Park City Peaks: Is Mountain Air Hiding Sunburn?
By Franklin Everett ShawThe sting of sunburn is a familiar souvenir for many skiers and snowboarders, but few realize just how easily it happens, especially in a place like Park City, Utah. It’s not just about forgetting sunscreen; the unique environment of this mountain town conspires to amplify the sun’s harmful rays, turning a fun day on the slopes into a painful lesson in UV radiation. Understanding why this happens and how to combat it is crucial for anyone planning a winter getaway to Park City.
Park City sits at a high altitude, around 7,000 feet above sea level. This elevation significantly reduces the amount of atmosphere that sunlight has to travel through to reach your skin. The thinner atmosphere filters less UV radiation, meaning you’re exposed to a higher concentration of harmful rays compared to sea level.
For every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, UV radiation increases by approximately 4-5%. This means that in Park City, you’re already facing roughly 28-35% more UV radiation than you would be at sea level. That’s a significant jump, and it’s the first piece of the sunburn puzzle.
But the altitude is only part of the problem. Snow is an incredibly reflective surface. Fresh snow can reflect up to 80% of UV radiation. This means that sunlight doesn’t just hit you from above; it bounces back up from the snow, hitting you from below as well.
This reflected radiation effectively doubles your exposure, creating a “UV sandwich” effect. Even on a cloudy day, UV radiation can penetrate the clouds and reflect off the snow, leading to sunburn. Many people mistakenly believe that clouds offer sufficient protection, but this is a dangerous assumption in a high-altitude, snowy environment like Park City.
So, how do you protect yourself from this amplified UV assault? The answer lies in a multi-pronged approach: sunscreen, protective clothing, and smart timing.
First, let’s talk sunscreen. Not all sunscreens are created equal. You need a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) indicates how well the sunscreen protects against UVB rays, which are the primary cause of sunburn.
However, SPF is not a linear scale. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%. The difference may seem small, but it can be significant, especially when you’re exposed to intense UV radiation for extended periods.
Look for sunscreens specifically formulated for sports or outdoor activities. These are often water-resistant and sweat-resistant, meaning they’ll stay on your skin longer, even when you’re active. Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are excellent choices, as they provide broad-spectrum protection and are generally considered safer for the environment.
Applying sunscreen correctly is just as important as choosing the right product. You need to apply a generous amount, about one ounce (a shot glass full) for your entire body. Don’t skimp! Pay particular attention to exposed areas like your face, ears, neck, and hands.
Reapplication is key. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, or more frequently if you’re sweating heavily or swimming. Set a timer on your phone to remind you to reapply. Don’t wait until you feel the burn; by then, the damage is already done.
Many skiers and snowboarders make the mistake of only applying sunscreen in the morning. This is a recipe for disaster. The sun is often strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so consistent reapplication throughout the day is crucial.
Beyond sunscreen, protective clothing is your next line of defense. Long sleeves, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat can significantly reduce your exposure to UV radiation. Look for clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating. UPF indicates how much UV radiation the fabric blocks.
A UPF of 50 means that the fabric blocks 98% of UV radiation. Even regular clothing offers some protection, but darker colors and tightly woven fabrics generally provide better protection than lighter colors and loosely woven fabrics.
Don’t forget your eyes! Sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes from UV radiation. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound styles offer the best protection, as they prevent sunlight from entering from the sides.
Goggles are also important, especially when skiing or snowboarding. Choose goggles with UV protection to shield your eyes from the sun’s glare and reflected radiation.
Finally, consider the timing of your outdoor activities. The sun is typically strongest during the middle of the day. If possible, plan your activities for earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the sun’s rays are less intense.
Take breaks indoors or in shaded areas throughout the day. This will give your skin a chance to recover and reduce your overall exposure to UV radiation.
Even on cloudy days, remember that UV radiation can penetrate the clouds. Don’t let a cloudy sky lull you into a false sense of security. Continue to apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing, even when the sun isn’t shining brightly.
A common mistake is thinking that a base tan will protect you from sunburn. While a tan does offer some minimal protection, it’s not nearly enough to prevent sunburn in a high-altitude, snowy environment. A tan is essentially your skin’s response to damage from UV radiation, so it’s not a healthy or effective way to protect yourself.
Another pitfall is neglecting areas that are often overlooked, such as the lips, ears, and scalp. Use a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips. Apply sunscreen to your ears and scalp, or wear a hat that covers these areas.
Consider using a sunscreen stick for easy application to the face and ears. These sticks are less messy than lotions and can be easily carried in your pocket.
Remember, sunburn is not just a cosmetic issue. It’s a sign of skin damage that can increase your risk of skin cancer. Protecting yourself from the sun is an investment in your long-term health.
So, next time you’re planning a trip to Park City for some skiing or snowboarding, remember the sunburn risk. Take the necessary precautions to protect your skin and eyes. With the right sunscreen, protective clothing, and smart timing, you can enjoy your time on the slopes without ending up with a painful souvenir.
Don’t let the sun ruin your Park City adventure. Be prepared, be proactive, and stay protected. Your skin will thank you for it.