Ever wondered how your ski shell keeps you bone-dry in a blizzard? For decades, the technology behind water-proof materials has relied on PFAS (AKA Forever Chemicals), however, due to evolving regulations, it’s all about to change. Recently, France have just taken the step of banning PFAS in several products, including ski wax.

PFAS have historically been used across the industry for jackets, gloves and waxes, ensuring peak performance in gnarly conditions. But now, due to their impact on both people and planet, PFAS are getting banned - meaning brands, resorts, and retailers need to pivot. The good news? This shift is already underway.

The Slippery Slope of PFAS: Why We’re Ditching Them

PFAS have been a staple in outdoor gear for one simple reason: they work. Whether in DWR (durable water repellent) coatings or ski wax, these chemicals have set the standard for water resistance. Yet, they come with a serious downside: they don’t break down. Ever. Instead, whilst PFAS are great at repelling moisture, they’re terrible at disappearing. They linger in the environment, the water supply and even our bodies.

A 2023 study in Austria found that PFAS contamination in snow and soil at ski resorts, likely from wax shavings and runoff, can be linked to various health problems, such as liver damage and infertility. While humans have the benefit of water treatment and can attempt to aid health problems, the organisms that live in the mountains aren’t afforded this same luxury, causing adverse effects on the very ecosystems that winter sports depend on.

With mounting evidence, governments across the globe have had enough, with France and Denmark leading the charge, while major US retailers such as REI are pulling PFAS-containing products from their shelves entirely. The message does seem clear: PFAS are on the way out and brands that don’t adapt will be left in the dust (or slush, depending on the season).

Who’s Leading the PFAS-Free Charge?

Luckily, some of the biggest names in outdoor gear are already shredding the PFAS problem: Patagonia, the outdoor recreation giant that leads the retail industry in sustainable thinking, plans to eliminate all PFAS from water-repellent membranes by the end of 2025. Patagonia is followed suit by Arc`teryx, who recently launched their PFAS-free GORE-TEX jackets, proving top-tier performance doesn’t need toxic chemicals. Another brand making waves in this fashion is SnowShepherd, who, as well as being known for their unapologetically warm gloves, have developed a new fabric out of Lotus Flowers, making their products water-resistant and plastic free.

The challenge? Finding alternatives that actually perform. Waterproofing without PFAS isn’t impossible, but it’s still a work in progress. Some PFAS-free coatings break down faster, requiring reapplications. Others struggle to match the same level of water repellence. It is great that companies such as Arc’Teryx and Patagonia are working it out, but relying on a handful of companies isn’t going to solve the issue. It’s vital that businesses across the winter sports industry have access to the resources that make change possible, reducing the reliance on large companies and increasing the impact.

What Skiers & Riders Can Do

Skiers and riders themselves can make a significant impact by choosing gear that supports sustainability. As simple as it sounds, checking for PFAS-free labels when purchasing new equipment ensures that waterproofing technology aligns with the latest environmental standards. The key is understanding that retailer consciousness is just as important as selecting the right products, as some brands could be making claims that could be construed as greenwashing tactics rather than providing transparent data leading to change. Ultimately, making informed decisions at every stage from purchasing to disposal, allows skiers and riders to actively contribute to a more sustainable future for the industry.

Time to Carve a New Path

The winter sports industry is built on pristine landscapes, fresh powder and respect for nature. Yet, for years, we’ve been waterproofing our gear with chemicals that are poisoning the very mountains we love. That doesn’t add up.

With new regulations, smarter innovations and a growing consumer push for sustainability, PFAS-free gear is no longer a pipe dream. The industry is changing, brands, resorts and retailers must keep up or risk getting left behind like an out-of-shape skier on a powder day.

So, here’s the challenge: ditch the forever chemicals, embrace the future and prove that performance and sustainability can ride side by side. Because if the gear we wear on the slopes is harming the environment that makes skiing possible, what’s the point?