EXPERT GUIDE

Waterproofing and Breathability in Ski Outerwear

Understanding waterproofing and breathability helps you choose ski outerwear that keeps you dry, comfortable, and safe, ensuring optimal performance and protection in any mountain condition.

EXPERT GUIDE

Waterproofing and Breathability in Ski Outerwear

Understanding waterproofing and breathability helps you choose ski outerwear that keeps you dry, comfortable, and safe, ensuring optimal performance and protection in any mountain condition.

What Does Waterproof Mean in Ski Outerwear?

What Does
Waterproof Mean
in Ski Outerwear?

Waterproof ski outerwear is engineered to keep moisture out, even during heavy snowfall or wet, slushy conditions. Its effectiveness is measured in millimeters (mm), which indicate how much water pressure the fabric can withstand before it begins to leak.

To ensure full protection on the slopes, look for outerwear with fully taped seams that seal moisture out at stitching points, a durable water repellent (DWR) coating that helps snow and water bead up and roll off, and added features like storm flaps, waterproof zippers, and powder skirts that prevent snow from sneaking inside your jacket or pants.

10K waterproof rating: Good for light snow and fair-weather skiing

20K waterproof rating: Excellent for most resort days and powder storms

30K waterproof rating: Best-in-class protection for extreme weather, deep powder, and extended exposure to wet snow or sleet

Waterproof ski outerwear is engineered to keep moisture out, even during heavy snowfall or wet, slushy conditions. Its effectiveness is measured in millimeters (mm), which indicate how much water pressure the fabric can withstand before it begins to leak.

To ensure full protection on the slopes, look for outerwear with fully taped seams that seal moisture out at stitching points, a durable water repellent (DWR) coating that helps snow and water bead up and roll off, and added features like storm flaps, waterproof zippers, and powder skirts that prevent snow from sneaking inside your jacket or pants.

10K waterproof rating: Good for light snow and fair-weather skiing

20K waterproof rating: Excellent for most resort days and powder storms

30K waterproof rating: Best-in-class protection for extreme weather, deep powder, and extended exposure to wet snow or sleet

Leader Insulated Jacket and Dare Pants with 30K Waterproofing / 20K Breathability

Why Breathability Matters in Ski Gear

Why Breathability Matters in Ski Gear

Just as important as staying dry from the outside is staying dry from the inside, breathable ski outerwear allows sweat vapor to escape, helping you avoid the cold, clammy feeling that can come with high-intensity activity on the slopes.

To stay comfortable and regulated throughout your day, look for breathable features like pit zips and venting systems for rapid heat release, moisture-wicking base layers that draw sweat away from your skin, and lightweight shell jackets that support flexible layering without causing you to overheat. Choosing the right breathable ski gear ensures you stay warm, dry, and in control, no matter how hard you ski or how fast conditions change.

10K breathability: Suitable for light activity and cold, dry conditions

20K breathability: Great for all-day resort skiing and moderate exertion

30K breathability:  Ideal for high-output skiing like touring, moguls, or spring laps, allowing moisture to escape quickly while still protecting from snow

Just as important as staying dry from the outside is staying dry from the inside, breathable ski outerwear allows sweat vapor to escape, helping you avoid the cold, clammy feeling that can come with high-intensity activity on the slopes.

To stay comfortable and regulated throughout your day, look for breathable features like pit zips and venting systems for rapid heat release, moisture-wicking base layers that draw sweat away from your skin, and lightweight shell jackets that support flexible layering without causing you to overheat.

Choosing the right breathable ski gear ensures you stay warm, dry, and in control, no matter how hard you ski or how fast conditions change.

10K breathability: Suitable for light activity and cold, dry conditions

20K breathability: Great for all-day resort skiing and moderate exertion

30K breathability:  Ideal for high-output skiing like touring, moguls, or spring laps, allowing moisture to escape quickly while still protecting from snow

Ventilation systems to dump heat quickly

Solitaire Shell Jackets with 30K Waterproofing / 30K Breathability

Ventilation systems to dump heat quickly

Solitaire Shell Jackets with 30K Waterproofing and Breathability

Waterproofing vs. Breathability: How to Choose the Right Balance

Waterproofing vs. Breathability: How to Choose the Right Balance

When shopping for ski outerwear, choose your waterproof and breathable rating based on your activity level and typical ski environment.

