Do You Need Goggles to Ski? 5 Reasons To Wear Them

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Last Updated on November 15, 2023 by Paul Clayton

Do You Need Goggles to Ski? 5 Reasons To Wear Them

Engaging in winter sports such as skiing can be an exhilarating experience.

However, safety should always be a top priority, and one common question that arises is, “Do You Need Goggles to Ski?” The simple answer is yes, and there are five primary reasons to wear them. Goggles protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, enhance visibility during adverse weather conditions, shield your eyes from flying debris, provide a snug fit to keep cold air out, and reduce glare from the snow.

Altogether, these reasons make wearing goggles an essential part of your skiing equipment.

Have you ever left your home for work without your shoes? Well, I bet you’ll appear like a maniac. Okay, this is it; there are some essentialities that one can never do without. And in a case where you are going for a skiing escapade, you’ll have to carry with you a bunch of stuff.

You will require the goggles for several reasons, and I bet there are some needs for which the glasses will be essential for the snow ride. 

For the ski and snowboarding enthusiasts, you probably know how important goggles are, and we can’t stress the point enough. You need goggles for lots of reasons. This article takes into consideration some of them.

We further provide you with a buying guide on how to settle for the right goggles. Read on!

Do You Need Goggles to Ski? Reasons for Wearing Goggles

Increase the Contrast

The importance of contrast, especially in winter sports, is that it assists you in seeing any slopes or bumps that are ahead. The lenses come in brown, rose, or amber colors which tend to boost the contrast. Brown is the most versatile one as it is wearable under any weather condition.

On top of improving the contrast, it blocks minimal portions of sunlight during sunny weather conditions. Amber lenses are suitable for cloudy conditions whereas roses are designed for hazy conditions. 

Offer Eye Protection 

It is no doubt that snowboarding requires optimum safety precautions and a number of factors contribute to this. High speed, for instance, is required in winter sports, and therefore, sunglasses come in handy, giving riders the ease to have a proper front view and thus reducing the chances of accidents.

Although sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays, they, unfortunately, aren’t the best protection choice for snowboarding. The best alternative and what you require is a nice pair of effective ski goggles preferably made using polycarbonate materials. The lenses must be anti-fogged for obvious reasons.

In addition, the frame should be pliant and soft and fit your face perfectly. The straps, on the other hand, need to be elastic enough to keep the goggles in contact.

Precaution is key in snowboarding. Good sports equipment ensures the maximum safety of the user. Well, in snowboarding, one of the most essential elements is the vision. If you don’t have a 100% clear vision, then you’re better off not riding. The effects might, otherwise, be catastrophic.   

Reduce Glare

If you happen to be snowboarding on a bright and sunny day, then you must experience the excess sunlight. That, however, can be countered by wearing dark or polarized lenses because they reflect any glare, thus reducing the struggles of squinting by the skier to see well.

Photochromic goggle lenses are even better than these. This is because of their ease in sensitizing light hence changing the way they block light during much light from the sun. To achieve maximum safety during the slide, taking heed to visibility measures is essential as they take care of our eyes.

Protect the rider against Debris and Cold

 

Many are the times when we experience irritation and irritations of the eyes during the cold seasons. Snowboarding exposes you to strong winds for prolonged durations and this effect may be worsened. This is where the ski goggles play a very critical role.

The goggles seal the eyes to prevent small particles or cold wind from deterring your clear view.

One thing that you should note is that snowboarding and night skiing require clear lenses, not colored ones. You don’t want to settle for something that will further alter your vision during the night times.

Protection from Trail Accidents and Pistes 

Newbie skiers and snowboarders are highly prone to various forms of accidents. This is especially, due to lack of control because of the extremely high speeds which they are not used to. The results are bruises and thuds in the bushes.

If proper caution isn’t taken, this can cause serious harm to the eyes. But that can be minimized if not prevented by wearing snug-fitting goggles which reduce the chances of severe injuries.

A Buying Guide for Purchasing Goggles for Skiing and Snowboarding

Now that we know the importance of wearing goggles, the next question to ring a bell in your head is; how do I pick the right goggles? We also have you covered with this. Our buying guide tells you of the factors to consider when making your goggles purchase. Some of the easy-to-prevent challenges of buying the wrong goggles may be;

• Goggles that aren’t compatible with the helmet
• High cost in terms of price
• Goggles that do not fit pretty well
• Crazy color lenses for the cloudy outdoor fun

Here are what you should consider prior to buying your skiing goggles:

Do Not Rush When Selecting the Right Goggles

There is no rush in buying your goggles. Take your time. We know the frustration that comes along with buying something ineffective that will not last you long, and you don’t want to experience that.

