Your ski jacket and ski pants are more than just style statements, they’re your first line of defense against snow, wind, and moisture, and a key part of staying warm, dry, and protected on the slopes. Regularly caring for your ski outerwear not only preserves its performance features like waterproofing and breathability, but also extends its lifespan and saves you from costly replacements.

In this expert guide, we’ll walk you through everything from washing ski jackets, restoring DWR (Durable Water Repellent), to repairing small rips or zippers so your gear is ready for every ski day.

Monterosa Jacket with 30K Waterproofing

Over time, your ski jacket’s DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating naturally wears off due to regular use, exposure to snow, and repeated washing. When the DWR coating breaks down, water stops beading on the surface and begins to soak into the outer fabric, compromising your jacket’s waterproof performance. You’ll know it’s time to reproof your ski jacket when water no longer beads up and instead absorbs into the fabric, or when your jacket feels damp or heavy in wet snow. Reproofing helps restore water repellency and keeps your outerwear functioning at its best.

Reproofing Steps:
1. Wash your jacket with a tech wash (don’t skip this—clean fabric allows better DWR bonding).

2. Apply a spray-on or wash-in DWR treatment like Nikwax TX.Direct or Granger’s Repel.

3. Tumble dry on low or iron (if allowed) to activate the treatment.

Even high-quality ski outerwear can suffer wear and tear over time, but many issues are easy to fix with the right tools. For small tears in your ski jacket or pants, use adhesive-backed repair patches like Gear Aid Tenacious Tape, cutting rounded edges helps prevent peeling.

If you’re experiencing zipper problems, clean out any debris and apply zipper lubricant; for broken sliders, zipper replacement kits are widely available. In cases of seam delamination, where taped seams begin to peel, seam grip adhesives can be used to reseal and restore the garment’s waterproof integrity.

Ski gear can absorb sweat, body oils, and environmental odors, especially during intense ski days or multi-day trips where gear is used repeatedly. To prevent unwanted smells and prolong freshness, always air-dry your ski clothing and equipment thoroughly after each use, this helps reduce moisture buildup and prevents mold and mildew from developing.

Odor-Fighting Solutions:

• Use odor-neutralizing gear washes like Granger’s Active Wash or Nikwax BaseWash (safe for waterproof gear)

• For in-between washes, try anti-microbial sprays like Revivex Odor Eliminator

• Always dry gear thoroughly as moisture promotes bacterial growth.

Proper end-of-season care is essential for protecting your investment in high-performance ski outerwear. Storing your ski jacket and ski pants correctly helps preserve their waterproofing, insulation, and breathability, so they’re ready to perform when the snow returns.

• Store in a cool, dry place, avoid direct sunlight and moisture

• Hang jackets and pants loosely (don’t compress)

• Clean and reproof before storing for the season

By taking a few extra steps in how you wear, wash, and store your ski jacket, ski pants, and base layers, you’ll maintain key features like waterproofing, breathability, and insulation. Simple habits, like washing only when needed and inspecting gear regularly, can make a big difference in the long-term durability of your ski outerwear.

• Wash outerwear only when necessary, overwashing can degrade coatings

• Layer properly to reduce body oils and sweat contact

• Use base layers to absorb moisture and keep insulation clean

• Regularly check seams, zippers, and cuffs for wear and tear