Photograph: Robert Cianflone/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Robert Cianflone/Getty Imagesfew weeks ago, on a bitterly cold day, a friend gave me some advice on how to cope with winter. He made a convincing case that the best way to avoid seasonal depression was to get into nature and be in awe of its beauty, no matter the temperature outside. “Go out and meet it head on,” he said.
Generally speaking, skiing and snowboarding require technical gear to make embracing the cold, well, less cold. Like most things, technical gear will last longer if you take care of it properly. Here, experts explain exactly how to do that.First things first: when you get off the snow, put your jacket and pants somewhere to dry.
To make sure you’re washing properly, pay close attention to the garment’s care labels. Instructions will differ depending on whether or not your gear has synthetic or down insulation, is made from natural fibres or has a specific type of membrane.As a rule of thumb, when washing snow gear, you want to ensure you are preserving the item’s membrane or water-repellent coating. To do this, Pattison says to avoid harsh detergents and instead opt for one specific to technical ski clothing, like.
If your jacket is down, using a dryer can help restore its loft – or ‘fluffiness’ – especially with a couple of tennis balls to help.If you’re drying non-down garments, you can do so by air drying them. Hang them on a hanger outside in the shade or in a room with good airflow. Make sure the sleeves and legs of each garment are not bunched up and smooth to ensure they dry evenly.
Wrap your stocks in your jacket and shove 'em...