Jason Connolly/For Summit Daily News
Everyone loves the thrill of skiing fast, whether it’s on the slopes or on a cross-country ski trail. It’s often thrilling and breathtaking and people continue to enjoy the sport.
A good wax job is the main thing that keeps a ski board or pair of skis moving fast for those who go out on the mountain regularly.
The type of wax that can be used on the slopes by wax shops and Alpine competitors has been open to all for a long time. In recent years, however, guidelines and restrictions have been established to protect the environment from the toxic nature certain waxes.
A group of waxes that are made up fluorine have for many years provided unmatched speed to elite-level winter sports athletes.
These expensive fluorinated waxes are often called fluorocarbon waxes. When applied correctly, they create a base that repels dirt, moisture, and reduces friction. This allows the user to slide down the mountain easily.
Fluorocarbon wax and all waxes in general have the problem of slipping off the mountain when one skis or boards. This insoluble wax enters the snowpack, and eventually runs off into the waterways when the snow melts.
This wax contains perfluorochemicals. Reports indicate that the product is toxicTo not only animals, but also humans, causing harm to the liver, immune and endocrine and other systems.
U.S. has banned fluorocarbon waxes due to their toxic effects. Ski & Snowboard partnered up with the International Ski Federation (ISF) and the International Biathlon Association (IBAU). To banUse of fluorinated wax ski wax from any competitor in North America starting at the 2020-21 season
This ban was extended to the 2022 Olympic Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing (China). There were discussions about a testing system to detect fluorocarbon wax before the games started.
This testing was necessary because Team USA was prohibited from using the wax for its association with U.S. Ski & Snowboard had not banned the wax from competition.
In order to test the skis of cross-country, biathlon, and Alpine skiers, as well as those of snowboard cross athletes, a system of testing was supposed to be on-site at the Winter Games. However, the testing was not up to standard in time.
Team USA and other countries that have agreed to ban the use, including other countries, found themselves in a slight disadvantage compared to other countries that might have chosen to use the toxic, hydrophobic wax at the Paralympic and Olympic Winter Games 2022.
It is not possible to determine which countries or individuals used the wax. However, there is speculation among those who know about the sport, including Adaptive Action Sports Executive director Daniel Gale. Many medal winners at Paralympics as well as the Olympics used fluorocarbon wax on their skis or snowboards to give them an edge.
Gale said that it was complicated because they created the rule, but didn’t have a way to enforce it.
Gale had five competitors compete in the Paralympic Winter Games snowboard cross and banked-slalom. These events are where speed is key.
Gale stated that everyone was on board when the ban was imposed because of its environmental impact on the watershed. The problem comes when athletes begin using the wax in competitions, as there is no way for it to be controlled. The wax can make a big difference in one’s performance.
Gale believes that snowsports that are based on speed won’t be able to compete until a testing system is in place.
This is similar to the 2009 situation in which swimming was banned from using body-length swimsuits due to their drag.
This problem can be solved by having a testing system or allowing the use of fluorocarbon wax by all competitors.
Most ski shops are switching to safer waxes for traditional shops.
Trevor Johnson, Dillon Christy Sports, says that although most of these waxes have an impact on the environment, the biodegradable versions are far more efficient than the other.
Even though the biodegradable waxes are often made from hydrocarbon and are not effective, there is a movement for it to be the new standard. Many companies have already started to offer it.
Despite the trend toward eco-friendly waxes being more popular, most buyers don’t really consider the environmental impact when purchasing wax.
They are often looking for wax, or a wax recommended by a friend. Johnson stated that Johnson usually doesn’t ask me questions about the environmental impact of the wax.
Many ski shops carry petroleum-based waxes that can still be harmful to the environment. The question is whether there will be a day when only soluble waxes are available.
Johnson stated that Johnson doesn’t see any reason why they wouldn’t in the future. They are making money, and that is what is most important. It’s not worth changing it if it means lower profits.