Impact of a fluorinated ski wax ban on PFAS contamination in winter sports environments

Regulatory restrictions on fluorinated ski waxes have recently been introduced in professional winter sports to mitigate environmental contamination by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). However, field evidence demonstrating their environmental effectiveness remains limited. This study presents a before-after field investigation evaluating changes in pollution following the International Biathlon Union's ban on fluorinated ski waxes, implemented for the 2023/2024 season. PFAS occurrence, distribution, and temporal trends were assessed in multiple environmental matrices (snowmelt, surface water, and soil) at an international skiing and biathlon venue in Nove Mesto na Morave (Czech Republic). Sampling was conducted before the ban (2022/2023 Biathlon World Cup) and after its implementation (2023/2024 Biathlon World Championships). Targeted analysis of 42 PFAS by UHPLC-MS/MS revealed matrix-specific contamination patterns. Snowmelt and soils were dominated by long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (C8-C18 PFCAs), with maximum ∑PFCA concentrations of 1187 ng/L and 160 ng/g dry weight, respectively, whereas surface waters contained higher proportions of short-chain PFCAs (C4-C7), with concentrations reaching up to 42 ng/L. Following the implementation of the ban, median ΣPFAS concentrations in snowmelt decreased by approximately 90%, with significant differences among sampling campaigns. These findings provide field-scale evidence supporting reduced PFAS inputs associated with ski waxing activities following the ban. In contrast, PFAS concentrations in surface waters remained elevated, suggesting continued mobilization of legacy contamination from historically impacted soils. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of regulatory restrictions on fluorinated ski waxes while highlighting the persistence and delayed release of legacy PFAS in winter sports environments.