo pockets and a denim material that creates a real street style on the slopes.

Karly Dodson, Burton's director of women's apparel, says that in years past, women's gear was an afterthought.

"We want to supply a line for the girl rider," she says. "Some of it is young, some is surf-inspired, some is retro and some is sexier. It's definitely in step with fashion trends, but it's still geared toward the snowboard rider."

Military details and camouflage prints join hot fuchsias, pinks and purples, mixed against more neutral tones.

"The biggest change for next year is the cuts," Dodson says. "They're less boxy and more feminine. The pants are more of a low-rider look and not so baggy. We're trying to take street styling and bring it into the snowboard industry."

Dodson also updated clothing for off the slopes.

"The sweaters are more fitted, sexier and fun," she says. "We've added pattern and bright colors."

A new line of socks joins hats, gloves and bags, which can all be mixed and matched with the outerwear. Cool details to look for include a jacket that has a mirror you can pull from a pocket and jackets that include a lipstick or cell-phone pocket.

"These are just small touches that our women riders have suggested we use," Dodson says. "We look at fashion-forward designs with functionality hidden inside."