When shopping for ski outerwear, choose your waterproof and breathable rating based on your activity level and typical ski environment.

Activity Level & Environment Waterproofing / Breathability

Resort skiing in average conditions

Look for a 10K waterproof ski jacket and 10K breathable ski pants to stay protected from light snow while allowing basic sweat management on groomed runs.

Storm skiing, wet snow, or deep powder

Choose a 20K waterproof rating or higher to prevent snow and moisture from soaking through, paired with at least 15K breathability to manage internal heat and moisture during heavier activity.

Backcountry, touring, or high-output skiing

Prioritize a lightweight shell ski jacket with 30K breathability for fast sweat evaporation, and 20K–30K waterproofing to shield against snow and shifting weather at elevation.

Activity Level & Environment Waterproofing / Breathability

Resort skiing in average conditions

Look for a 10K waterproof ski jacket and 10K breathable ski pants to stay protected from light snow while allowing basic sweat management on groomed runs.

Storm skiing, wet snow, or deep powder

Choose a 20K waterproof rating or higher to prevent snow and moisture from soaking through, paired with at least 15K breathability to manage internal heat and moisture during heavier activity.

Backcountry, touring, or high-output skiing

Prioritize a lightweight shell ski jacket with 30K breathability for fast sweat evaporation, and 20K–30K waterproofing to shield against snow and shifting weather at elevation.

How to Maintain Waterproof and Breathable Outerwear

How to Maintain Waterproof and Breathable Outerwear

Wash with Technical Detergent

Avoid regular laundry soap or fabric softeners, which can damage waterproof coatings and reduce breathability.

Reapply DWR Treatment

When you notice water no longer beading on the surface, retreat your garment.

Air Dry or Tumble Dry

If the label allows, Tumble Dry, to maintain fabric integrity and reactivate water-repellent coatings.

Wash with Technical Detergent

Avoid regular laundry soap or fabric softeners, which can damage waterproof coatings and reduce breathability.

Reapply DWR Treatment

When you notice water no longer beading on the surface, retreat your garment.

Air Dry or Tumble Dry

If the label allows, Tumble Dry, to maintain fabric integrity and reactivate water-repellent coatings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good waterproof rating for ski jackets?

A good waterproof rating for ski jackets is at least 10,000mm (10K). For stormy or wet conditions, look for 20K or higher waterproof ratings to ensure maximum protection on the slopes.

How is breathability measured in ski gear?

Breathability in ski gear is measured in grams (g/m²), representing how much water vapor can pass through the fabric in 24 hours. A 10K breathable rating is sufficient for resort skiing, while 20K–30K breathability is ideal for touring or high-output activities.

What’s the difference between 10K, 20K, and 30K ratings?

A 10K/10K ski jacket provides basic waterproofing and breathability for fair-weather skiing. A 20K/20K rating offers more robust protection for heavy snow and moderate activity. A 30K waterproof and breathable jacket delivers top-tier performance for backcountry or storm skiing.

What features improve waterproofing in ski outerwear?

Look for fully taped seams, DWR-coated ski jackets, storm flaps, and waterproof zippers. These features enhance your outerwear’s ability to block moisture and keep snow out.

How can I improve the breathability of my ski gear?

To improve breathable ski gear performance, pair it with moisture-wicking base layers, use pit zips for ventilation, and avoid wearing too many insulating layers that trap heat and sweat.

Do waterproof ski clothes lose effectiveness over time?

Yes, over time, waterproof ski jackets and pants may lose their water-repellent finish. Reapply a DWR (durable water repellent) treatment and clean them with a technical outerwear detergent to restore performance.

How do I choose the right balance of waterproofing and breathability?

Choose waterproof and breathable ski outerwear based on your ski environment and intensity level. For wet conditions, prioritize high waterproof ratings; for high-exertion skiing, focus on maximum breathability to stay dry inside and out.