Sunscreen at the snow?

Do I need sunscreen at the snow?

Yes! The ultraviolet (UV) radiation is significant greater than at sea level – this is because the atmosphere is thinner and absorbs less UV radiation from the sun. There is a 10-12% increase in UV radiation every 1000m increase in altitude. On top of that, snow is highly reflective. Snow can reflect up to 90% of UV radiation – almost doubling your exposure to UV. 

Mt Buller is 1600m = 16-19% more UV radiation than in Melbourne

Falls Creek 1780m = 17-21% more UV radiation than in Melbourne

But what happens if it is not sunny, do I still need sunscreen?

Yes! UV radiation can penetrate cloud and may even be more intense due to refection off the clouds.  

Ok so I need to wear sunscreen. How do I apply?

Its best to get into a routine. Regardless of the weather outside, apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out to the slopes. Don’t forget under your chin, nose and behind your ears due to the reflection. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 2 hours. So best to carry a small one in your jacket pocket and you can reapply on the chairlift or while eating a Koflers donut, or during your Cloud 9 coffee break

Which sunscreen is best?

A sunscreen that is 50+ and broad spectrum (covers UVA and UVB) is best. We like La Roche Posay Anthelios - its light weight and also comes in a small size, perfect for your jacket pocket)

But I didn’t get sunburnt, just windburnt!

 This is not a thing! Sure, the wind can dry out and irritate your skin. But if your face is red and stinging you are sunburnt. 

I have to work on my goggle tan though!

There is nothing healthy about a tan. A tan results from pigment being released from your skin cells when they are damaged from the sun. Damage to the DNA in those skin cells is what causes skin cancers. Not only that, tanning leads to premature ageing of the skin.