Why are skiers wearing tape on their faces at Winter Olympics? What does it do?

As American curler Matt Hamilton rocks technicolour Nikes on the ice that have built an online fanbase of their own, and Team USA snowboarder Tessa Maud reps Kim Kardashian West’s Skims loungewear for millions of viewers on TikTok, fashion is once again a talking point of the Winter Olympics. And while viewers are commenting on Team GB’s opening ceremony coats or Mikaela Shiffrin’s skiwear, many have noticed that several biathletes and skiers are taking to the slopes with coloured tape on their cheeks and noses, war-paint style.

Ad/> Is this another fashion-choice, or is it an essential? /> Beijing 2022Beijing Today Day 8 — A great save, family business and history made15 HOURS AGO Why do Winter Olympians wear tape on their faces? Sunday saw weather conditions impact the Alpine skiing, as temperatures dipped to as low as -20 degrees Celsius (-4 Fahrenheit) in Beijing. To say it’s a bit nippy on the slopes would be similar to saying the luge riders travel ‘quite fast’ as they rip round corners at 90mph.

Beijing Today Day 8 — A great save, family business and history made Goggia's the word, 'Ashes on Ice' heats up, no food fear for GB skater Lilah — Beijing diary Jacobellis' naughty grab and a mesmerising ice dance – Best of Beijing When an athlete is skiing at top speed, those freezing temperatures are intensified and competitors are in danger of burning their noses and cheekbones. Which is why they use protective tape to cover key areas.

French skier Johan Clarey, who became the oldest Olympic Alpine skiing medallist of all time with his downhill silver in Beijing, says he has to wear tape on his face “for protection.” “Otherwise, you can burn your nose and cheeks permanently,” he told the Ski Chrono newspaper. “When you