FIS widens scope of fluor testing after successful first season

The 2024/25 season will be the second following the ban on fluorinated ski waxes, commonly known as “fluor”, implemented by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS). 

The 2023/24 campaign was hugely successful with fluor testing carried out across elite competition. FIS is in the process of rolling out testing to all races under its banner, with Operational Fluor Manager Augusto Gillio confident it can build on the work done last term. 

Ahead of the new season, we look into why the fluor ban came into effect, how tests are carried out, and what the immediate and long-term future holds. 

Fluor ban triggered by environmental and health concerns 

Gillio was a ski technician when fluorocarbon-based waxes were introduced to skiing in the late 1980s. “The big point is fluor is hydrophobic (water-repellent),” he recalls. “It was a product used on sailing boats to make them glide better, which was adapted to the needs of skiing.” 

Fluorocarbon waxes became a staple of Cross-Country and Alpine Skiing speed disciplines. Over the years, they evolved to purer forms of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), which were also used in food packaging, non-stick pans, and foam fire extinguishers. 

While their performance was unquestioned, harmful effects soon came to light. Their hydrophobic qualities - a big advantage in wet or humid conditions - meant they did not biodegrade, earning them the name “forever chemicals”. Evidence emerged that PFAs from melted snow run-off had contaminated water and food cycles. Later, a 2022 survey found over 80% of waterways in the United States contained PFAs. 

PFAs also fail to break down inside the human body and have been linked to a number of illnesses and conditions. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the compounds may increase cancer risk, decrease fertility, lower immune response, interfere with natural hormones, raise cholesterol levels, and bring about development delays in children. 

Ski technicians faced higher exposure than most as they would apply the substance using a hot iron, often in unventilated cabins, which led to inhalation of fluor fumes. While that practice has been phased out, with wax more recently applied by rolling machines, danger still remained. 

In 2019, FIS announced it would outlaw fluorinated ski waxes. Reliable testing of skis for fluor was still some time away, and it was not until March 2023 that a full ban was declared for the 2023/24 season, with the International Biathlon Union (IBU) doing the same. 

Just over a year later, the European Commission committed to “phasing out all PFAs, allowing their use only where they are proven to be irreplaceable and essential to society”. 

Testing skis for fluor 

The end of the “fluor era” has seen racers switch to hydrocarbon waxes commonly used by recreational skiers. However, they do not repel moisture or dirt as well as fluor, meaning skis using those waxes do not glide as smoothly. 

For this reason, fluor may have remained tempting for those seeking an unfair competitive advantage. That theory was examined last season with analyses carried out at top-tier events - FIS World Cup and FIS World Ski Championships - as well as FIS Junior World Ski Championships. 

There are different protocols across the disciplines, with Gillio saying, “Last season, we always had a pre-test in each event to help them clean the skis and all the products and tools used to prepare the skis. If something is contaminated, like the soft brushes, that could give you a positive test even if you have not used any fluorinated waxes.” 

Testing takes place in a dedicated Fluor Test Area – usually near the finish – and is conducted by the Fluor Equipment Controller. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy is used to detect fluor via one of a number of so-called Bruker Alpha II machines. Initially, an area near the front of the ski is tested as well as two spots behind the boot. 

Each diffusion signal reading is compared to a multivariate QUANT model comprising the IR spectra – that is, the measurement of how much matter interacts with infrared radiation – of previous samples of fluor-free waxes. This model evolves constantly to encompass the IR spectra of new approved products. If a reading of 1.0 absorbance units or less is given, the spot is negative (green) with three green spots resulting in a negative test. 

If a measurement of greater than 1.0 absorbance units is recorded, the spot is positive (red) with further spot analysis carried out. Three reds will result in the skier’s disqualification. 

Initial scepticism gives way to full cooperation 

A number of National Skiing Associations (NSAs) had expressed doubts about the new testing procedures, calling them unnecessary, inaccurate, and expensive. However, the very first event of the 2023/24 Alpine season went a long way to help change perceptions. 

