How your skis are tested for fluoro wax during Vasaloppet's Winter Week 2025

”Both we and the participants are working together towards fluoro-free skiing, and things are looking good. Last year, the measures we introduced worked very well, and out of over 55,000 skiers — with over 1,600 tested — only nine recreational skiers tested positive for fluorine, and no elite skiers. This year, we will once again carry out random checks to help everyone ski fluoro-free in the Vasaloppet Arena,” says Tommy Höglund, Vasaloppet’s Sport Lead.

The decision to ban fluorinated ski wax was made in 2019 but came into effect with the 2023/2024 season. Vasaloppet’s Winter Week 2025 will therefore mark the second year of this ban.

”Last year brought many questions and concerns about the new rule, but it seems we successfully communicated the information. Even though many participants are returning this winter, we also have plenty of first-time participants. For those who have previously used fluorinated wax, it is now important to thoroughly clean your skis,” adds Tommy Höglund.

Fluorine residues may remain on skis and trigger a positive result during testing. The testing equipment provides results within minutes, indicating whether fluorine is present on the skis.

”Vasaloppet’s official ski wax service has used fluoro-free products since 2019. If you are concerned, my best advice is to hand in your skis for cleaning and waxing. Then you’ll definitely have fluoro-free skis,” says Tommy Höglund.

If a test shows a positive result (red) during a pre-start check, the participant will be informed that they are not allowed to start with those skis. Participants may switch to another pair of skis or borrow from a limited number of loan skis available. If fluorine traces are detected during post-finish testing, the jury may impose penalties such as disqualification or being ”ranked as last,” meaning the participant will still be recorded as completing the race but will be listed last in the results.

Elite skiers in Vasaloppet and Tjejvasan will follow the same testing system used in other elite ski races.

Note: During Vasaloppet’s Winter Week 2024, all participants had the option to voluntarily test their skis in Mora or Sälen. No such voluntary testing will be offered during the Winter Week 2025.

Book ski cleaning and waxing with Vasaloppet’s official ski wax service >