Snowbird partners with Huntsman

Raccoon eyes used to be the sign of a good ski trip. Not anymore. At the summits of our mountains the sun’s rays are so strong that you’ll burn at least 60 percent faster than on a beach at sea level. What’s more, Utah ranks second in the United States for the deadly melanoma skin cancer.

Snowbird partnered with The Hunstman Cancer Institute to raise sun savvy awareness, said Lori Maness, Hunstman outreach coordinator, “and Snowbird opened the door to many possibilities.”

Snowbird employees were invited to drop in to have questionable spots checked by a dermatologist or to schedule a full body check appointment. It’s the first year of this program.

In addition, Snowbird is scheduled to start a sun safety on the slopes program. We’ll teach the instructors about sun safety, and they’ll pass the information along when they teach classes, Maness said. The sun can be devastating from above and from its reflection off the snow. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that sun reflecting off snow can double the strength of UV rays.

On the dream list is putting sunscreen dispensers in bathrooms and lodges so skiers can get a squirt to apply to their faces often. Sunscreen dispensers are not a new idea, but the products available right now from dispensers are not the best ones, Maness said.

The best sunscreens contain zinc, and some have titanium dioxide. They’re good because they reflect, she said. But zinc is often objectionable because its white color gives a ghoulish look and it’s hard to rub in. However, some products contain zinc that blends into the skin more easily.

Ski, ride, have fun, and butter up. The sun is a meany.