Slather On, Alta

Skin Care While Skiing – Slather on that SPF

We hope you’re having a crispy summer! Well, hopefully not too crispy. As we nurse our mid-summer burns with aloe and other cooling ointments, we often forget that SPF isn’t just for the beach. SPF is for the sun, and while ski season seems far off, protecting your skin matters year-round. In fact, it matters even more in January. And here’s why…

First, the sun reflects off the white snow like a mirror, sending UV rays back up to your face and exposed skin as you cruise down the runs. It’s close to double the exposure you’d get beachside; you notice it less because you’re (hopefully) covered with a helmet, goggles, and a ski suit. But don’t be fooled, the glare is real and strong.

It might seem like a no-brainer, but skiers are simply closer to the sun. The atmosphere is thinner at higher altitudes, so UV rays pack a bigger punch even on cold, overcast days. This makes sun protection even more critical slopeside, with the wombo combo of reflection and altitude creating a potentially potent sun-damage pairing.

Wind and cold also dry out your skin, making your rosy face even more vulnerable to sunburn. Windburn combined with sunburn is a painful duo; take it from us. Throw on a layer of sunscreen to help prevent both, keeping your skin healthy and happy for a full day of shredding the gnar come season’s opening!

So, the next time you wax your skis and pack your duffel for the Peruvian, remember to pack some sunscreen. Your skin will thank you!