Snow Days Are Sun Days: 80% UV Reflection and the Altitude Effect
Cold weather doesn't switch off the sun; snow doubles the UV hitting your skin and altitude turns it up further.
Snow and ice reflect up to 80% of UV rays, hitting skin twice, and UV exposure rises about 4-5% with every 1,000 feet of elevation, so skiers face intensified winter sun.
The Skin Cancer Foundation warns that winter sports enthusiasts face elevated UV from reflective snow and thinner high-altitude atmosphere, making year-round sun protection essential.
Questions we get a lot
Does snow really increase UV exposure?
Yes. Snow and ice reflect up to 80% of UV rays, so your skin is effectively hit twice, once by direct sunlight and again by the reflection. This is why skiers and snowboarders often burn on the face and under the chin. The Skin Cancer Foundation treats winter snow days as genuine sun days.
Why is the sun stronger at high altitude?
UV exposure rises about 4-5% with every 1,000 feet of elevation because the thinner atmosphere filters out less UV. Combined with snow reflection, this makes mountain sun especially intense. The Skin Cancer Foundation advises winter sports enthusiasts to use broad-spectrum sunscreen and UV-blocking eyewear.
r/skiing: 'Got a gnarly goggle tan and burned face skiing in December, do I really need sunscreen in winter?'