How participants' skis are tested for fluorine wax during Vasaloppet’s Winter Week 2024

This article was first published on Vasaloppet´s homepage.

There is now a complete ban on fluorinated waxes in ski races sanctioned by the International Ski Federation and the Swedish Ski Federation. The rule applies to all 14 races during the Vasaloppet Winter Week 2024, both for elite skiers and recreational participants.
"We will conduct random checks at the start and finish and offer the opportunity to test skis before the races. Our goal is to help everyone ski without fluorine in the Vasaloppet Arena," says Tommy Höglund, Sport Manager at Vasaloppet.

The background to the ban is that fluorinated wax contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are harmful to both humans and the environment. The decision was made in 2019 and it applies from the 2023/2024 season and onwards.

"This is a step in the right direction, and we view the new rule positively. Vasaloppet's official ski wax service has been using fluorine-free products since 2019, and if you’re worried, our advice is to submit your skis to us for cleaning and waxing. That way, your skis are guaranteed to be fluorine-free," says Tommy Höglund.

The cleaning of skis and related equipment, such as brushes previously used with fluorine products, is crucial. Even if you choose ski wax without fluorine for the Vasaloppet Winter Week, there may be residues on the skis that can trigger a positive result during a check. With the testing equipment now available, it only takes a minute to find out if there is fluorine on the skis.

"If a test shows red at a start check, we inform the participant that they cannot start with those skis. They will have the opportunity to switch skis if they have another pair, and we will make a limited number of rental skis available," says Tommy Höglund.

Random checks will also be conducted after each race. If traces of fluorine are found after the competition, the jury may impose penalties, including disqualification.

During the Vasaloppet Winter Week, there will be an opportunity to test skis before the race in connection with the number bib distribution in both Mora and Sälen. The test is free, but capacity is limited.

"The purpose is to give participants the opportunity to check if they have succeeded in the cleaning process. If you're unsure, it's a good idea to complete the test, and if it turns red, you will have time to address the issue," says Tommy Höglund, continuing:
"When new rules are introduced, there are always questions and concerns. But we are confident that we will find good routines and that we can collectively work towards a fluorine-free skiing sport."

Elite skiers in Vasaloppet and Tjejvasan will follow the same testing process as other elite ski races, and athletes will be informed well in advance.

Fluorine ban – key facts

• The decision was made by the International Ski Federation in 2019 and applies from the 2023/2024 season.

• The background to the ban is that fluorinated ski wax contains harmful substances.

• The rule applies to all participants (elite skiers and recreational participants) in all 14 races during the Vasaloppet Winter Week 2024.

• Checks will be conducted both before the start and after the finish.

• Exceeding threshold values will lead to starting bans or penalties after the finish.

• Vasaloppet's official ski wax service has used fluorine-free products since 2019.

More from FIS on the fluorine ban here.

And how to clean skis for fluoros using Swix Pro Cleaner here.

Upcoming events in the Vasaloppet Arena:

Vasaloppet's Winter Week 2024 and the 100th Vasaloppet –skis
Friday 23 February: Vasaloppet 30, start Oxberg, 30 km
Saturday 24 February: Tjejvasan, start Oxberg, 30 km
Sunday 25 February: Öppet Spår Sunday, start Sälen, 90 km
Sunday 25 February: Ungdomsvasan, start Eldris, 9 km, start Hökberg, 19 km
Monday 26 February: Öppet Spår Monday 90, freestyle, start Sälen, 90 km
Monday 26 February: Öppet Spår Monday 45, freestyle, start Evertsberg, 43 km
Monday 26 February: Öppet Spår Monday 30, freestyle, start Oxberg, 28 km
Tuesday 27 February: Vasaloppet 45, start Oxberg, 45 km
Friday 1 March: Stafettvasan, ski relay, five sections, start Sälen, 90 km
Friday 1 March: Nattvasan 30, individually or two-person teams, freestyle, start Oxberg, 30 km
Friday 1 March: Nattvasan 45, individually or two-person teams, freestyle, start Oxberg, 45 km
Friday 1 March: Nattvasan 90, individually or two-person teams, freestyle, start Sälen, 90 km
Saturday 2 March: Vasaloppet 10, freestyle, start Eldris, 9 km
Sunday 3 March: 100th Vasaloppet, start Sälen, 90 km (FULLY BOOKED)