Are your skis leaving dangerous forever chemicals behind on the trails?
"Almost all older ski waxes contain PFAS.”
A new report from EMPA Materials Science and Technology in Switzerland suggests dangerous “forever” chemicals from ski wax are being left behind on trails Swiss ski trails. Once there, these dangerous chemicals can persist for centuries.
PFAS – short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – are a class of synthetic chemicals that resist water and grease and have been used in ski waxes for decades to enhance performance.
When the snow melts on ski hills in spring, these chemicals can enter water systems and fish. They can also contaminate the soil.
In the 2020/2021 season, the International Ski Federation enforced a global ban on all fluorinated ski wax in its races. Many manufacturers have also made a change to their products.
But continued contamination suggests that recreational skiers are largely unaware of what their ski wax is leaving behind.
The findings that ski wax continues to contaminate trails result from snow samples taken by Empa's Analytical Centre at the Engadin Ski Marathon in March 2025.
The highest concentrations of wax were found at the starting line, decreasing significantly after two kilometres.
Researchers are urging the general public to replace any old, fluorinated ski wax with safer, more eco-friendly alternatives.
“A block of wax can last for several years,” says Markus Zennegg, head of the analytical center, in a statement.
“And almost all older ski waxes contain PFAS.”
Zennegg recommends replacing old ski wax with fluorine-free products.
“It simply makes no sense to release such stable substances into the environment for a few minutes' advantage in a race,” adds Reimann.
Header image: File photo via Canva Pro.