Whoa brosef, are you getting STOKED that this year’s ski season is officially getting started? Before you hit the slopes and start shredding that POW POW, you better be sure to pack the sunscreen because a ski sunburn is no joke. To be honest a ski sunburn can be downright painful. So watch my video or read on to learn how to prevent sunburns while skiing or snowboarding this winter.
Tips for Preventing Ski Sunburn
Now that you’ve seen TanDalf the White Wizard consume his wizard juice, you’re ready for the essential tips needed to prevent ski sunburn.
- Tip 1: Pack an SPF 30 or above, water and sweat resistant sunscreen. A sweat resistant sunscreen is essential when you are skiing or snowboarding. Despite how cold it may be outside, you are still sweating. A sweat resistant sunscreen is essential for lasting sun protection while you rack up the vertical feet. I recommend the Sun Bum SPF 30 Face Stick, which stays on for hours and helps protect against windburn as well.
- Tip 2: Apply sunscreen to any exposed areas at least 15 minutes before going outside. Even if you’re all about that first chair, don’t be in such a rush that you forget to apply sunscreen before heading out for the day. Make sure to apply to any areas that will be exposed throughout the day.
- Tip 3: Reapply every time you take a break indoors. You know old Tanny loves him a mountain brewksi. So any time I take a break, I make sure to re-apply before heading back out on the slopes. Tip 2 applies here as well, so apply at least 15 minutes before suiting back up for the mountain.
- Tip 4: Cover your face and neck with a face shield (aka balaclava). A balaclava is a great way to keep warm, and to protect your face and neck from sunburn and windburn.
Treating your Sunburn
Hopefully you’ve followed the tips above and have avoided a painful ski sunburn. If you haven’t, there are a few things you can do to treat your sunburn that will make a world of difference on the slopes. The most effective treatment is to stay off the slopes and frequently apply moisturizing lotion or aloe vera to the affected area. If you must ski, then there are a few things you can do to minimize the damage from additional exposure. Since you’re most likely to get a sunburn on your face (and more specifically, your nose), consider buying a balaclava that covers your face and nose. Not the coolest looking accessory, but sun safety is sun safety. Another way to better treat your ski sunburn is by using a petroleum-based sunscreen like the Sun Bum Face Stick I mentioned earlier. This type of sunscreen is effective against both sun damage and wind damage (which can exacerbate your sunburn).
Sincerely,