For decades, the "secret sauce" for speed and water-repellency in the ski world has been a group of chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). While they’ve helped us glide through sticky spring snow, the science is catching up, and it’s telling us it’s time for a change. At G3, our mission is to be your most trusted companion in the backcountry, and that trust starts with being honest about what we use to maintain our gear.
The Invisible Problem: Understanding PFAS
PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," are a family of man-made compounds that don't break down naturally in the environment. They are incredibly effective at repelling water and oils, which is why they became the gold standard for ski waxes and skin treatments. However, that same durability means they accumulate in our water, our soil, and even our bodies.
The risks aren't just environmental; they are personal. Recent research published in PubMed, titled "Respiratory Exposure to Highly Fluorinated Chemicals via Application of Ski Wax and Related Health Effects," has shed light on what happens in the wax room. When traditional fluorinated waxes are applied with an iron, typically at temperatures exceeding 120℃, the chemicals volatilize. This releases toxic fumes and aerosolized particulate matter directly into the breather’s zone.
The "Teflon Flu" and Your Lungs
If you’ve ever felt a bit "off" after a heavy waxing session, you aren't imagining it. Scientific literature has documented an acute condition called polymer-fume fever, or "Teflon flu," which manifests as fever, shivering, coughing, and chest tightness after inhaling these thermal degradation byproducts.
Even more concerning for those of us who spend every day in the mountains is the impact on lung function. Studies have shown a decrease in carbon monoxide diffusion capacity in the lungs after exposure, a hit to your respiratory efficiency that can last for 24 hours or longer. For a professional wax technician, the airborne concentrations of these toxins can actually be higher than those found in fluorochemical industrial plants.
A Global Shift in the Skin Track
This isn't just a niche concern; the entire industry is pivoting. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) officially banned the use of fluorinated waxes in 2023, and they are strictly prohibited from the 2026 Winter Olympics. Even here at home, the Canadian government is moving forward with plans to phase out PFAS across a range of industries, including ski waxes, to protect the general population and our wild spaces.
The G3 Way: Performance Without the Compromise
At G3, we believe that "Simplicity with Purpose" means finding solutions that work for the rider and the planet. You shouldn't have to choose between a skin that glides and a pair of lungs that work at full capacity.
That’s why we’ve gone all-in on our Plant-Based Climbing Skin Wax. Here’s the breakdown of why we’re stoked on it:
-
100% Plant-Based & Biodegradable: It’s made entirely from plants, contains 0% petroleum, and is fully biodegradable.
-
PFC-Free Waterproofing: Our skins now feature a PFC-free waterproofing treatment that exceeds environmental standards while keeping your skins from glopping up in variable snow.
-
No Iron Required: Our wax is a rub-on application. By ditching the high-heat iron, you eliminate the risk of inhaling volatilized chemicals altogether.
-
Reliability in the Cold: We’ve engineered our plant-based formulas to perform down to -30℃, ensuring your skins stay dry and your glide stays smooth even in deep Canadian winters.
Rub on wax for application in the field in warm and variable snow conditions to repel water and prevent icing/clumping. Made entirely out of plants...
Plant-Based Skin Wax Kit
Trust is the Ultimate Performance Metric
We’re a community of skiers and splitboarders who live for the "stoke," but we also take the terrain, and our health, seriously. Choosing a plant-based alternative isn't about being scared of the science; it’s about being smart enough to use the better tools we have available today.
When you use G3's plant-based wax, you’re ensuring that the only thing you leave behind in the snowpack is a clean track for the next person to follow. We’re proud to be part of this shift, and we’re stoked to have you along for the ride.
See you on the skin track!
