Description:

People can get sunburned on snowy days due to a combination of factors, but the primary reason is:

1. Reflection of Sunlight from Snow (Albedo Effect)

Snow reflects up to 80-90% of UV radiation (compared to ~10-25% for grass or sand).

This means UV rays hit your skin twice:

Directly from the sun.

Indirectly as they bounce off the snow.

2. Higher UV Radiation at Altitude (If in Mountains)

At higher elevations, the atmosphere is thinner, filtering less UV radiation.

Skiers/snowboarders are especially at risk.

3. False Sense of Security

Cold temperatures mask the sun’s intensity, so people often skip sunscreen.

What Doesn’t Cause It?

Altered skin sensitivity: Cold doesn’t change how UV affects skin.

Ozone depletion: While relevant in polar regions, it’s not the main reason for most snowy-day sunburns.

Protection Tip: Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen and UV-blocking sunglasses (snow blindness is a risk too!). ❄️☀️

The most correct and primary reason people get sunburned on snowy days is:

✅ Reflection of Sunlight from Snow (Albedo Effect)

Snow acts like a giant mirror, reflecting up to 90% of UV rays (compared to ~10-25% from grass or water). This means:

You’re hit by UV rays twice—directly from the sun and reflected off the snow.

Even on cloudy winter days, UV radiation can be intense.

Secondary Factors (Can Contribute, But Aren’t the Main Cause):

Higher UV at Altitude: If you’re skiing in the mountains, thinner air means less UV filtration.

Ignorance of Risk: Cold temps trick people into thinking UV isn’t strong, so they skip sunscreen.

❌ Incorrect/Misleading Explanations:

"Altered skin sensitivity": Cold doesn’t make skin more UV-sensitive.

"Atmospheric pressure changes": Irrelevant to UV exposure.

Key Takeaway: Snow + sun = double UV danger. Always wear sunscreen and sunglasses in snowy conditions! ❄️☀️