Is Your Ski Jacket Poisoning You? How the Industry Is Phasing Out PFAS

With wear and tear, PFAS-treated jackets can release toxins that are harmful to the environment.

Background

Most skiers and riders don’t think twice about what’s in their outerwear—only whether it keeps them dry. But the same chemical technology that made modern ski jackets nearly invincible against rain and slush also created an invisible environmental legacy that won’t go away anytime soon.

Those waterproof coatings are often made with PFAS, a class of “forever chemicals” that don’t break down naturally, accumulate in our bodies, and have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and immune issues.

But now, for the first time in decades, the ski industry is rethinking the very chemistry behind the jackets we rely on. And while the shift away from PFAS is complicated, it’s happening faster than most skiers and riders realize.

What PFAS Are (and Why They’re Everywhere)

PFAS—short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—have been the secret ingredient in outdoor gear since the 1950s. These synthetic compounds are prized for one thing: performance. They create a microscopic armor that repels water, oil, and dirt better than almost any alternative. Whether it’s the DWR (durable water repellent) finish on your jacket or the membrane inside your gloves, there’s a good chance PFAS are behind your gear’s waterproofing superpowers.

The problem is that PFAS don’t stay put. Over time, they can shed into the environment during washing or manufacturing, or leach into soil and water once garments are discarded. Some have been detected in alpine snowpack and even remote mountain streams. And because they don’t naturally degrade, they can persist for thousands of years; this has earned them the nickname “forever chemicals.”

The Regulatory Pressure Is Rising

Governments are now catching up to what scientists have warned about for years. The European Union plans to ban nearly all PFAS by 2030, with proposals already in motion to limit their use in textiles and consumer products. In the U.S., states like California, Maine, and New York have passed their own phase-out laws for apparel, forcing outdoor brands to adapt quickly or risk losing access to key markets.

For an industry built on technical performance, this creates a daunting challenge: replace a chemical technology that’s nearly irreplaceable. The reformulation process takes years of testing, supply chain audits, and quality assurance to ensure jackets still meet waterproof and durability standards. But as bans approach and consumer awareness grows, the race to go PFAS-free is on.

The Industry Leaders vs. The Laggards

Some brands are taking the initiative rather than waiting for regulation. Montec and Dope Snow, two direct-to-consumer outerwear companies known for making premium gear at more accessible prices, have emerged as early movers. Montec now states that it does not intentionally use any PFAS in its fabrics or components, with a bonded waterproof membrane that’s both “bluesign APPROVED” and PFAS-free. The company also publishes performance data showing its PFAS-free DWR maintains strong waterproof ratings even after ten wash cycles—proof that sustainability doesn’t have to mean compromise.

Dope Snow has gone a step further by setting an aggressive deadline: by Fall/Winter 2025, all of its outerwear and accessories will be “bluesign Product qualified”, with 95% of its fabrics already meeting that standard. The brand’s “Renewed” program, which refurbishes and resells used garments, reinforces its broader sustainability push. Together, Montec and Dope represent a new wave of outerwear brands proving that innovation and responsibility can coexist.

Still, progress remains uneven. Many larger companies continue to advertise “eco DWR” or “PFC-free” coatings without clarifying what that means—or whether those claims extend beyond the surface finish to include membranes, zippers, or seam tape. Transparency is improving, but full accountability across the supply chain is still rare.

How Consumers Can Tell What’s Real

For most skiers and riders, it’s hard to know which brands to trust. The best way to cut through the noise is to look for specific, verifiable claims—not vague buzzwords. A jacket that explicitly states “PFAS-free” or “PFAS not intentionally added” is a good sign. Certifications like bluesign, OEKO-TEX, or Fair Wear indicate stricter chemical management and worker safety practices, though none guarantee absolute PFAS elimination.

Be wary of brands that rely on unqualified marketing language like “eco coating” or “sustainable waterproofing.” If a company can’t point to independent verification, published test data, or clear targets, the claim probably doesn’t mean much.

Durability also matters: the longer a jacket lasts, the smaller its lifetime footprint. Buying one well-made, responsibly produced shell is far better than cycling through three cheap ones in five years.

Should You Replace Your Current PFAS Jacket Now?

If you’ve been skiing for a while, there’s a good chance you already own outerwear treated with PFAS. However, replacing it immediately isn’t automatically the most sustainable choice. In fact, the most responsible thing you can often do is keep wearing it for as long as it performs safely and effectively.

The primary concern with PFAS is long-term environmental contamination from production, washing, and disposal, not acute toxicity to the wearer. If your jacket is intact, not shedding its membrane, and still repelling water after washing, it’s generally fine to keep using.

That said, if the fabric is showing any signs of flaking, delaminating, or visibly degradation, it’s a sign the PFAS may start to let loose—and cause risks to you and the environment. At that point, it’s time to replace it, ideally with a PFAS-free alternative. When you do, don’t just throw the old one away. Look for textile recycling programs or donation channels that handle outdoor gear responsibly.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, the ski industry is finally cleaning up its act (literally). The same companies that once defined performance are now being forced to reckon with the environmental impacts their original designs have brought about, but in the process, we’ve seen significant innovations to align with a more sustainable future. PFAS-free outerwear is no longer a faraway goal, and is now clearly becoming the new standard.

So the next time you’re shopping for ski gear, the question isn’t necessarily just whether your jacket will keep you in good shape. It’s whether it’ll help keep the planet that way too.