Stay Safe on the Slopes: The Importance of Sun Protection While Skiing
When hitting the slopes, it's easy to get caught up in the thrill of skiing down powdery trails and basking in the stunning winter landscapes. However, amidst the excitement, one crucial aspect often gets overlooked: sun protection. Here’s why safeguarding your skin and eyes from the sun’s harmful rays is just as important as perfecting your skiing technique.
Double the UV Exposure: The Reflective Power of Snow
Fresh white snow is more than just a beautiful backdrop for your skiing adventures; it’s also a reflector of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Snow can reflect over 80% of the UV rays from the sun, compared to 20% for sand and 10% for water, effectively doubling your UV exposure. This heightened exposure can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage if proper precautions aren't taken. To protect yourself, always wear sunscreen on any exposed skin, and don’t forget your ski goggles to shield your eyes from intense UV reflection.
The Altitude Factor: Closer to the Sun
High altitudes means the atmosphere is thinner and less effective at filtering out UV rays. In Europe, UVB intensity increases by 15–20% for every 1,000 metres above sea level, reaching around 50% at 3,000 metres. To put this into perspective, for every 300 metres increase in altitude, the sun-burning effectiveness of sunlight rises by about 5%. Thus, at higher elevations, your risk of sunburn and other UV-related skin damage significantly escalates. For reference, the Kreistenalm sits at 1,270m above sea level, and the top of the Buchaubahn gondola (Gernkogel Peak) at 1,783m.
Snow Blindness
Snow blindness, or photokeratitis, is a painful condition caused by the sun's reflection off snow and ice. It’s essentially a sunburn of the eyes and can lead to temporary vision loss. To prevent this, wearing ski goggles with UV protection is crucial. These goggles not only protect your eyes from harmful rays but also shield them from snow, wind, debris, and bad weather conditions, too.
Choosing the Right Eye Protection
Not all sunglasses or goggles are created equal when it comes to UV protection. Ensure your lenses offer category 3 or 4 protection and contain the CE marking, which guarantees a minimum level of quality and safety.
Practical Tips for Sun Safety on the Slopes
Apply Suncream: Use a broad-spectrum suncream with at least SPF 30 ideally 20 minutes before exposure, and reapply it every two hours, or more frequently if you sweat heavily or wipe your face.
Wear Protective Gear: Invest in high-quality ski goggles with UV protection to shield your face and eyes.
Dress Appropriately: Wear UV-protective clothing, including neck gaiters/buffs that cover exposed skin.
Stay Hydrated: Keep your skin hydrated to maintain its natural barrier against the sun.
Check the Weather: UV levels can vary based on the weather, so stay informed and adjust your protection accordingly.
By taking sun protection seriously, you can ensure that your skiing adventure is not only exhilarating but also safe for your skin and eyes. So, lather on that sunscreen, strap on your UV-protective goggles, and hit the slopes with confidence, knowing you’re well-protected against the sun’s powerful rays.
SOURCES: GOVERNMENT OF CANADA, cancer-code-europe.iarc.fr, NIVEA, Ultrasun.co.uk, https://www.savoie-mont-blanc.com/en/winter-mountains/sun-protection-on-the-slopes/