You’re skiing and you’ve fallen in the snow. You’re not hurt, but you can’t get up. Your ski jacket is getting wet, and the snow is dripping down your chest. You’re not going to make it to the top of the hill if you’re worried about your sweater. The water is also getting in through the zippers on your jacket. It must be freezing, and you can’t feel your fingers. You’re going to have to sit there until help arrives, or you decide to go down the mountain.
Whether you’re a professional skier, weekend warrior, or somewhere in between, every skier needs a good pair of ski wear. The wrong ski jacket can make the difference between having fun and enjoying your holiday, or getting wet and cold. Knowing how to clean and dry your ski jacket is crucial, especially after every run to remove the accumulated moisture. It can be frustrating to ski in wet clothes, as well as dangerous. You’ll be glad you know the right way to take care of your ski gear when on holiday, and you can take care of the mountain too.
In this blog post, we will discuss the best way to get the greasy, muddy, or snowy feel out of your ski jacket and how to clean it properly. We’ll also teach you how to take care of your winter holiday properly, whether you’re in the backcountry, ski resort, or somewhere in between. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
What Are The Main Types Of Ski Jackets?
There are many different types of ski jackets. The main types are listed below with their pros and cons. Always check the measurements of the jacket before you buy, as you’ll usually need to order a larger size to avoid feeling cold.
Mountain Hardwear Vests
Mountain hardwear vests are popular because they provide the best of both worlds. They’re windproof and waterproof, but still have a soft, fleece-lined interior to keep you warm. The main drawback is that mountain hardwear vests are a little more expensive than regular ski jackets.
Sherpa-Sherpa Active Jackets
Sherpa-Sherpa active jackets combine the best of both worlds: the warmth of a sherpa jacket with the practicality of a ski wear. Due to their high levels of insulation, sherpa-Sherpa jackets are great for hiking, biking, and other outdoor sports. They’re also great for use in windy or wet conditions. The main drawback is that these types of jackets are quite expensive.
Fully Windproof And Waterproof Ski Jackets
Fully windproof and waterproof ski jackets protect you from head to toe, keeping you warm even when the wind is blowing and the snow is falling. The main advantage is that these types of jackets are totally waterproof, meaning you won’t get wet no matter what. The drawback is that they’re quite expensive, as well as a little heavier, so you’ll need to be careful when carrying your ski gear in case it gets wet.
Rain Jackets And Waterproof Jackets
Rain jackets and waterproof jackets are perfect for the wet and cold conditions you’ll encounter while skiing. They’re less expensive than fully waterproof and windproof ski jackets and have a similar level of protection. The key difference is in the breathability of the materials used. While rain jackets and waterproof jackets are highly breathable, fully waterproof and windproof ski jackets are less so. This is because rain tends to accumulate on the surface of the jackets, allowing the body heat to be transferred towards the center.
Vortex Windproof And Waterproof Ski Jackets
Vortex windproof and waterproof ski jackets are the result of a collaboration between Makedon Antony and AlpinExpress. The main advantage of this brand is that they’re highly breathable, allowing you to keep cool even when the wind is blowing and the snow is falling. They’re also extremely affordable. The main drawback is that they’re less durable than other types of jacket, so you should purchase at least a pair of spares.
Ski Joggers
Ski joggers are essentially the same as snowboarders. They have bindings on the back for attaching their ski boots, and a tail on the back to keep their balance while skiing. The main difference is that they also have a handle on the front to allow for easy transportation when not in use. The key measurement to check for is the bust size, as this will determine whether or not the jacket fits you comfortably. If you have a large bust, you might need a bigger size.
Long Snowsport Jackets
Long snowsport jackets are a combination of a bomber jacket and a snowboard parka. They were originally designed for use in the powder, and have a similar design aesthetic to snowboarders. The main advantage is that long snowsport jackets are very versatile, providing you with protection from head to toe. They can also be worn over different clothing items, providing you with more options for outdoor activities. The drawback is that long snowsport jackets are quite costly, and can only be worn by men.
Rocker Jacket
Rocker jackets are a staple in every skier’s closet, providing protection from head to toe, as well as a place to store your ski equipment. Their zipper closure allows for easy access to the jacket’s interior, while their flexible hood can be worn to block the wind or keep the rain out. The main advantage of a rocker jacket is that they’re quite versatile and comfortable to wear. The key measurement to check for is the height of the collar, as this will determine whether or not the jacket fits you comfortably. If you have a large chest, you might need a bigger size.
Goggles, Handwear, And Face Mask
Another important piece of clothing you need while skiing is goggles. They protect your eyes from the whipping snow, sun, and bright lights, and keep your brain from freezing in case you fall off your ski equipment. The material and design of the goggles you choose will determine how they fit and how they function. Full-face goggles are great for skiing as they provide complete coverage and protection for your face. The main advantage of full-face goggles is that they’re extremely easy to use while skiing. The drawback is that you can’t actually see through them, which can be quite disorienting, especially when skiing downhill. Side-view goggles allow for better visibility while still keeping you protected from the wind and the elements. The main disadvantage of side-view goggles is that they only protect your eyes from the side, meaning you’re still vulnerable to head-on collisions.
Face masks and goggles are also important items to have while skiing. Face masks protect your skin from frostbite, while goggles protect your eyes from snow, sleet, and ice-rain. When it comes to face masks, you have a few options when it comes to material and design. You can choose a thick, cozy fleece face mask to keep you warm, or a thin plastic face mask in case you want to be more flexible in terms of the temperature you’re allowed to skiate in. The main advantage of a face mask is that it keeps your skin warm, which means you’re going to be able to ski longer before you get cold. The downside is that it also cuts out your view of the snow, making it more difficult to ski accurately. You may also need to adjust your helmet or goggles to include a transparent portion to see properly while skiing.
How To Determine The Best Way To Clean Your Ski Jacket?
Now that you have the perfect winter jacket, it’s time to start the meticulous cleaning procedure. The first thing you need to do is remove the snow and ice that has settled on the outside of the jacket. This can be quite a tedious process, especially if the temperature is low. You can also use paper towels or a brush to gently work at the frozen water spots before throwing the jacket in the wash.
Once the snow and ice have been removed, you need to dry off the jacket thoroughly. The best way to do this is to hang the jacket on a hanger, or lay it on a clean surface, and leave it there for at least an hour or two, before laying it flat to air dry.
Once the jacket is completely dry, it’s time to start the next stage of the process: taking care of the rubber components that have been worn out from use. The best way to do this is with a towel, making sure to rub the jacket in a circular motion, while also cleaning the outside of the jacket to remove any residue. This process needs to be repeated a few times before the jacket is ready to worn again.