Junior Free Ski Nationals Get Sun Smart

31/7/05

Junior Free Ski Nationals Get Sun Smart

The Free Ski Association of New Zealand (FSANZ) is using the Junior Free Ski Nationals at Cardrona Alpine Resort to educate the youngsters on the importance of being SunSmart.

“Most of these kids are on the snow all day everyday at weekends and during school holidays and it’s vital they understand the importance of protecting themselves against the sun,” said Hamish Acland, FSANZ president. “That goggle mark really isn’t that cool, especially when you consider the damage done to your skin.”

Skiers’ skin receives intense sun exposure during the winter and it’s known this type of intense sunburn and tanning increases the risk of developing melanoma and other forms of skin cancer. Altitude greatly increases the risk of serious sunburn as there is less atmosphere to filter UV radiation. In addition, the whiteness of snow also increases the risk of burning. Fresh snow can reflect up to 85-90% of UV radiation on a sunny winter’s day.

The Junior Free Ski Nationals take place at Cardrona Alpine Resort on 5-7 August and will feature the Volkl Big Mountain, Calhar Skier-X, Smith Slopestyle and K2 Half Pipe disciplines and are open to all young skiers under the age of 18. For more information visit www.freeskier.co.nz.

ENDS

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