There's always one the has a red face or a goggle tan on a ski holiday, so it's no surprise that wearing sun cream during a ski holiday is just as important when you're lying on the beach. But why?
Ultraviolet rays are more powerful at altitude as the atmosphere is thinner and the snow reflects sunlight upwards also. You'll need to wear a protective sunscreen, even on overcast days as ultraviolet rays still penetrate the cloud cover.
Look for a high SPF suncream like 30 or 50 that also has a high UVA protection and bear in mind that the sun is much stronger at glacier altitude (around 3000m) than low valley slopes (maybe as low as 600m), and that the sun gets gradually stronger from Christmas onward. The wind and cold can also take its toll on your skin, so you can opt for a rich moisturising suncream to further protect your skin.
Putting it your bag or pocket does not mean you'll be protected by the sun. Put it on when you are getting ready before you have breakfast and do keep it in a pocket or backpack so you can top up throughout the day. By the time you head out onto the slopes, it will have all sunk into your skin and be at its most effective.
Because of the intensity of the sun at altitude - the glare is especially intense when reflected by the snow - good eye protection is also essential. Snow blindness is particularly dangerous and painful - sufferers run the risk of permanent eye damage depending on how extreme it is. Even in less severe cases, though, the sufferer will not be able to see properly for a number of extremely painful days before sight returns.
Always wear good-quality sunglasses or goggles to avoid damaging your eyes. The lenses should not only cut the glare but filter the strong UV rays as well. Most good skiing and snowboarding retailers stock a wide range of sunglasses and goggles.
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