Interview
Let's Meet Outside… with Nikolaj Salomon Vang
Skier, ski expert, and project manager at the Danish Ski Federation, Nikolaj Salomon Vang is, naturally, a devoted ski enthusiast. Here he shares his passion for the slopes and his best advice on protecting the skin from the cold and sun.
Now, all that’s left is to carve through the snow.
A little about Nikolaj
Nikolaj was born and raised in snow-minimal Copenhagen. Despite that, he has spent hundreds of weeks on skis since the early 80s and has won the Danish championship 17 times in various ‘free ski’ disciplines. He lives in Hornbæk, north of Copenhagen, with his wife and two sons, aged two and five.
Where are you in life right now?
For many years, my lifestyle was extremely high-intensity and self-focused, with skiing and my business always being the top priorities. But since having my first child five years ago and moving to the ‘countryside’ with forests, beaches, and waves within walking distance, my lifestyle has naturally shifted. I’ve started taking better care of myself and prioritizing quality time with family and friends. In short, I’m currently in a highly satisfying rhythm, where the balance between work and pleasure is better than ever.
How can you make a living from skiing?
Even though skiing is a relatively popular sport, lifestyle, and holiday activity in Denmark, about 550,000 Danes go skiing annually, it’s certainly not easy to make a living as a professional Danish skier. Early in my career, I realized I had to offer more than just being a billboard for my sponsors. So, I worked strategically to develop graphic design, marketing, and event management skills. That way, I became a sort of “field employee” for my partners, which turned out to be the right path for me. There are probably other ways, but this formula has made it possible to live a life with skis under my boots.
What happens in your mind when you ski?
The uninterrupted time for reflection and great conversations on the lift, combined with intense physical activity on the way down, creates a perfect rhythm for my otherwise overanalyzing mind. At the same time, the light, the view of stunning mountain peaks, and the creative outlet that skiing provides give me a feeling of complete mental and physical stimulation.
How does your body feel when you ski?
It usually feels insanely good! In my best skiing moments, I’ve experienced my skis as a natural extension of my body. It might sound silly, but it feels as if my skis are long, strong, and precisely controlled feet, giving me the freedom to move creatively and instinctively, reacting to whatever the mountain and snow throw my way. It’s hard to separate mind from body in this state because everything happens intuitively. It’s probably what people call the “flow state”, a condition where the body and mind work together optimally. You’re completely immersed in the task, without self-consciousness or thoughts of performance. Everything feels effortless and natural.
Why is ‘outside’ the best place in the world?
Because it unites body, mind, and surroundings in a way that is both grounding and liberating, whether skiing in the mountains, being on the beach in Hornbæk, or walking in the forest with my family, it provides a rare balance between activity and reflection.
What does skiing do to your skin?
Skiing can be harsh on the skin. The cold, dry mountain air and intense sunlight reflecting off the snow can dry the skin, make it sensitive, and increase the risk of sun damage. Cold and wind can also cause redness, cracks, or irritation, especially if the skin isn’t well protected.
How do you protect it?
When I ski, sun protection is always the top priority. I use a high-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50) and ensure it offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. I also use a wind-resistant moisturizing face cream that keeps my skin hydrated and protected against the cold. For my lips, I use a lip balm with SPF. If the weather is extreme, I cover my face with a balaclava for extra protection from the sun and wind.
How do you take care of your skin?
My daily skincare routine focuses on hydration and repair. I wash my face in the morning and evening to remove dirt and sweat, then apply moisturizer. I also use a nourishing face oil if my skin feels extra dry or irritated.
How does your skincare routine change when you ski?
My skincare routine is more focused on protection and hydration when I ski. I apply sunscreen several times a day, which I don’t do in my everyday life. I also swap out my moisturizer for a thicker, more barrier-protecting version that can withstand the dry mountain air. On intense cold or windy days, I use a barrier cream to protect against frostbite. In the evening, I often add a serum to restore moisture balance after hours spent in extreme conditions.
We know you’re a Sun Balm SPF 50 fan — tell us why!
Sun Balm is perfect for the most exposed areas like lips, nose, and cheekbones, where the cold really bites. And because it’s so small and handy, I always have the little Sun Balm in my pocket when skiing. With Sun Balm at hand, my skin is ready for whatever the mountains bring — healthy, protected, and deeply hydrated all day.
What do you carry with you on the slopes?
I always have a 30-liter backpack with me, even though it’s far from necessary for a regular day of skiing. But I always pack in a way that allows me to be ready for an adventure if the opportunity arises quickly. What you see below is my personal setup. When I ski with my kids, it’s no less extensive — just completely different.
In my bag and pockets, you’ll find:
• Sunscreen, water, snacks, first aid kit, shovel, probe (a collapsible rod used to determine avalanche depth), avalanche beacon, walkie-talkie, headlamp, touring skins (sticky skins attached under skis for uphill movement), crampons (metal spikes for under ski boots), compass, extra goggles.
What else is essential for a great ski experience?
The Equipment
… It’s the foundation of every ski day. Well-fitted ski boots aren’t just about comfort — they are your connection to the mountain, where control and freedom meet. Choose a ski you know as a natural extension of yourself; familiarity, not perfection, creates harmony with the terrain. And always bring an extra lens for your goggles — on the slopes and in life, a clear vision defines the way forward. “Vision is king.”
The Mindset
… Is just as important. Approach the day with an open and positive mindset, where minor annoyances like icy slopes, long lift lines, or a dry schnitzel don’t steal your joy. These trivialities fade in the grand scheme of things — because what compares to standing on a mountain peak, breathing in fresh mountain air, hearing the snow crunch under your feet, and feeling the worries of everyday life drift far away?
The Company
… It makes all the difference. Surround yourself with people who share your joy and see opportunities in every situation. When the group's energy is positive, even a harsh wind in the chairlift or a long wait in the lift line can become moments that strengthen friendships and family bonds.
And finally… The Skiing
Let the terrain be your teacher and stay curious about everything it offers. When the sun shines and the snow is perfect, enjoying the day is easy. But when the weather and snow conditions are more challenging, the beauty lies in finding play and learning in the imperfect — maybe in the rhythm of slushy moguls or the precision of icy side hits. Repeat the lines, explore the movements, and let them become a part of you.