Vinyl in Winter Sports
Winter sports place extreme demands on materials. Low temperatures, mechanical stress, moisture, UV exposure and strict safety requirements all come together in alpine and Nordic environments.
Solutions based on polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl) are already widely used across winter sports and major outdoor events – from infrastructure and safety equipment to visual installations and logistics. Their durability, versatility and recyclability make them well suited for both permanent and temporary applications in cold climates.
Why Vinyl Performs in Winter Environments
Cold climates put materials under constant stress. Low temperatures, moisture, UV exposure and mechanical wear demand solutions that perform reliably throughout the season.
PVC (vinyl) is well suited to winter sports environments because it can be engineered for:
- flexibility and impact resistance at low temperatures
- durability under repeated use and handling
- resistance to moisture, snow and cleaning agents
- consistent performance in outdoor conditions
These properties make vinyl a practical choice for both permanent infrastructure and temporary installations used in winter sports.
Applications in Winter Sports
These performance characteristics translate into a wide range of practical applications across winter sports and outdoor events, from infrastructure and safety systems to visual installations and equipment.
Structures and Temporary Buildings
PVC is used in skating rinks, covered ice structures, tents and tensile buildings, both in temporary and more permanent installations. Its weather resistance and mechanical strength support reliable performance in cold and wet conditions. In many cases, PVC components can be dismantled and reused elsewhere, or recycled through established collection and recycling schemes.
Ski Lifts and Cable Car Systems
While structural elements are typically metal, PVC is used in supporting applications such as cable insulation, protective conduits and seat components. Its resistance to moisture, cold and wear supports reliable operation and passenger comfort.
Construction and Infrastructure Products
PVC supports winter sports facilities through pipes, windows, cables, flooring, and interior surfaces. These products are designed for long service life and consistent performance in cold and high-use environments.
Safety Barriers and Protection
Impact-absorbing vinyl solutions are widely used for safety barriers, padding and protective mats on ski slopes, in ice hockey and skating rinks and at other winter sports facilities. The material remains flexible at low temperatures and supports safety-critical performance in high-speed environments.
Banners, Signage and Wayfinding
PVC-based materials are widely used for banners, signage and wayfinding. They offer excellent print quality and visibility, while resisting moisture, UV exposure and low temperatures throughout the event.
Lessons Learned from Major Sporting Events
Experience from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games showed that sustainability outcomes in large sporting events depend on early planning and cooperation across the value chain.
Key lessons included the importance of:
- early dialogue between organisers, suppliers and recyclers
- clear responsibility for collection after use
- practical take-back schemes for temporary PVC applications
Building on these lessons, VinylPlus has supported initiatives such as She Runs, which promote responsible use, collection, reuse, and recycling of PVC materials used in sporting events. These experiences continue to support practical approaches to material management in sports events.