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Explore
Main Menu
  • Explore Palisades Tahoe
  • Base to Base Gondola
  • Our New Name
  • Explore Legendary Lifts
  • Palisades Tahoe Blog
  • About Lake Tahoe
  • About Us
Plan Your Visit
Main Menu
  • Tickets & Passes
  • Lodging
  • Lessons & Guides
  • Deals & Packages
  • Rentals & Demos
  • Travel Here
  • Getting Around
Mountain Information
Main Menu
  • Snow and Weather
  • Lift and Grooming Status
  • Webcams
  • Hours of Operation
  • Trail Maps
  • Parking & Road Conditions
  • Snowfall Tracker
Events & Activities
Main Menu
  • Events Calendar
  • Activities
  • Dining & Apres
  • Shopping
  • Things To Do In Lake Tahoe
  • Groups, Meetings & Weddings
  • Ski & Snowboard Teams
IKON PASS HOLDER LODGING DISCOUNT

Ikon Pass holders save up to 20% on slopeside lodging at The Village at Palisades Tahoe.

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  • Environment

Plant-Based Wax for the Win!

  • Apr 8, 2023
  • 11:42 am

Photo above: River Radamus from the US Ski team racing at The Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup

Sometimes, it’s the little things that can make a big difference. Traditional ski wax can be problematic for the environment, but the wax used in Palisades Tahoe’s ski shops is made from plants.

While skiing and snowboarding are enjoyable winter activities, the run-of-the-mill wax used for skis and snowboards can contain harmful chemical compounds that leach into the soil and groundwater. Paraffin, a byproduct of petroleum, is commonly found in ski wax and is known to release dangerous levels of carbon emissions. This type of wax has been found on beaches worldwide, polluting marine ecosystems and even the digestive systems of marine wildlife.

In addition to paraffin, ski wax often contains perfluorocarbons (PFCs), which are hydrophobic and allow for a smooth glide on the snow. However, PFCs have been found to be detrimental to the environment and human health, leading to a ban on their use in ski racing. These harmful chemicals have been found in drinking water and in the bodies of both wildlife and humans.

For those who want to enjoy skiing and snowboarding while also protecting the environment, there are now biodegradable waxes available that are PFC and paraffin-free. These waxes are made from natural materials like plants, reducing the risk of harm to both the environment and human health. By choosing environmentally friendly ski wax, you can help protect the mountains and the planet while enjoying your favorite winter activities.

Here, we use WEND Wax, a sponsor of the US Ski Team, a plant-based, all-natural wax made from Meadowfoam®, a flower that typically grows in California and Oregon. Meadowfoam® seeds contain an oil that has unique chemical properties making it one of the most stable vegetable oils known. “WEND recently re-engineered a family of its snow race waxes to eliminate all fluorocarbon components thereby substantially increasing the overall eco-friendliness of the WEND Snow Wax line of products. The Non-Petroleum line of WEND performance waxes are 100% plant-derived, made from sustainable sources, all-natural, biodegradable and non-toxic.” – WEND. Way to go, WEND!

A ski or snowboard tune maximizes performance and equipment lifespan and is an important step in skiing or snowboarding well. Your gear can be tuned or repaired at either base area. At this time, tuning & repairs are not available to be pre-purchased or scheduled and are only available for walk-up requests.

Where can I get my skis or board waxed at Palisades?

Check out our Rental Shop in The Village at Palisades Tahoe. It is in between the Ticket Office and Parallel Mountain Sports. Open 8am-5pm Sat, Sun, and Holidays as well as 8:30am-5pm Mon-Fri (hours may change in the springtime).

Where can I get my skis or board waxed at Alpine?

Head to the Rental Shop at the base of the Alpine Lodge. It is located around the corner towards the main stairway from the Ticket Windows. Open 8am-5pm Sat, Sun, and Holidays as well as 8:30am-5pm Mon-Fri. (hours may change in the springtime).

What are some tuning and repair options offered at the Rental Shops?

SERVICESRATE
World Cup Tune
Machine sharpened edges, ceramic finish, hand polished edges, stone grind, all natural Meadowfoam race wax
$85
Pro Tune Gold
Machine sharpened edges, ceramic finish, stone grind, all natural Meadowfoam race wax
$70
Pro Tune Silver
Machine sharpened edges, ceramic finish, stone grind, hand iron wax
$60
Pro Tune Bronze$50
Race Wax
All natural Meadowfoam race wax
$3
Quick Edge$30
Quick Edge Plus$48
Quick Edge & Race Wax$58
Race Wax Upgrade
Any of the above tunes all natural Meadowfoam race wax
$20
Clean/Condition/Storage Wax$30
Iron Wax$30
Belt Wax$10
Miscellaneous Repair$10
Binding Adjustment Test$35
Mount/Remount Test$30
Edge Replacement$65
Thread Inserts
Binding test required
$6 each
Overnight Storage
Includes complimentary belt wax
$20
environment
Maddy Condon
Maddy Condon

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