Utah, known for its unique climate, is home to 5 national parks and 15 ski resorts, boasting some of the best skiing in the world. Every year, almost 7 million skiers come to Utah’s resorts, with Park City being the most popular. It’s no coincidence that unfortunately Park City currently is struggling with PFAS in their drinking water. The city itself has identified fluoro ski wax as the problem.
Fluorocarbon wax creates a barrier that repels moisture and dirt, allowing skies to go over terrain smoother and faster. However, this wax is made up of PFAS, which are destructive forever chemicals. The bottom of skies are potentially the most problematic place for PFAS to be as it’s easier for them to wear off into the snow and surrounding environment, which contaminates water sources. The industry has made massive steps towards protecting the environment however, with The International Ski Organization banning fluoro wax from competitions, and independent resorts taking steps to ban the wax from their slopes. Fortunately, the production of PFAS free ski wax is on the rise.
Fluoro wax is internationally recognized as a threat to the environment, but what is less recognized is the PFAS coating that is on ski shell jackets. Similar to fluoro wax, the water resistant coatings on ski jackets are made up of PFAS, and can wear off into the environment over extended use. Abrasion to the jacket causes PFAS to wear off into the climate. Not only do PFAS contaminate water sources for wildlife and for mankind but they are also greenhouse gasses, and their production contributes significantly to global warming.
PFAS aren’t the only problem Utah is facing right now, Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ poses a risk to 18 million acres of previously protected land. A good amount of that land is where ski resorts are based. Ski resorts don’t own the land they operate on; they own the lifts and lease out the land from the government or other parties. That land is at risk as Utah’s senators race to protect it and remove the public land provisions. The bill will also generally weaken environmental protection state-wide, and negative environmental effects are sure to come to pass.
