By January my lips used to be wrecked. Cracked, sunburned, bleeding. When you’re out teaching all day in wind and glare, you figure out pretty quickly what works and what doesn’t.
These are the lip balms that actually hold up on the mountain. No hype. No gimmicks. Just the stuff that keeps your lips from falling apart halfway through the day.
🏆 Quick Pick
Oars + Alps SPF 18 is the best lip balm for skiing and snowboarding. It stays on, doesn’t feel greasy and stops the sun and wind from wrecking your lips. It's great value, plus the mint scent’s light and not weird. If you want to spend more, Jack Black balm is the premium pick.
Top 3 Avalanche Probes
Best Ski & Snowboard Lip Balms
1. Oars + Alps SPF Lip Balm Best Overall Pick
- HYDRATING LIP BALM WITH SPF 18: Repair, moisturize and protect your lips whether you're hitting the slopes or the beach with Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 18.
- MOISTURIZING YET SHINE-FREE: Formulated to give you lots of hydration but not shiny lips. It comes in a light, citrusy mint scent made with Peppermint and Spearmint oils.
- WATER AND SWEAT RESISTANT FOR 80 MINS: The SPF in this lip balm is resistant to sweat and water for 80-minutes.
- NATURALLY MOISTURIZING INGREDIENTS: Vitamin E, Shea Butter and beeswax lock in moisture and nourish dry, chapped lips. Alpine Caribou Moss protects your lips from the elements.
- GENTLE ON SKIN AND THE ENVIRONMENT: Free of Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Parabens, Phthalates, and Sulfates. Vegan and cruelty-free.
I still love the Jack Black balm, but Oars + Alps hits the perfect balance. It’s simple, clean and doesn’t cost a fortune. The three-pack makes it easy to stash one in your jacket, one in your car and one that inevitably ends up in the wash somehow. It goes on smooth, stays put and doesn’t get greasy under a buff. The mint is light and fresh, not that fake toothpaste kind.
SPF 18 is enough for most winter days, though I top up if the sun’s blasting or I’m at higher elevation. It just works. For value and reliability, this one’s hard to beat.
Pros
- Clean, non-greasy feel
- Stays on in wind and cold
- Mint scent is light and natural
- Three-pack gives great value
- Cap stays tight for pocket carry
Cons
- SPF 18 means you need to reapply on bright days
- Lighter feel than premium balms like Jack Black
2. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm Best Premium Pick
- Enriched with superior skin conditioners and antioxidants, this emollient balm soothes and relieves dry, chapped, irritated lips
- UVA and UVB absorbers- Avobenzone(Parsol 1789) and Octinoxate - screen harmful UV rays
- Shea butter and avocado oil soften and condition lips
- Vitamin E and green tea extract, antioxidants which help protect lips from damage caused by UV-induced free radicals
- Penetrates quickly to provide instant relief Offers broad-spectrum sun protection with an SPF of 25; Also guards against windburn and temperature extremes
When your lips are screaming from sun, wind and riding all day, the Jack Black balm pulls its weight. I’ve used it through long demo days, back-to-back runs and wind-burn afternoons. It feels like you’ve sealed your lips in a protective little wrap. The mint version gives a clean hit, but the version with Shea & Vitamin E is what I reach for when days are brutal. It lasts longer than the cheaper stuff which matters after you’ve eaten, wiped your helmet strap and jumped back on chair four.
Yes, you’ll flinch slightly at the price if you’re used to budget sticks. But when you’re out in full glare on the slopes, slipping this on feels like a solid investment. I still keep a cheaper option in the jacket for everyday runs, but for those real heavy days… this is the best ski and snowboard lip balm.
Pros
- Best lip balm I've tried
- Lasts longer than most
- Mint is clean and subtle
- Feels genuinely soothing when lips are wrecked
- Also comes in a 3 pack if you want to stock up
Cons
- More expensive
- Thicker feel might not suit everyone
- Small tube for the price
3. Banana Boat Sport Ultra Lip Balm Best Budget Pick
- SUPERIOR ENDURANCE VS. SWEAT & WATER — From family fun to hardcore competition, Banana Boat Sport Sunscreen provides strong sun protection that stays on so you can play on
- CLINICALLY PROVEN UVA/UVB PROTECTION — This SPF 50 broad spectrum lip sunscreen protects your lips from the sun's harmful UV rays
- SUNSCREEN FOR LIPS WITH A LIGHTWEIGHT, BREATHABLE FORMULA — Non-greasy feel won't weigh you down
- MOISTURIZES & PROTECTS dry lips from the sun’s burning rays
- FREE FROM oxybenzone and octinoxate
I started carrying the Banana Boat Sport Ultra on sunny spring days when the glare feels twice as strong. SPF 50 is serious protection, and for the price it’s hard to beat. It goes on smooth and light, not like that thick waxy stuff that clogs up under your mask. It holds up well through sweat, wind and a few spills.
It does have a bit of a sunscreen taste if you get too much on your lips, but I can live with that for the protection it gives. I still reapply every couple of hours, but this one feels built for mountain use. Cheap, tough and easy to find when you lose one halfway through the season.
