Rick,

I have been on about a 5 year journey to learn vb cothes.

Start off with a cheap pvc rainsuit that you use in your sleeping bag. If you like the technique then the Stephenson vb clothes are good. On a sunny day I skied with only the vb shirt on top, but sweat pooled at my elbows (TMI?).

I also can ski/snowshoe in an expedition weight top and a windshirt down to about 20. However, I hike with an experienced guy that always seems to have on one more layer than me. YMMV.

IMO it is a worthwhile journey.