3.2.2009
Yes, you can get too much sun – also on your winter holiday

Representatives from the Danish Cancer Society will be at Copenhagen Airport on 6-7 February to give good advice on avoiding damage from sun exposure during the winter school holiday, whether you’ll be spending it on the beach or the in Alps.

After months of overcast skies and cold weather, we need sunshine. As a result, many decide to take their school winter holiday in southern climes, but even if skiing in the Alps, everyone should remember to protect their skin from the sun and pack a high-factor sun lotion.

The Danish Cancer Society and the TrygFonden foundation have joined Denmark’s largest travel agencies, airlines and airports in a large-scale campaign to remind passengers to think before exposing their skin to southern skies. The idea is to prevent the possible fatal consequences that holiday sunburns can have in the long term. 

Skiers need sun lotion, too The campaign is primarily aimed at sun-starved Danes heading south for the school holiday. But don’t forget to take sun lotion along, even if you are only travelling as far south as the Alps. “A lot of people have listened to our advice about beach vacations, but it's also important to remember to protect your nose, cheeks and lips from sun exposure if you are vacationing on a mountaintop in the Alps, for example,” says Danish Cancer Society project manager Anja Philip.

“On a good day skiing, the sun will often be shining from a cloudless blue sky, and the reflection of the sun’s rays from the snow actually means you are getting twice as much sun as you would normally. So always remember sun protection for your face before you hit the slopes,” is Philip’s advice.

A reminder for the first holiday of the year
Copenhagen Airport is happy to help the Cancer Society spread this important message. “The winter school holiday is a good opportunity to get the attention of families with children at a time when we need to be reminded to be careful when enjoying the sun. We are very happy that the airport can help spread the word,” says Susanne Frank, passenger manager at Copenhagen Airports.

Children are especially at risk from the damage sun can cause, also in the long term. For this reason, the more entertaining elements of the campaign are aimed at the youngest travellers. Children on their way to sunny southern tourist destinations with their families receive a special gift on the plane: crayons and a little Pixie book entitled Sunny og Solvej på Solferie (“Sunny and Solvej on a Sunny Holiday”). The book contains a fun story intended to help children learn how to avoid sunburn. The story is relevant, funny and helps promote better health – a fine supplement to the other entertainment available on flights. Have a happy holiday!