With record-levels of heavy snowfall already reported across France, Austria, Italy and Switzerland, now is the time to plan your perfect snow break. Whether you’re a first timer or seasoned ripper, Sophie Everard, author of ‘Snowboarding: Skills – Training – Techniques’ has put together a compressive guide. Read on for pre-trip fitness tips, the best resorts, snow gear and more…
PRE/POST SNOW SKINCARE
The harsh abrasion of winter elements not only include below freezing temperature and possible high winds, but glaring sun (you may not know you can get easily sun burnt when skiing).
Katharine Pearson, owner of KMP Skin in Mayfair, recommends “the number one thing to use for all skin types, all ages is SPF! The sun is really strong on the mountains, and combined with the reflection of sun rays onto the sow, which will bounce onto the face, your skin can be really prone to getting sunburnt. Make sure that you apply a generous layer in the morning before getting all your ski gear on. Don’t forget to also include the hands too, as if you’re resting and take your gloves off, these will become exposed to the sun. Take your SPF up onto the mountains with you, as you should reapply every 90 mins – 2 hours.”
Katharine recommends Epionce Ultra Shield (light, oil free, non comodegenic and is and SPF 50. Heliocare for tinted SPF’s for extra coverage, La Roche Posay Cicaplast Levres for lips and finally, “taking a really nice nourishing mask to use in the evenings before going to bed, will help your skin to recover from the cold and wind it may have been exposed to.”
Epionce Enriched Firming Mask and the Exuviance Deep Hydration treatment, are amazing post ski recovery masks, just post them on for 10-20 mins after cleansing and let the ingredients work their magic on repairing, rehydrating and plumping up the skin.” **all products available from KMP Skin.
Repair and replenish weather exposed skin with a nourishing oil packed with botanicals and vitamins to rehydrate and renew skin. The perfect antidote for seasonal skin transitions and especially good as an aftersun treatment or après ski skincare.
And finally, don’t forget a helmet. Bern Helmets give great protection. If you are heading into the back country make sure you have a guide, are briefed in safety and have the correct equipment.
Head over here for the full article on fitness tips, what to wear, where to stay: www.whateveryourdose.com