How To: Off-Season Care and Storage

The spring season is in full effect, and while the change in temperature presents untold possibilities for warm weather adventure and exploration, it also means it’s time to ready your ski gear for off-season storage. Before doing so, however, there are a handful of factors that you should be privy to in order to maximize your kit’s lifespan, optimize its performance, protect your investment, and help you hit the ground running come next ski season.

Prior to you packing away your cold-weather gear, we encourage you to give it a proper wash. In addition to helping to mitigate potential odors, washing your garments prior to storing them can hugely bolster their lifespan, as sweat and oils can slowly break down and deteriorate the adhesive elements used in our seam-sealed constructions, opening the door to potential failure over time. This is just as true for ski garments as it is for waterproof hiking or motorcycle jackets, too.

What's more, it's also crucial to utilize the right type of detergent or cleaning product when washing technical garments, as certain soaps and chemicals—such as regular household laundry detergents—can actually damage the material. When washing our outerwear, it’s also imperative to be gentle, and to always use cold water. You should also avoid bleach, fabric softener, or any other scented cleaning products. While there are dozens of options on the market, we recommend using Nikwax Tech Wash technical cleaner and Nikwax TX.Direct wash-in waterproofer—which can be purchased in a combo pack HERE.

On top of properly cleaning your ski garments, pre-off-season storage is also the perfect time to thoroughly inspect your gear for any necessary repairs. If something does need attention, our warranty team is here to help, and while general wear and tear, accidents, and improper care aren’t covered by AETHER’s warranty, we’re nonetheless happy to assist you in getting your gear back into prime condition. For more details on what is and isn’t covered by the AETHER Guarantee—or how to get in touch—you can visit our FAQ page.

For a refresher on how to properly wash and care for your gear, you can check out our comprehensive Product Care Guide—and don’t forget to refer to your specific garment’s care tag for the most accurate instructions.

Here’s to your next adventure,

—The AETHER Team