Do you need sunscreen when skiing

Do You Need Sunscreen When Skiing?

Posted by Matt Gahman on Monday, June 24, 2024

Winter sports are incredible opportunities for fun, and skiing and snowboarding are two of the most popular cold-weather activities for people of all ages to enjoy. As an active skier or snowboarder, you've considered the right equipment to get the most out of these activities — skis, poles, helmets, jackets, goggles and other items. These products keep you warm and safe while doing the sport you love.

Still, many athletes at all experience levels forget something crucial when they hit the slopes — sunscreen. Even as you bundle up to ensure adequate protection against the snow, you need to protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays and wear sunscreen while skiing.

Can You Get Sunburn While Skiing?

There is a common misconception that because the weather is cold, the sun will be mild, and there is no need for ski sunscreen. In reality, it's the opposite.

UV radiation from the sun is responsible for sunburns. The amount that can penetrate the atmosphere determines how much protection we need. The earth’s atmosphere is thinner at higher altitudes, so more UV radiation can enter and burn your skin if unprotected. For roughly every thousand feet you climb above sea level, the UV rays can get up to 10% more powerful. Imagine your risk of sunburn if you are skiing at elevations around 10,000 feet.

There are also the reflective properties of the snow and ice to consider. These properties mean snow and ice reflect up to 80% of the UV rays. Even if you have a great hat to protect you from the midday sun, the snow will still burn you from underneath by reflecting UV rays into your face.

Is Sunscreen Needed While Skiing?

We associate wearing sunscreen with hot days and the beach. It’s strange to think of using it in the winter, but exposure on the mountain is just as risky as letting your skin burn at the beach. Damage from UV rays can cause:

Painful burns: A sunburn can ruin a skiing holiday, and it's no fun staying in your room while everybody goes out and has a great time without you.
Premature skin aging: Repeated sun exposure without adequate protection can cause your skin to lose elasticity and cause wrinkles.
Higher risk of skin cancer: UV exposure is a common cause of skin cancer because of its effect on our DNA.

Here are some top tips for protecting your skin on the mountain.

Use at least SPF 30: While you can absolutely choose a higher protection rating, the best ski sunscreen is a minimum of SPF 30.
Apply it before you get to the slopes: Chemical sunscreen takes about 30 minutes to give you complete protection, so applying it at home is best.
Reapply every two hours: It’s recommended to top up your protection every two hours for all-day safeguarding from the sun.

Shop Winter Gear at Buckman’s Ski and Snowboard Shops

Combine your choice of sunscreen with our top-of-the-line ski gear at Buckman’s to stay fully protected in any situation. Visit our ski and snowboard shops to take care of all your winter sports and protective gear needs. If you need assistance, our professionals can help you find the best sunscreen for skiing.

Categories: Ski & Snowboarding Tips | Winter Activities & Tips

Tagged: ski, snowboard