Ski and snowboard season is upon us again this year, and the 2024/2025 season is shaping up to be a rough one for North America thanks to the La Niña phenomenon. As a resident of the U.S. Pacific Northwest, there is nothing more exciting in a dark and depressing season than the rotation of ski lifts.

In the past, I've discussed pre-season preparations such as proper storage of equipment, waxing your snowboard, and waterproofing your outerwear like a pro. In this issue, we'll take a look at some of the accessories you can look forward to using on the mountain in the coming months.

From clothing you might otherwise overlook, to a walkie-talkie that's ready for adventure, to gear repair needs, here are five things I pack for a great day on the snowboard.

Unlike most ski related clothing, one of my favorite accessories for staying warm on the slopes doesn't cost a fortune. A fine merino wool neck gaiter won't cost you more than $30. For extreme cold, opt for an extra-thick one, such as my favorite Ridge Merino Neck Gaiter.

Merino wool is the perfect natural fiber for outdoor adventures, both hot and cold, first and foremost because it regulates body temperature and is durable, lightweight, moisture wicking, and breathable. What more could you ask for in a material?

Staying in touch in a vast mountain resort can be a challenge. Sure, you have your smartphone, but it's not fun to take off your gloves and explore your pockets, and there's always the possibility of dropping it in the white abyss. But you know what's fun? It's communicating with your buddies and loved ones via walkie-talkie.

Not just any old walkie-talkie will do. For this ski season, you need something lightweight, rugged, reliable, and waterproof. Enter the Rocky Mountain Radio. It features a built-in carabiner that hangs from a jacket or backpack strap, a rugged, impact-resistant exterior, access to 128 channels, and a waterproof design that can be used underwater.

It is also quite simple to use and offers enough range to keep in touch in all but the most enormous resorts.

The Polar Vantage V3 was my favorite smartwatch for tracking snowboarding last season. But at $599, it costs about the same as a new snowboard. Fortunately, Polar recently launched the Vantage M3. This is essentially the V3's little brother, with much the same functionality, but at $399 instead of $599.

It includes Polar's excellent Hill Splitter feature, which analyzes riding time from ski lift times. The watch also boasts a bright, easy-to-read AMOLED screen that displays distance, speed, and riding data at a glance.

Back in the warmth and comfort of the lodge, Polar's post-ride maps and statistics are the most detailed and digestible I've encountered. It's also easy to brag to anyone within earshot about how good my turns felt.

Skiing and snowboarding gear is pricey, and it's easy to get angry over a ripped jacket or torn snow pants. Fortunately, tenacious tape exists and costs next to nothing.

I've used it a lot over the years with great success. Available in tape and patch form, simply cut to size, peel off the backing paper, and stick it over the hole or tear in the gear and it will be good as new.

Tenacious Tape is permeable and comes in a wide range of colors, including clear. For really bad tears, be sure to apply one to both the front and back of the damaged area. In addition to repairing fabrics, I have used Tenacious Tape to repair frayed zipper tape on ski jackets.

Multi-tools come in many shapes, sizes, and prices. I like to carry this $15 Dakine torque screwdriver multi-tool for repairs on the mountain. But for major adjustments off the slopes, I often opt for my trusty Leatherman Skeletool CX multi-tool. It's four times the price of Dakine's tool, but you get more features in an all-metal package, and it comes with a 25-year warranty.

That said, the Leatherman is a bit bulky to carry in your pocket while riding. Weighing less than 6 ounces, it takes up little room in your pocket.