How to Wash Ski Clothes

Keeping your ski gear clean and functional is essential for peak performance on the slopes. Properly washing ski clothes ensures they stay waterproof, breathable, and ready for adventure season after season.

At Elevenate, we’re all about delivering premium gear that matches your passion for the mountains. Caring for your ski clothes isn’t just about keeping them fresh—it’s about maintaining their technical performance so you can ride harder, longer, and in total comfort. Follow these tips to wash your ski gear the right way, keeping it as rad as your first run of the day.

Prep Your Ski Clothes Before Washing

Before diving in, take a moment to check the labels on your gear. Each piece—whether it’s your shell jacket or insulated pants—has specific care instructions. Trust us, this small step makes a big difference in prolonging the life of your clothing.

• Empty the Pockets: Remove anything hiding in those zippered compartments—snack wrappers, lift passes, or that lucky charm you forgot about.
• Close All Zippers and Velcro: This prevents snagging and protects the fabric during the wash cycle.
• Shake Off the Slopes: Brush off dirt or excess snow to avoid clogging your washer.

Use the Right Detergent

Your ski clothes deserve more than your average laundry detergent. Choose a detergent designed for technical outerwear. Standard detergents can break down the durable water-repellent (DWR) coating, compromising the waterproofing. A detergent made for outdoor gear, on the other hand, will gently clean without harming performance.

Skip the fabric softener—it can clog the fabric’s pores, reducing breathability and waterproofing.

Washing Your Ski Clothes

1. Choose a Gentle Cycle: Cold or lukewarm water works best to avoid damaging the fabric or affecting the waterproofing treatment.
2. Wash Separately: Keep ski clothes away from rough fabrics like jeans or towels to avoid abrasion.
3. Rinse Thoroughly: If your machine has an extra rinse setting, use it to ensure no detergent residue remains, which could affect breathability.

Drying Your Ski Clothes

Air drying is usually your best bet. Lay your clothes flat or hang them in a well-ventilated area, away from direct heat or sunlight. If the care label allows, you can tumble dry on low heat to reactivate the DWR coating—but don’t skip reading those tags!

Reapply Waterproofing When Needed

Over time, the DWR coating on your ski clothes might wear off. You’ll know it’s time for a refresh when water stops beading on the surface. A spray-on or wash-in waterproofing product designed for technical fabrics will bring them back to life, ensuring you stay dry on the slopes.

Ski with Gear That Lasts

Caring for your ski clothes isn’t just maintenance—it’s respect for the mountains and the gear that takes you there. For more expert tips and premium ski apparel, check out our product care guide and keep riding in style with Elevenate.

Every piece of gear at Elevenate is designed to perform. Treat it right, and it’ll return the favor, run after run. Ready to refresh your wardrobe or find new inspiration for the slopes? Check out our ski clothes for men and women.