Try the goggles as many times as you would wish. Make sure that you are super comfortable and that they are a perfect fit.

A great tip for testing the efficiency of skiing goggles is to test them in a dark room with only one bulb on. You can take them outside, of course with the permission of the seller or clerk, to have its view in natural light.

Look for Goggles with Features That are Anti-Fogging

You have to select goggles with duo lenses which dissuade the formation of condensation. Condensation takes place when there’s a contract between the sharp lens and your exhaled warm air.

If you are too engrossed in the slide, you should go for the goggles which have tiny fans that suck air through the pair of vents and forward it out through a different set. The fans are albeit, lightweight but also require AAA batteries. That seems a bit hectic, but it’s worth it.

Goggles’ Contours Fit Perfectly

Considerable time ought to be taken in adjusting the strap to the head, and in case of persistent pain during the strapping, then look for an alternative. It is essential to ensure that your goggles are of the right fit. They should hold your head and helmet tightly in a natural manner, without falling or having to tighten them regularly. 

‘Asian fit’ goggles have been designed specifically for people with high cheekbones. The normal goggles won’t be a perfect fit and will destroy you a lot. The Asian fit goggles, now found in the market, have a solution to your problem.

If you’re a person who wears glasses, worry not since other goggles are designed for the same purpose.  Just ensure that the goggles fit over them perfectly.

You Select the Appropriate Lens Tint

Your main aim should be acquiring goggles with proper tint, which will provide the perfect mixture of colors, depth, contrast, and protection from eye fatigue. For instance, a slightly lower VLT (Visible Light Transmission) ranging around 15% is known to contain less fatigue of the eyes, more so, during sunny and hot days. Likewise, an increased VLT like 70% resonate with a much better color and depth perception is efficient for reduced light days.

To further ease things for you, manufacturers have come up with lens color charts, with the range at which the tints can provide the VLT for the best results. So, regardless of whether you are going for the game as an experienced skier or a beginner, consider choosing ski goggles with the best lens features.

First Make Your Safety a Priority

Sunglasses and goggles made up of polycarbonate lenses tend to be better than others because they are resistant and can sustain the impact that comes as a result of strong winds. As a matter of fact, the nosepieces and the adjustable rubber earpieces keep them at par when tackling bumps and thus provide you with unmatchable comfort.

It is of great importance that you not only wear goggles when skiing but also, take into consideration other forms of clothing which help in various ways when skiing. For instance, the helmet not only keeps the head warm when skiing but also allows for proper breathing and protection from head injuries. The lower body also needs some proper coverage, and so do the hands and the feet.

Are ski goggles air-tight?

Ski goggles are specifically designed to provide safety, visibility, and comfort to skiers in diverse weather conditions. However, the question arises, Are ski goggles air-tight? The answer is no.

Ski goggles are not completely air-tight. They are built to allow a certain degree of air circulation to avoid fogging, which could hinder visibility during skiing. This does not mean they allow wind or snow in, but they have small vents, usually around the frame, that let in air to keep the inside of the goggles dry and clear.

Thus, while the term ‘air-tight goggles’ may sound appealing for protection, it is not practical or safe for ski goggles.

How can I ski with bad eyesight?

Skiing with bad eyesight can be a challenging task but it is not impossible. The key to skiing with bad eyesight is to take necessary precautions and use appropriate vision aids. If you’re an eyeglass wearer, sports goggles that fit over your glasses can be a good option.

Alternatively, prescription ski goggles are also available that provide clear vision on the slopes. Contact lens wearers might find it more comfortable to ski but should carry a spare pair in case of loss or damage. Furthermore, it’s essential to ensure good lighting and contrast on the slopes for better visibility.

So, the question “How can I ski with bad eyesight?” doesn’t necessarily mean a hurdle, but requires smart adaptions.

Conclusion

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Ski goggles not only provide protection against harsh elements, but they also enhance vision clarity, provide UV protection, and offer safety against potential hazards. Additionally, most ski goggles are designed with anti-fog features to ensure that your vision stays clear even in extreme weather conditions.

In essence, the role of ski goggles goes beyond mere eye protection, to enhancing the overall skiing experience. Therefore, investing in a good pair of ski goggles is not just a recommendation, but a necessity for every skier.

We have stayed true to our course and provided you with an ultimate guide on goggles for skiing. Now, the ball is in your court. The next time you pack for a skiing adventure, remember to carry along your goggles.

Not just any goggles, but the right ones. Keep into consideration our buying guide for the right goggles.

Have fun and above all stay safe! Remember, prevention is better than cure.
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