Your ski gear has seen some things. Powder days, sweaty bootpacks, chairlift spills, nacho cheese from the lodge, maybe even a bit of car grease when you tossed it into the trunk. By mid-season it probably smells like wet dog and looks like it lost a fight with a puddle.
I get it. Most people avoid washing their jackets and pants because they’re terrified of killing the waterproofing. I used to do the same. I’d convince myself the dirt was “core” and left it until my jacket could basically stand up on its own. Truth is, washing your gear actually makes it last longer. The trick is doing it right.
Why Washing Matters
Your jacket and pants are usually coated with DWR (Durable Water Repellent). That’s the magic that makes water bead up instead of soaking through. But dirt, sweat and body oils (gross) clog the fabric. Suddenly you’re wetter than you’d like to admit. Wash it properly and you bring the waterproofing back to life. Ignore it and you’re basically riding in a sponge.
Step 1: Get the Right Soap
Don’t even think about chucking your ski jacket in the wash with Tide. Normal detergent is brutal on technical fabric. You need a gear-specific wash (Nikwax, Granger’s, whatever your shop stocks). They clean without stripping the waterproofing. Some even wash and reproof in one go which is basically lazy rider heaven.
Step 2: Wash Jackets and Pants
Check the label. Always. Some gear is picky about temps.
Zip it up. All zips, all Velcro, everything. Keeps it from catching.
Gentle cycle. Cold or lukewarm water.
Double rinse. Because leftover soap is the enemy of waterproofing.
From here you can either run a second wash with a reproofing solution, or just use one of those 2-in-1 products and call it a day.
Step 3: Drying
The dryer is your friend. Low to medium heat, as per the label. Heat actually helps reactivate the DWR. Think of it as recharging the shield. Toss it in, get it warm and it’ll bead water like new.
Down Jackets (Extra Drama)
Down is trickier. Wash with a down-specific cleaner, then tumble dry low with dryer balls (or tennis balls if you’re desperate). Stop every so often and break up clumps by hand. Nothing sadder than a lumpy down jacket that’s lost its puff.
How Often to Wash
Outerwear: Once or twice a season, or when water stops beading.
Down layers: Every few months if you wear them a lot.
Base layers: Every time. Seriously. Don’t be that person.
Bonus Tips
Wash ski gear separate from your normal laundry.
Skip fabric softener, it destroys waterproofing.
Store it clean and dry in summer, not in a damp basement where it’ll grow funk.
Bottom Line
Washing your gear isn’t scary. Done right, it keeps your jacket and pants breathing, waterproof and smelling less like a hockey bag. Take the time to do it properly and your gear will love you back with more dry, warm days on the hill.
