Soldiers of 10th Mountain Division in the Snow

Eleven U.S. 10th Mountain Division soldiers wearing white camouflage uniforms ("whites" or "over-whites") and brown knapsacks ascend a mountain slope during training, near Camp Hale, Colorado. Taken from a distance the photograph gives an indication of the the effectiveness of the camouflage. The skis were also painted white on the top surface as camouflage against the snow terrain. “Over-whites” referred to the all-white, hooded, thigh-length parka, matching trousers with a drawstring waist, and twofinger mitten-covers. These were made of thin cotton; they gave no appreciable protection from the cold, although early-issue parkas were provided with fur trim. The parka had buttoned openings at the waist to allow access to chest and trouser pockets, and to the pouches of the cartridge belt that was worn under it for weather protection. Soldiers were urged to keep over-whites clean to preserve their camouflage value. In fact, it was not uncommon for only the over-white parka to be worn; and wearing over-white trousers with an olive drab parka or jacket blended well when passing through snow-covered woodland.

Source :

Book "US 10th Mountain Division in World War II" by Gordon L. Rottman and Peter Dennis

http://amyatishkin.livejournal.com/287245.html
http://www.robertsarmory.com/10th2.htm