Plant-Based Wax for the Win!

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?