With the Winter Olympics kicking off next week and ski season well underway, it’s an exciting time to be a winter sports fan. However, studies have highlighted how winter sports, such as skiing, as well as some sports equipment, may be exposing us and the environment to harmful chemicals.

For example, some ski waxes contain per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as the ‘forever chemicals’. PFAS are a large family of over 10,000 highly persistent chemicals and take generations to break down in the environment. Exposure to some PFAS has been linked with adverse health impacts, including certain cancers, reduced fertility, and the disruption of the immune system.

Skis treated with PFAS-containing wax have been linked to PFAS contamination on ski slopes in Switzerland. Research conducted by the organisation Empa detected elevated levels of PFAS in snow samples collected after the 2025 Engadin Ski Marathon in Switzerland. Fortunately, PFAS-free alternatives are already available for ski wax.

Outdoor clothing is essential for taking part in winter sports, however studies have also found that these can contain chemicals of concern, such as PFAS, which have water repellent properties. For example, a test from the Danish Consumer Council THINK Chemicals from 2022 revealed the presence of both bisphenols and PFAS in some children’s snowsuits. In a 2025 study also published by the Danish Consumer Council THINK Chemicals, 14 out of 26 jackets tested contained PFAS. Waterproofing spray for shoes may also contain PFAS.

However, these studies showed that safer alternatives are available, as many of the products tested did not contain PFAS. To avoid purchasing jackets, sprays, and snowsuits with PFAS, consumers can choose products that are labelled as ‘PFAS-free’ or ‘PFC-free’.

Harmful chemicals are not just an issue for snow sports. In 2022, the US-based Centre for Environmental Health (CEH) found BPA in sports bras and athletic shirts. In eight brands of sports bras and six brands of athletic shirts, they found products with levels of BPA 22 times above the limit set by California law. Read our news story on the study.

Some countries are already taking action on harmful chemicals in outdoor wear and sports products. For example, France has introduced a PFAS ban that includes cosmetics, clothing, ski wax, and other consumer products, which came into effect on 1 January 2026.

CHEM Trust supports ongoing efforts to ensure the most hazardous chemicals are not used in consumer products and supports the EU universal PFAS restriction.

For more information on the link between harmful chemicals and winter sports, check our sister organisation, CHEM Trust Europe’s, webpage.

For more advice on how to reduce your risk of exposure to harmful chemicals, including in clothing, check out our webpage.

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