What's Out(side): Spring Skiing

One of the greatest parts of Central Oregon, in our opinion, is the ability to do your sports (almost) year round!

‘Tis the season in Bend for Spring Skiing, and with the Cascade Range rising right out of town, there’s access to everything from lift-served laps to quiet, snow-covered forests. And when the sun is out (which it often is), those days stretch longer, brighter, and more intensely than you might expect.

Which makes bringing your SPF out with you even more important!

Downhill Days: Resort Skiing at Mount Bachelor

If you’re skiing or riding in Bend, Mount Bachelor is the main event.

With 360-degree skiing off the summit, wide-open bowls, forests of trees to pick through, and carveable groomers, it’s the kind of mountain where you can pick your own adventure.

With the resort regularly staying open into late May, it makes for a long season and some great sunny days on the slopes. 

AND, top notch spring ski aprés BBQ’ing in the parking lot!

High elevation + clear skies + snow reflection = serious sun exposure. You might not feel it in the cold, but it’s there from first chair to last lap.

What that means for your skin:

• Your face is constantly exposed (especially nose, cheeks, lips)

• Goggles don’t cover everything (hello, goggle tan)

• Reapplication isn’t optional if you’re out all day

👉 This is where a mineral-based, durable, and sweat-resistant SPF like our Sport Performance SPF 45 thrives!

Into the Backcountry: Alpine Touring in the Cascades

For those willing to earn their turns, Bend opens up even more.

From mellow tree lines to bigger alpine objectives around the Cascades, backcountry touring here is all about solitude, movement, and dialing into the terrain.

But touring days come with a different kind of exposure:

• Long uphill slogs directly into the sun, sometimes with bare arms

• Hours above tree line with no shade

• Sweat + sun combo that wears down protection fast

It’s not just about putting SPF on at the trailhead—it’s about keeping it with you and actually using it.

👉 A quick swipe of SPF 45, which is our most durable sunscreen for activity, during a transition can make the difference between a great day and a burnt one.

Nordic & Cross-Country: Sweat and the Snow

Not every day needs a chairlift or a summit.

Bend’s nordic scene—especially around Mount Bachelor’s Nordic Center and nearby Wanoga Snow Park—is perfect for slower, steady days in the snow.

Gliding through quiet forests, finding your rhythm, stacking miles.

And because it feels less intense, it’s easy to forget:

You’re still out there for hours.

• Sun filters through trees and reflects off snow

• Consistent movement = steady exposure

• Cold air keeps you from noticing the burn

👉 This is where an easy, no-fuss option like Zealios SPF lip balm + face sunscreen combo keeps things simple—apply, go, and stay out longer.

The Bend Reality: Sun, Snow, Repeat

Across all of it—downhill, touring, nordic—there’s one constant:

The sun is stronger than you think.

At elevation, with snow reflecting UV in every direction, winter becomes one of the easiest times to damage your skin without realizing it.

That’s why SPF isn’t just a beach-day habit, it’s a snow-day essential.

And you know what’s really OUT? Goggle tans and winter sunburns.

Play outside on the snow with an SPF that keeps up.

(p.s. Don't forget to reapply while enjoying your aprés afterwards!)