Pros
- SPF 50 gives strong UV protection
- Stays on through wind and sweat
- Light texture that feels comfortable in cold
- Cheap and easy to find anywhere
- Ideal backup stick to keep in your jacket
Cons
- Noticeable sunscreen taste if you overapply
- Needs reapplying on long or high sun days
- Feels basic compared to premium balms
4.O'Keeffe's Lip Repair SPF Lip Balm Best for Cracked Lips
- SPF Lip Balm for dry cracked lips: O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair SPF Lip Balm is a lip balm that heals, relieves and repairs extremely dry lips with a blend of seven moisturizing ingredients, while protecting from the sun's harmful UV rays
- Guaranteed relief for extremely dry, cracked lips + sun protection: Lip balm/moisturizer that heals, relieves, and repairs extremely dry, cracked lips
- Hard working lip care: Intense but soothing, our hydrating lip balm instantly boosts and retains moisture levels for long term lip care
- Long-lasting protective shield: Creates a multi-layer flexible barrier that moves with your lips to help keep dry, cracked lips protected
- Hypoallergenic: O'Keeffe's Lip Balm is safe for people with diabetes; ideal travel size so you can take your comfort on the go
When your lips are already cracked and angry, this is the one that actually fixes them. O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair is more of a recovery balm than a daily sunscreen, but it still protects with SPF 35. It feels thicker at first, but that’s what makes it work. Within a day or two the bleeding cracks calm down and it stops that constant sting every time you smile or eat.
It’s not fancy and it doesn’t smell like mint or fruit, but it does what it promises. I keep one in my gear bag for when I’ve pushed it too far. Once your lips heal up, you can go back to something lighter. Until then, this is the one that saves you.
Pros
- Heals cracked lips fast
- SPF 35 adds strong sun protection
- Stays put even in cold dry air
- Feels protective without being greasy
- Works as an overnight repair balm too
Cons
- Thicker feel than most daily balms
- No scent or flavor if you prefer that
- Not the cheapest stick out there
5.Sun Bum SPF Lip Balm Best Everyday Pick
- SPF 30 SUNSCREEN LIP BALM - VARIETY PACK. Our fav SPF lip balm trio with Aloe and Vitamin E to protect and moisturize your kisser all day long. Our smooth and hydrating formula with Aloe and Vitamin E is great for everyday lip protection
- LASTING LIP PROTECTION. Our unique SPF lip balm is not just for a day at the beach. This triple action formula will protect, heal and moisturize your lips, whether you’re hitting the beach, slopes or just cruising around town. We’ve got you covered
- HOW TO USE. Apply liberally on lips to keep them safe and soft. Reapply frequently on sun-centric days and adventures. Sonny’s Tip: Try to not lick it off, even though it smells like a tasty treat
- PROTECT YOUR LIPS. The key to safe sun is to protect and moisturize your skin. Our Sun and Lip Products are enriched with Vitamin E, and are Hypoallergenic, Gluten, Cruelty and Paraben Free to ensure a fun, active day in the sun
- TRUST THE BUM. What does that mean? It means trust us, the ones who live on the beach and need products that work on the most intense days in the sun. The simple truth is, when you make products to protect the ones you love, you make ‘em better
You see Sun Bum sticks everywhere, and there’s a reason for that. It’s the one most people throw in their pocket because it’s easy to find, feels light and has decent SPF 30 coverage. I’ve used it plenty on the hill. It goes on smooth, doesn’t gum up under a mask and does a solid job keeping lips from burning.
It’s not a heavy-duty balm like O’Keeffe’s or Jack Black, but it’s fine for normal days when you’re not battling full-on windburn. You’ll want to reapply more often, but for the price and convenience, it earns its spot.
Pros
- SPF 30 gives solid sun protection
- Feels comfortable all day
- Widely available and easy to replace
- Affordable and works for most winter days
Cons
- Needs reapplying fairly often
- Lighter feel means less protection in wind and cold
- Can taste a bit sweet/synthetic
Ski Lip Balm Buying Guide
The first time I went looking for a “ski lip balm” I kept finding sunscreens instead of the usual drugstore brands. No Nivea, no Carmex, no Burt’s Bees. Just SPF numbers everywhere.
Turns out there’s a reason. At altitude, you’re dealing with thinner air, cold wind and sun bouncing straight back at your face off the snow. A normal balm might keep things soft for a few hours, but it doesn’t stop UV damage. That’s why most of the good ones for skiing and snowboarding have SPF built in. They’re more like mini sunscreens that happen to feel good on your lips.
You can still use your favorite everyday balm at night to help heal things up, but when you’re actually on the hill, SPF protection matters way more than scent or shine. The windburn and reflection combo is no joke. I learned that the hard way after one too many bluebird days with what looked like chemical burns on my lips (I used to include a picture here, but I several readers told me it was too gross).
What to Look For
SPF 15 or higher:
Anything less than SPF 15 is basically pointless at altitude. SPF 25 to 50 is the safe range for super sunny resort days.
Long-lasting texture:
You don’t want something glossy or oily that wipes off on your buff. The ones that stay a bit tacky or matte usually last longer in wind and cold.
Non-greasy feel:
If it feels slippery, you’ll stop using it. Look for a balm that sinks in slightly but still leaves a protective layer.
No weird flavors:
Anything overly sweet or fruity gets old fast when you’re applying it five times a day. Mint or plain is safest.
Wind and cold resistance:
A lot of “natural” or “vegan” balms melt or harden too easily in cold temps. Pick something built for sport use or labeled weather-resistant.
Nighttime recovery:
After riding, switch to a richer, non-SPF balm like O’Keeffe’s or even Vaseline to let your lips repair overnight.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to overthink it. Pick something that stays on, has real SPF protection and doesn’t taste terrible. If your lips are already cracked, start with a recovery balm, then move back to an SPF one once they heal.
I used to think lip balm was just a comfort thing. Now I treat it as an essential. If you ride often enough, it makes all the difference between “a bit dry” and “can’t smile without pain.”
Short answer: If you’re not on a tight budget, the Jack Black set is bombproof. I swear by it. But if cost is a key factor, the options listed above will do the job.
