Ski Season - Taking precautions when out on the slopes.

Nevis, Glencoe and Gleenshee are just a few of the Scottish ski resorts where skiers from Scotland and all over the world flock to in the winter months to enjoy the ski season. UV levels increase about 4% for every 1,000 foot gain in altitude, that’s why it’s important to keep informed of the dangers that skiers face from the sun and its harmful UV rays. 

With the winter drawing in its not likely that most of us will have to worry about the UV levels until next April, especially in Scotland. However, if you’re planning on heading to the hills for a bit of sking or perhaps abroad then you might want to read up on how you can avoid the sunburn when you’re on the slopes. 

At a high altitude you are closer to the sun and the snow on the ground reflects the sun which means you’ll have to take precautions to ensure you’ve protected yourself against the suns harmful rays. 

So what can be done? 

Sunscreen
This is the simplest and easiest solution to keeping the sun from damaging your skin when out and about. Slap the sunscreen on your face and make sure you spread it equally around your face covering any of your skin which will be exposed to the sun. 
You should go for a sweat proof sunscreen with at least an SPF factor of 30 although we’d advise that the higher the SPF Factor the better.  Keep it reapplied every couple of hours to combat the sweating!
Wearing a balaclava with goggles is also a great option for keeping your skin protected without slapping on the sunscreen. 

Ski Goggles
The first defence for your eyes when you hit the slopes is a good pair of UV protecting goggles. Once you’ve slapped on the sunscreen you can double up on your defences by popping on some ski goggles.  Invest in a good pair of ski goggles which protect against the full spectrum of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Most goggles out there are 100% UV protected, so make sure you read the label to ensure your goggles are fully UV protected in order to make sure that your safe when on the slopes. 
Full UV protection is great but even better is that of goggles with full UV protection and mirrored lenses. Mirrored lenses act like a two way mirror, they allow you to look out but prevent anyone from seeing your eyes. Mirror lenses reflect light away from your eyes and therefore less light penetrates the goggle lens. Polarized ski goggles also reduced glare from sun or snow. 

Cover Up
Covering up is the best way to combat the sun’s harmful rays. If you’re out on the slopes it’s probably inevitable that you’ll be wrapped up warm anyway and that’s the best way to stay safe in the sun.  So keep the layers on and you’ll be safe on the slopes. 

Lip Balm
Lip balm formulated with sunscreen will keep your lips moisturized when you hit the slopes and the SPF factor will ensure they’re protected from the sun’s harmful rays. 

A little bit more advice:
- Keep hydrated and slurp down the water on a regular basis. 
- Take a break from the sun every few hours. Get inside and seek some shelter on occasion.
- Ski early and late: The UV rays are at their highest between 10am and 4pm so try avoid hitting the slopes around these times. 
- Carry a travel sized sunscreen in your pocket to apply wherever you are.