SPRING SKIING - WHEN DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW, DON'T FORGET THE SUNSCREEN

  • Published
  • By National Ski Patrol and sportsmedicine.about.com
LAKEWOOD, Colo. --  With warmer weather, sunny skies and fewer crowds, many people say spring is the time to be on the mountain. However, slope conditions during the late season can be dicey, and skiers need to be aware of some potential hidden dangers.

Avoid sunburn. The intensity of the sun at high altitudes, combined with reflection off the snow, can cause sunburn -- fast. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. Apply sunscreen to exposed skin 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. Reapply every two hours.

Prevent abrasions and lacerations. While exposed skin may feel great while skiing in warmer weather, falls on spring snow can cause painful scrapes and cuts similar to road rash. So it's still best to cover exposed skin.

Prevent dehydration. Regardless of the time of year, it's important to drink plenty of fluids when engaging in physical activity. People tend to underestimate their fluid needs, especially when they are having fun.

Know how to layer clothing. Dressing for spring skiing can be challenging as the temperature can change drastically throughout the day. Layer your clothing. Slushy conditions mean you may want to wear something waterproof, as well.

Shield yourself from the elements. Even though the temperatures are warming up, you need to beware of the possibility of cold weather emergencies, such as frostbite and hypothermia.

Protect your eyes. The glare from snow can be very intense and burn the eyes or cause snow blindness. Wear high-impact resistant eye protection or sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses. They should also filter UV rays.

Be wary of changing conditions. Avoid skiing when snow is frozen solid or melting into puddles. Both types of conditions can lead to injuries. Frozen snow is too fast; melting snow exposes rock.

Prevent injury. Experts attribute the increase of head and spinal cord injuries on the ski hill to increased speed and jumping among boarders and skiers. Stay in control and wear a helmet.

Prevent altitude illness. If you are traveling to the mountains from low elevations, you may feel symptoms of altitude sickness, including dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, fatigue and weakness. Drink plenty of water, and get lots of sleep.

Watch out for avalanches. When backcountry skiing in the mountains, there is a danger of avalanche any time of the year. But spring brings conditions that are often ideal for an avalanche. The warm afternoons soften, loosen and can create snow slides. To minimize your risk of getting trapped, always check the latest avalanche reports and weather forecasts in the area where you'll be skiing before you go.