TL;DR (too long; didn’t read)
• You can still risk sunburn in the winter, and ski slopes are particularly risky — even on cloudy days.
• Higher elevations mean stronger, harsher rays, and snow can reflect up to 95% of UV rays.
• Protective clothing, UV-blocking goggles, and sunscreen are important tools against UV exposure.
• A broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen (most Blue Lizard sunscreens are SPF 50) can help prevent painful sunburns and skin damage.
As you get ready for a day of skiing or snowboarding, you probably have at least a mental list of essentials to bring along — thermals, glove liners, goggles, skis.
Did sunscreen make it onto your list?
Even if you’re taking a day on the slopes, UV doesn’t take a day off. In fact, it can be even more intense when you’re skiing or snowboarding, thanks to high altitudes and sunlight bouncing off the snow.
But a painful sunburn doesn’t have to spoil your ski trip. We’ll break down why the sun is so rough on skiers and what you can do to protect your skin.
Why Are Ski Slopes Tough on Skin?
One culprit behind ski slope sunburns is related to elevation. The higher you go, the thinner the atmosphere – meaning UV rays have less atmosphere to filter through. That means they hit your skin with extra sunburning strength.
Another factor is snow’s mirror-like surface. Depending on the type of snow (look out for fresh snow), it can reflect up to 95% of UV rays. That means even when it’s freezing, your face is still at risk for sunburn, premature aging, and long-term skin damage.
When you’re squinting from the glare of the snow, it isn’t just your eyes that are hurting.
Essentials for Ski Skin Care
Keep your skin covered and protected for a fearless day in the sun.
Protective clothing
Be sure to cover as much skin as possible — wear a hat, check your wrists and neck for accidental exposure, and consider a balaclava for extra coverage.
UV-blocking goggles
Keep that dangerous glare away from your sensitive eyes. Choose goggles that block UV rays to protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them.
Sunscreen
Don’t depend on your sun-blocking gear to protect your skin entirely — use a broad-spectrum, high-SPF sunscreen every time you hit the slopes.
Blue Lizard Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion provides broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection, and it goes on smooth and dries clear. And it’s infused with a blend of Australian Desert Lime and Peach, which are great for moisturizing skin before you face the dry, cold air and wind outside. (Don’t forget your lips need protection, too — Blue Lizard Mineral Lip Balm is a good, nourishing choice.)
More sunscreen
Touch-ups are crucial for protecting your skin for a long day on the slopes. Keep a solid stick sunscreen in your pocket for easy application.
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick offers our trusted broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection in handy stick form, easy to carry in your pocket for frequent re-application between ski runs.
Protect Your Skin Before You Hit the Ski Lift
• Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before heading out — even on cloudy days.
• Reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours. Reapply at least every 80 minutes if you’ll be sweating or swimming, or immediately after towel drying or wiping your face — bring your Sunscreen Stick along for easy application (even around your ski mask).
• Don’t forget the spots your ski mask doesn’t cover, like your nose, cheeks, chin, ears, and under your goggles.
• Protect your lips with an SPF lip balm.
• Cover up with long sleeves, a hat, and UV-blocking goggles.
Wrapping It Up
You don’t have to be basking at the beach to experience UV rays — a winter day on the slopes can be just as risky. But that’s no reason to cancel your ski trip.
Before you leave the lodge, smooth on your sunscreen lotion and put your sunscreen stick in the pocket of your parka. Fearless on the slopes? That’s up to you and your ski instructor. But Blue Lizard can help you feel fearless in the winter sun.