Ragnhild Mowinckel was disqualified for fluor from the Sölden Giant Slalom after completing the first run in sixth place. Her ski supplier, Head, insisted that the same skis “with the exact same preparation” had yielded green results two days previously “but now it is dark red”.  

Subsequent tests carried out by Head and the Norwegian Ski Federation blamed a fluor-contaminated waxing tool used to prepare the skis. The wax itself was confirmed by FIS as not containing fluor. 

The now-retired double Olympic silver medallist was obviously not cheating, but FIS has clear guidelines on its website about the use of tools. Because fluor can be extremely difficult to remove, it is recommended that softer brushes and roto fleeces be replaced rather than cleaned. 

According to Gillio, this incident went a long way to convincing the sceptics that fluor testing was both necessary and reliable. “We consider that a human error,” he reflected. “All the technicians are professional, they try to work in the best way, but this was something they forgot. 

“Unfortunately, it happened to her and it’s never a pleasure to put a racer in this position. But on the other hand, it was a real help. It opened people’s eyes: ‘Oh, the fluor ban is here. We have to be careful.’ 

At March’s Engadin Skimarathon, 12 skiers were disqualified for fluor, including women’s race winner Maelle Veyre. Days later, FIS – that had organised and conducted the tests – reinstated Veyre and two other skiers. 

“That was a miscommunication between our fluor controller in place there and the jury,” revealed Gillio. ”When we realised that something was not correct, FIS contested the decision – in practical terms, filed a protest against itself – to clear the racer. 

As for the costs involved, Gillio insists that the initiative has represented value for money. He admits, “It was a big structure we had to build, but if we only had one guy going round with one machine then the chance of being tested be would very small. When FIS and IBU decided to go through this project, they had to invest. Of course, it’s money but it’s in the plan, and we follow our plan.” 

Expansion of fluor testing for “most important” second season 

The first season of fluor testing showed not only that the procedure works, but that fluor cheating is practically non-existent in elite racing. And with NSAs now fully on board, testing is being rolled out to lower levels of competition. 

“We had the first case in Sölden and, from then on, it was perfect,” Gillio said. “The perspective soon changed. At the beginning they felt they didn’t need it, they didn’t want it. Then they realised, ‘OK, that works.’ And then they ask us to be almost everywhere. 

“Every World Cup event will be covered, plus the Europa Cup. When we have the manpower, we will go to all FIS levels, so it’s big. Under the FIS umbrella, during the whole season, there are more than 7,000 races around the world. 

“We are working with professional people. Of course, everyone is there to have the best possible results but in the correct way. We will be more aware on lower levels and try to help more young athletes and coaches and educate them about this topic.” 

As with Mowinckel, disqualifications have largely resulted from human error rather than any attempt to gain an unfair advantage. “I would not call it cheating,” the Italian insists. “Sometimes the people have no idea. It might be something given to them or something they bought which was very costly so they still have it. They don’t want to put it in the trash and then they use it. It happens. 

“Our task is to give them the information. Last season, we had a pre-test in each event to help them clean the skis and all the products and tools used to prepare the skis. If something is contaminated, like a soft brush, that could give you a positive test even if you have not used any fluorinated waxes.” 

While he is delighted with how the project has progressed, Gillio is determined not to let complacency enter his thoughts: “The second season will be the most important because they know now what we are doing, and then they will probably try to sneak around it. So, we will be more present and, this season, one controller could cover more than one event a day if it is close by. 

A fluor-free future is the goal, and Gillio believes that there will soon be no need for such extensive testing. Instead, the outcome should be one of random controls – similar to those used to detect doping. 

“This project is time-limited because gradually, I hope, these products will go away and shops won’t sell them anymore,” he says. “As an ex-technician, I have some old stuff in my garage that I will never use again. But some that are still working might think, ‘I’ll keep some just in case they become a little less strict with the control and I can use it.’ So, I think we will still be here for an extra couple of years.”