The adequate sun protection in the mountains не е въпрос на суета, а на медицинска необходимост. Често виждаме туристи по главната улица в Bansko с маркови градски очила, които планират да се качат на върха с тях. Това е грешка. Слънцето във високата планина е съвсем различен “звяр” от това на морския бряг, а Пирин има своите специфични капани.
In this second part of the series on "The Ten Most Important Elements", we will understand why the white rocks of Vihren act like a mirror and how to protect our eyes and skin from serious damage.
Why is the sun in Pirin so aggressive?
There are two main reasons why burning at 2500 meters above sea level happens much faster:
- Thin atmosphere: As altitude increases, the atmosphere that filters UV rays thins. For every 1000 meters, UV radiation increases by about 10-12%.
- The mirror effect (Albedo): The snow reflects up to 80-90% of the sun's rays. But in Pirin we also have a specific factor - the white marble. Even in summer, the rocks around The horse and Vihren reflect light much more strongly than granite mountains (like Rila), attacking your eyes and skin from all directions, even from the bottom up.
Eyes: The most vulnerable area
Forgetting your sunglasses can lead to a condition known as snow blindness (photokeratitis). This is literally a “burn” of the cornea of the eye. Symptoms appear a few hours later – a feeling of sand in the eyes, severe pain, tearing, and the inability to open your eyes.
What glasses should we choose?
City glasses are usually Category 2 or 3. For high mountains you need specialized models. Here's how to navigate the levels of protection:
| Category (Cat.) | Light transmittance | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Category 2 | 18% – 43% | Cloudy weather, urban environment. They are not suitable for Pirin. |
| Category 3 | 8% – 18% | Standard for mountains and sea. Suitable for summer in Bansko and the forest belt. |
| Category 4 | 3% – 8% | High mountain, snow, glaciers. Mandatory for winter hikes above the forest belt. |
Skin: Not just in summer
The good sun protection in the mountains requires a high factor cream (SPF 50+), regardless of the season. The wind often masks the feeling of heat and you burn without realizing it.
Critical areas for lubrication:
- Ears and neck: If you wear a peaked cap (baseball), the tops of your ears and neck are exposed and burn painfully quickly.
- Under the nose and chin: Because of the reflection from the snow/rocks, the sun shines on you “from below”.
- Lips: They have no melanin and dry out instantly. Use a conditioner with UV protection.
The mountain is a place for pleasure, not pain. A pair of quality glasses and a tube of cream weigh grams, but they will save you sleepless nights and long-term damage. Prepare well before you head to the peaks!
English (UK)