The pursuit of speed on snow has left a detrimental mark.
Despite increased global awareness and racing bans, persistent “permanent chemicals” known as PFAS are still scraped off skis and found their way into the natural environment of Switzerland’s winter sports regions.
Empa’s new study detects high concentrations of these long-lasting pollutants in snow samples from the Engadin Valley, issuing an urgent call for recreational skiers to update their ski wax kits.
Deep-rooted problems with traditional ski wax
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic chemicals valued for their water and oil resistance.
For decades, they have been a key ingredient in certain high-performance ski waxes designed to improve ski glide. However, these benefits come at significant environmental costs.
PFAS do not break down naturally, so once released, they remain in the environment for centuries, earning them the nickname eternal chemicals. Its ability to accumulate in humans and animals highlights the critical importance of limiting its use as much as possible.
Researchers from the Empa Analysis Center conducted a targeted study after the Engadin ski marathon in March 2025.
Snow samples were collected from the start line and background control area 2 kilometers down the track. As a result, significant contamination was confirmed.
Markus Zeneg, Director of the Analysis Center, reported that they had measured relatively high levels of certain PFAS types commonly found in ski wax. These were mainly composed of perfluorinated carboxylic acids with uniform carbon chain lengths of 6 to 14 carbon atoms.
The best readings are right after the start line, when the most components fall off the freshly waxed skis. Concentrations decreased significantly beyond 2 kilometers, but measurable levels of PFAS remained in the snow even at that distance.
Risks to waterways and wildlife
Sites of contamination raise serious environmental alarms. Stefan Reimann, the researcher who collected the samples, noted that measurable pollution was found directly above Lake Sils.
When winter snow melts in the spring, these persistent chemicals inevitably flow into water systems, posing a long-term risk of bioaccumulation to aquatic organisms and fish.
Additionally, researchers later analyzed soil samples from the same location, which revealed significant ongoing contamination.
This level of chemical residue concentration is a cause for concern as there is a risk that pasture-grazing cattle may accumulate PFAS above acceptable limits in their meat when they return to alpine pastures during the warmer months.
Ski wax ban and recreation gap
The sports world is already responding to the threat of PFAS. From the 2023/2024 season onwards, the International Ski Federation (FIS) has globally banned the use of all fluorinated ski waxes in races, including major Swiss events such as the Engadin Ski Marathon.
Manufacturers have largely complied, switching their product lines to fluorine-free alternatives. The Empa team confirmed the effectiveness of the ban among elite competitors, finding that the skis of 10 of the fastest professional skiers in the marathon were free of PFAS. The findings show that it is clearly possible to achieve speed without the use of fluorine.
However, the contamination found by Empa suggests that persistent contamination is primarily attributable to the general population of recreational skiers, rather than competitive athletes.
Researchers believe the main cause of contamination is a general lack of awareness among amateur cross-country skiers.
This is supported by the fact that elevated PFAS concentrations were found not only at marathon tracks, but also in areas used for regular cross-country trails.
Although blocks of old ski wax can last for several years, it’s important to note that virtually all older products contain PFAS.
The call for a clean transition
The findings serve as an important reminder that consumer choices involve environmental responsibility.
To accelerate a clean transition and protect Switzerland’s unique alpine environment, Empa researchers urge ski enthusiasts to take immediate action.
Recreational skiers should inspect their equipment, dispose of old fluorinated ski wax responsibly, and replace it with widely available and clearly labeled fluoride-free alternatives.
This study highlights that releasing such a stable and dangerous substance into the environment is not justified by minimal performance improvements in a typical race.
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