American World Cup Alpine Ski Racer Travis Ganong was only 36 years old when he was diagnosed with melanoma after spending almost his entire life on the slopes without wearing SPF. If it hadn’t been for the intervention of a dermatologist friend who spotted an unusual small dot under his right eye and recommended having it biopsied, Ganong admits he most likely would have continued skiing unaware of the risks.
While the results came back positive for melanoma, luckily it was at early stage 0, also known as melanoma in situ. It was, however, a massive wake-up for Travis. After speaking with fellow people in his home ski community of Lake Tahoe who had had similar diagnoses, some of which were similar survival stories, others were not so good, he says, “It’s a serious matter, I really want to make skin protection and wearing sunscreen a priority for all people who enjoy the outdoors, winter, and a mountain lifestyle”.
We speak to him all about his skiing life and how he has made sunscreen part of his daily routine, allowing him to continue his love of winter sports whilst also keeping his skin protected.
Travis, as a winter sports athlete, what are the risks of sun exposure to people who dedicate their life to these sports?
I learned how to ski at 1 and a half years old, and it quickly became my main sport. I made the US Ski Team at 15 and a half and spent the next 18 years skiing for training and racing more or less year round all over the world. Being a high altitude outdoor sport, combined with the double effects of the sun, with its reflection off the snow, the exposure was quite extreme for a very long time.
Do you wish you had learned about the risk of winter sun damage sooner?
I knew about the risks of sun and skin damage. I think all kids grow up with their parents communicating this, but I never really made it a part of my daily routine. That or, I was rushing out the door for a training session or race, and my mind was focusing on performance on the snow or the competition and not on sunscreen. Or I forgot to pack a tube of sunscreen in my pack for the mountain. While I did try my best, I wasn’t consistent enough in the routine as say brushing my teeth twice a day. I wish I had been more diligent.
What message would you like to send to young athletes who are just starting their careers?
I would say that throughout a young skier or snowboarder's career, the cumulative effect of sun exposure is real and a serious thing, and to find ways to make applying and re-applying sunscreen part of your training and competition routine. I would also say that, as the tagline of Face Shots SPF states “From Bluebirds to Blizzards”, you still need protection even if it is cloudy or snowing outside. UV rays are still around.
What are your favorite moments from the ski racing career and what are your goals for the future?
I was able to live my dream of being an Olympic and US Ski Team athlete for 18 years. I won World Cup races, a medal at the World Championships, and represented team USA in multiple Olympics narrowly missing a medal in the 2014 Sochi downhill. In 2023 I accomplished one of my last goals as a ski racer, stepping on the podium in the famous Kitzbuhel Downhill in Austria. I knew that was the perfect time to step away from competition. Now I am working at the intersection of storytelling, performance, and experiences, working as a pro skier where I host trips, produce content for the brands that I represent, and pushing my limits as a skier focusing on backcountry skiing, big mountain skiing, and skiing powder! I am also working towards becoming an AMGA certified ski guide, starting a family, and giving back to my community by co-founding the Olympic Valley Foundation.
Have you noticed any positive improvements in your skin since wearing sunscreen regularly?
When I am really exposed to the sun for long periods of the day like at the beach, I am very diligent with covering up, wearing sunscreen, and this summer I completely avoided the “base tan” sunburn that would sneak up on me in the past. My skin is for sure happier and healthier!
Where is your favorite place in the world to ski?
If I am being honest, nothing beats skiing Kt-22 at Palisades Tahoe on a powder day or storm day mid week when the crowds are small. Since retirement I have been spending a few weeks every year in Valdez, Alaska heli skiing and the skiing experience is hands down the best on the planet. I also have trips in Valdez, Chile, Europe and Canada lined up.
Out of season, are there any other outdoor activities you enjoy doing?
Yeah, mountain biking is my other sport. There are so many similarities to skiing where you have to read terrain, react to variables, and look ahead. It’s also flowy, with jumps and playful, just like skiing, and Tahoe has some world class riding. I also love backpacking, hiking, being on the lake, and spending all my time outside.