MP3 players and gear for the slopes

It's that time of year again. We're fresh in the middle of a banner year for skiing and snowboarding. California and the Pacific Northwest continue to get pounded by storm after storm, meaning Mts. Ranier, Hood, and Bachelor, and Lake Tahoe have fantastic snow pack and can likely expect to keep it well into spring. Even Southern Cali is getting a healthy dose this year, with snow levels dropping in altitude. And other parts of the west and the midwest are expecting a string of storms to add to the already healthy dose of powder. Then of course there's the northeast and, well, has there ever been a shortage of the white stuff there? No matter where you call home, now's the perfect time to dust off the sticks if you haven't already. Whether you ski, snowboard, or sled, some tunes can really put you in the carving mood. All of the MP3 players and accessories below are perfect for a day on the slopes. These devices are durable, compact, and easy to use. Oh yeah, and if you're looking for an audio gadget that does double-duty as a beer cooler, make friends with Burton's Lil' Buddy.