The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina is breaking barriers for more than just high scores and fast times. For the first time in Olympic history, competitors in skiing and snowboarding are racing without ski waxes made with PFAS, the infamous “forever chemicals” long prized for the extraordinary speed they gave to skis and boards.

For decades, elite winter sport athletes (and non-competitive ski/snowboard enthusiasts as well) relied on fluorinated waxes that repelled water, reduced friction, and helped them glide faster, especially in wet snow. Some long-time racers even called the advantage “ridiculous.” But PFAS don’t just stick to snow-track performance. These persistent chemicals are linked to health risks and environmental contamination because they don’t easily break down and can travel from snow into soil and water.

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation banned fluoros in 2023, and the 2026 Games are the first high-profile stage to enforce the rule. The shift isn’t easy for athletes or the technicians who take care of the equipment. PFAS-free alternatives don’t yet deliver the same consistent glide, so racers are placing even greater emphasis on conditioning, technique, and equipment prep.

Still, this change reflects a broader commitment to cleaner competition and cleaner ecosystems. I predict technology and innovation will somehow propel the sport forward and we'll see a greener alternative to get people back to gliding soon enough.