Novice skiers may think that sunscreen is only for the beach, not for ski slopes. The “raccoon-look” created by ski googles may broadcast to folks back home that you just went on a ski trip, but it’s not very healthy for your skin. Particularly in high-altitude environments, facial sunscreen is essential.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation increases 4-5 percent with every 1,000 feet of elevation. In other words, the UV radiation at a Colorado ski resort at 10,000 feet may be 45 percent more intense than at sea level. The snow can also reflect up to 80 percent of the UV light, so skiers can receive almost a double dose.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 even on cloudy days when a surprising amount of the sun’s rays can penetrate the clouds. A lip balm with an SPF of at least 15 is also a good idea. The cold and wind can dry the skin, so moisturizing lotions are also smart to pack for a ski trip.
For eye protection, sunglasses or goggles are obviously important. Fortunately, even fairly inexpensive pairs of sunglasses or goggles offer UV protection. For more on ski goggle tints and protection, see this “Ski Goggle Science” series.
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