NEW YORK (December 11, 2025) — The Skin Cancer Foundation reminds winter sports enthusiasts that sun protection is important during cold weather. Cooler temperatures do not protect you from UV damage. Your risk of developing melanoma doubles with a history of five or more sunburns, regardless of the season in which you experience the sun exposure. Furthermore, snow and ice can reflect up to 80 percent of UV rays, so the rays hit you twice — from above and below. Additionally, UV exposure increases 4 to 5 percent with every 1,000 feet of elevation, putting skiers, snowboarders and other high-altitude athletes at significant risk for sunburns and long-term skin damage. Even those who enjoy sports as spectators are at risk of photodamage from unprotected sun exposure on game days.
“When thinking of winter sports injuries, sprains, broken bones and even frostbite may come to mind,” says Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD. “But there is one type of outdoor sports health risk that is often overlooked: photodamage from sun exposure. Unlike a twisted ankle, which can heal within weeks, photodamage adds up over time, increasing your risk for skin cancer.”
Three-time Olympic Alpine skier Erik Schlopy agrees and shares his winter sun protection experience: “I realized the importance of sunscreen when I was in my late teens. While skiing on the glaciers, it was apparent we were burning from the intense sun, so I started wearing sunscreen regularly on all exposed areas. Even in winter months, I always have my sunscreen on hand — in my glove compartment, ski bag or in my jacket pocket. My only regret about my sun protection regimen while I was training is that I would never reapply. It is so important to reapply at least every two hours.”
To stay protected this winter, The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends the following:
- Clothing is a strong line of defense. While it is easier to layer-up in the winter months, your face, head and neck may still be exposed. Wear a wide-brimmed hat when possible, or a helmet, and protect your eyes with UV-blocking goggles or sunglasses.
- Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, even on overcast days. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher when engaging in outdoor activities. Reapply at least every two hours or after sweating or at high altitudes.
- Avoid the sun during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM) and seek shade whenever possible. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate the atmosphere and cause harm.
In addition to adopting a complete sun protection strategy, The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that everyone see a dermatologist at least once a year for a professional skin exam. Sports enthusiasts who have experienced extensive sun damage might be instructed by their physicians to have their skin examined more frequently. Everyone should also examine their own skin from head to toe every month, looking for anything new, changing or unusual. For more information, go to SkinCancer.org.
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About The Skin Cancer Foundation
The Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, saves and improves lives by empowering people to take a proactive approach to daily sun protection and the early detection and treatment of skin cancer. The Foundation delivers public education programs, provides patients with guidance and reassurance, engages medical professionals, awards research grants and leads advocacy campaigns that call for policy changes. As a service to consumers, SCF grants its industry-recognized Seal of Recommendation to products that meet its criteria for safe and effective sun protection. SCF also operates Destination Healthy Skin, a program that works with local dermatologists in communities around the U.S. to provide free skin cancer screenings to those in need. Since its inception in 1979, the Foundation has recommended regular skin exams and following a complete sun protection strategy that includes seeking shade, using sunscreen daily and covering up with clothing, hats and sunglasses. SkinCancer.org.