How to Wash Your Ski Jacket: A Complete Care Guide

The Short Answer: To keep your ski jacket performing like new season after season, use a front-loading washing machine on a gentle cycle with technical detergent, then tumble dry on low heat to restore water repellency. Make sure to read each jacket’s care label and follow any additional manufacturer’s instructions.

After a perfect powder day, your ski jacket has done its job protecting you from wind, snow, and moisture. But now it needs proper care to keep performing at its best.To keep your jacket waterproof, breathable, and warm, you need to preserve its technical features, not just its appearance.

Cleaning your ski jacket regularly removes body oils, dirt, and detergent residue that can clog technical fabrics and compromise water resistance. A well-maintained jacket lasts longer and keeps you more comfortable on the mountain. 

Pre-Wash Preparation

Before your ski jacket goes anywhere near the washing machine, take a few minutes to prepare it properly.

Check the Care Label

Start by checking your jacket's care label and manufacturer's instructions. Different brands and materials may have specific requirements, so read these instructions carefully.

Empty and Close Everything

Empty all pockets completely – don’t forget about chest pockets, media pockets, and other interior areas. Close all zippers and fasten any Velcro straps. This prevents snagging and helps maintain the jacket's shape during the wash cycle.

Remove Detachable Parts

Remember to remove detachable parts like hoods, powder skirts, or liner jackets. These pieces often need different care or can be washed separately. If your jacket has removable synthetic insulation, check if it has separate washing instructions.

Spot Clean Stains

Use lukewarm water and mild detergent to gently work on problem areas before machine washing. This pre-treatment ensures a thorough clean without harsh chemicals.

Choose the Right Detergent

Regular household detergents contain fabric softener and additives that damage technical fabrics and reduce water repellency. If recommended by the jacket tag, look for tech wash or suitable detergent specifically made for technical clothing and waterproof jackets.

Washing Your Ski Jacket: The Right Way

When washing your ski jacket, gentle handling preserves technical features while getting it thoroughly clean.

Machine Settings

Set your washing machine to a gentle cycle with cold water or no warmer than 30°C (86°F). High temperatures damage technical fabrics and break down the DWR (durable water repellant) coating. Use low spin speed to minimize fabric stress.

Wash Separately

Always wash your jacket alone or with similar technical clothing only. Washing with regular clothing can cause abrasion that damages the outer layer. Use less detergent than normal – about half the recommended amount for regular laundry.

Hand Washing Option

Fill a clean tub with cold water and add technical detergent. Gently wash the jacket by hand, focusing on dirty areas like cuffs and collar. Rinse thoroughly until no soap remains.

Material-Specific Notes

• Down Jackets: need thorough rinsing and careful drying to prevent clumping. 
• Synthetic Insulation: Jackets with synthetic insulation are more durable than down jackets but still need gentle handling
• Shell Jackets: Focus on preserving the DWR coating when washing these jackets

Drying Your Ski Jacket: Preserving Performance

Proper drying restores loft, reactivates water repellency, and prevents damage to technical fabrics.

Remove Excess Water Gently

Never wring or twist the fabric. Instead, press gently or roll in a clean towel to absorb moisture.

Machine Drying

Tumble dry on low heat with clean tennis balls or dryer balls to restore loft and maintain shape. Check every 30 minutes and remove while slightly damp. Over-drying damages technical fabrics.

Air Drying

Hang in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. For down jackets, shake periodically to redistribute filling and prevent clumping. This can take 24-48 hours.

Restoring Water Repellency 

 A ski jacket's DWR coating makes water bead up and roll off instead of soaking in.

DWR Heat Reactivation

Heat from the tumble dryer helps reactivate existing DWR coating. This is why jackets often repel water better right after washing and drying.

Signs Your Jacket Need Reproofing

If water no longer beads on the surface and starts wetting out, it's time for repellent treatment to restore its water resistancy. You might notice the jacket feels heavier when wet or takes longer to dry.

Treatment Options

Spray-on treatments work well for shell jackets, while wash-in treatments provide even coverage for insulated jackets. Apply to clean jackets and activate with heat from the tumble dryer.

Long-Term Care and Storage: Making Your Investment Last

How Often to Wash

Avoid over-washing, which can break down a jacket’s technical features. For light use, jackets only need to be washed a few times per season. Frequent skiers should wash their jackets at least monthly during ski season to remove body oils that compromise technical fabrics. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Never use fabric softener - it destroys breathability and water repellency
• Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals
• Stick to low temperatures and avoid direct sunlight when drying

Wash only after a few wears or when visibly soiled.

Storage Tips

Store completely dry jackets in cool, dry places with good air circulation. Hang instead of folding to prevent creases. Avoid plastic bags that trap moisture – use breathable garment bags or simply hang the jacket in a closet.

Suit Up for the Slopes with Peter Glenn’s Ski Jackets 

Proper ski jacket care maintains technical performance that keeps you comfortable and protected. The process is straightforward: prepare carefully, wash gently with appropriate detergent, dry thoughtfully, and reproof when needed.

Clean technical fabrics breathe properly, insulation maintains loft, and DWR coatings continue repelling moisture effectively. This means more comfortable days on the slopes and better value from your gear investment.

Ready to gear up for your next mountain adventure? Browse Peter Glenn's extensive collection of ski jackets from top brands like Obermeyer, Burton, The North Face, and Bogner. With over 65 years of experience outfitting skiers, we're here to help you find the perfect jacket and keep it performing its best season after season. Visit us at one of our eight locations to discover why Peter Glenn has been the trusted choice for winter sports enthusiasts since 1958.