Fluorine Ban Takes Effect at Finlandia Skiing Event

Originally published in Yle on February 21, 2025

The testing officer is keeping a close eye on those arriving at the finish line in the competitive skiing series, and random spot tests are also possible.

Event director Markku Levanen recently inspected the waxing service at the race center. According to him, the fluorine ban is now in force at Finlandia-hiihdo. The ban on fluorine compounds is aimed at reducing their harmful effects on the environment and on health.

Following the decision by the International Ski Federation, the use of fluorine-containing waxes or other ski maintenance products with fluorine had already been prohibited during the 2023-2024 season. However, a transition period was observed and testing enforcement began in the 2024-2025 season.

This past weekend, in the areas of Lahti and Hollola, a tester sanctioned by both the International Ski Federation and the Finnish Ski Federation was on standby during the event. “After the race, the top finishers are tested, but random samples are also taken,” says event director Markku Levanen.

Cash prizes are to be awarded to the leading competitors, and the testing helps ensure equal conditions. Any violation of the ban detected during the tests results in disqualification.

Anton Liukkonen, the waxing service manager at the race center, notes that there are good fluorine-free alternatives available. "Fluorine can provide a slight advantage under certain conditions, but the development of fluorine-free products has reached a level where practically no differences remain. The key is to clean the skis properly," he explains.

Instructions for ski cleaning are available through a link on the Finlandia-hiihdo website ahead of the event.

In addition, the article details that Finlandia-hiihdo will see participation from over 3000 skiers on Saturday and Sunday. The race routes wind through the terrain of Lahti and Hollola, with the longest course measuring 62 kilometers. Despite early winter conditions, constructing the race trail was hard work – nearly 3000 cubic meters of snow had to be moved, with collected fresh snow from around the ice fields being spread along the route. Finlandia-hiihdon chairman Henri Rauhamäki stated that efforts are underway to increase participant numbers in the coming years, especially as the event is scheduled a couple of weeks earlier next year, which organizers expect will draw more attention away from other leisure activities during southern Finland’s ski holidays.