Alpine Skin Survival Guide: Protecting Your Skin Through a Long Snow Season

For Snow Sports instructors, the mountains are more than a workplace - they're a second home. Long days on the slopes bring incredible experiences, but they also expose your skin to some of the harshest environmental conditions you'll encounter. Cold temperatures, low humidity, high-altitude UV radiation and constant wind can quickly lead to dry, irritated and prematurely aged skin.

The good news is that with a simple, consistent routine, it's possible to protect your skin, stay comfortable throughout the season and minimise long-term damage.


Why alpine environments are so tough on your skin

Many people associate sun damage with summer, yet UV exposure can be even more intense in alpine environments.

At higher elevations, the atmosphere provides less protection from ultraviolet radiation, while fresh snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays back onto exposed skin. This means your face receives UV exposure from above and below, even on cloudy days.

At the same time, cold air contains very little moisture. Combined with wind and frequent transitions between heated indoor environments and freezing outdoor temperatures, the skin's protective barrier can become compromised. The result is dehydration, redness, flaking, sensitivity and chapping.


The four essentials for healthy mountain skin

  1. Start with a healthy skin barrier

Your skin barrier is your body's natural defence against the environment. When it's healthy, it helps retain moisture and protects against irritants.

Avoid harsh cleansers that strip away natural oils. Instead, use a gentle cleanser at the end of the day to remove sunscreen, sweat and environmental debris without disrupting the skin's natural balance.

  1. Hydrate morning and night

Hydration is the key to preventing the tight, dry feeling many instructors experience by mid-season. Maintaining water consumption to at least 2 litres/day is crucial.

Choose a moisturiser that contains ingredients known to support the skin barrier and attract moisture, such as:

  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • Glycerin
  • Ceramides
  • Squalane

Apply moisturiser immediately after cleansing while your skin is still slightly damp to help lock in hydration.

  1. Sunscreen isn't optional

This is arguably the most important step in any alpine skincare routine.

Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen every morning and reapply every two hours when outdoors, or more frequently after excessive sweating or wiping your face.

Don't forget areas that are commonly missed, including:

  • Ears
  • Neck
  • Under the chin
  • Around the eyes
  • Lips (using an SPF lip balm)

Even on overcast days, UV radiation remains high in alpine environments.

  1. Repair while you sleep

Night-time is when your skin naturally repairs itself.

After cleansing, apply a nourishing moisturiser or overnight treatment to replenish moisture lost throughout the day. Ingredients rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids can help calm inflammation and support overnight recovery.


Common mistakes instructors make

Even experienced instructors often fall into habits that leave their skin vulnerable.

These include:

  • Only applying sunscreen once each morning.
  • Skipping moisturiser because skin feels oily after physical activity.
  • Taking long, very hot showers that strip natural oils.
  • Waiting until skin becomes dry or cracked before treating it.
  • Forgetting that lips and the eye area require protection too.

Consistency is far more effective than trying to repair damaged skin later in the season.


A simple daily routine

Keeping your routine uncomplicated makes it easier to stick with during busy winter mornings.

Morning

Throughout the day

  • Reapply sunscreen every two hours
  • Reapply lip balm regularly
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water

Evening

 

Healthy skin performs better

Looking after your skin isn't simply about appearance. Comfortable, healthy skin is less prone to cracking, irritation and inflammation, allowing instructors to stay focused on delivering exceptional experiences for their guests.

A few minutes each day can make the difference between finishing the season with healthy, resilient skin or dealing with months of dryness and sun damage.

Whether you're teaching your first lesson of the season or your hundredth, your skin deserves the same level of preparation as the rest of your equipment.

As an APSI member you receive 20% off the Bohemian Skin range of certified organic, Australian-made skincare designed to support healthy, resilient skin in challenging environments.

Click here to see the range and use code APSI20 at checkout.