When you go skiing you will need various types of equipment for safety and enjoyment. Most people skiing will need some kind of eye protection. The sun reflects off the snow and the glare can be intense, especially at high altitudes.
So you may wonder if you need goggles for skiing. The short answer is yes, as you will need some type of eye protection.
Let’s look into the benefits of wearing some type of shade while going down the slopes.
Why Use Goggles For Skiing?
Goggles will protect your eyes from the elements and help you to see better on the slopes.
Sunglasses are an option for some skiers, but they can fog up and they don’t offer the same protection as goggles.
Goggles will also protect your eyes from debris and wind. If you wear contact lenses, it is recommended that you also wear goggles to keep your lenses clean and dry.
How to Choose the Right Goggles?
Now that we know why you should wear goggles, let’s look at how to choose the right pair for you.
There are a few things you’ll want to consider when picking out your ski goggles:
The Type of Skiing
If you’re hitting the slopes for some freestyle skiing or racing, you’ll want different type of goggles than if you’re just going for a leisurely ski.
Your Skill Level
Are you a beginner, intermediate, or advanced skier? This will also dictate the type of goggles you need. Beginners may want a larger lens to help them see better, while more advanced skiers will want a smaller lens for better peripheral vision.
The Weather Conditions
Are you skiing in sunny or cloudy weather? If it’s sunny, you’ll want goggles with a darker lens. For overcast days, you can get away with a lighter tint.
Your Budget
Of course, you’ll also want to consider your budget when choosing ski goggles. Goggles can range in price from $20 to $200.
Best Goggles To Consider
Now that we’ve looked at a few things to keep in mind when choosing ski goggles, let’s look at a few of the best options on the market.
Oakley A-Frame 2.0
These goggles are great for both men and women and offer 100% protection from UV rays. They have a frame that’s designed to fit comfortably with most helmets and the lens is treated to prevent fogging.
Smith Optics I/O Mag
These goggles are also suitable for both men and women and offer 100% protection from UV rays. They have a quick-change lens system, so you can easily swap out the lens to adjust to different light conditions.
Bolle Mojo
These goggles are designed for men and offer 100% protection from UV rays. They have an oversized spherical lens for great peripheral vision and the lens is treated to prevent fogging.
UV Protection For Eyes Is Important
Skiing is a great way to enjoy the winter months, but it’s important to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Wearing goggles will help to protect your eyes and keep them healthy.
Sun blindness, or photokeratitis, is a condition that can be caused by exposure to UV rays. Symptoms of sun blindness include temporary loss of vision, redness, and pain in the eyes.
While sun blindness is not permanent, it can be very painful and it’s important to take measures to protect your eyes from the sun.
Alternatives To Goggles
In addition to wearing goggles, you can also take other measures to protect your eyes from the sun. Wearing a hat with a brim will help to shade your eyes and sunglasses will also help.
When choosing sunglasses, make sure that they offer 100% protection from UV rays.
Sunglasses When Skiing
If you prefer sunglasses over goggles, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, you’ll want to make sure that your sunglasses offer 100% protection from UV rays. Second, you’ll want to choose a lens color that’s suitable for the conditions.
For sunny days, you’ll want a darker tinted lens. For overcast days, you can get away with a lighter tint.
Finally, you’ll want to make sure that your sunglasses fit well so that they don’t fall off when you’re skiing.
Wearing goggles is the best way to protect your eyes from the sun, but you can wear the right sunglasses as well.
What Are Polarized Goggles?
Polarized goggles have a special lens that helps to reduce glare. Glare can be a problem when skiing, especially on sunny days.
The lenses of this type of eyewear work by blocking out certain types of light. This helps to reduce glare and makes it easier to see the slopes.
Polarized lenses are available in a variety of colors, so you can choose the one that’s best for the conditions.
Can I Get Prescription Goggles?
Yes, you can get prescription ski goggles. This type of eyewear is designed to help people who need vision correction to see better on the slopes.
The lenses of prescription ski goggles are made from a material that’s similar to that used in contact lenses. This helps to correct your vision and gives you a clear view of the slopes.
Should I Wear Goggles To Ski At Night?
It’s not necessary to wear goggles to ski at night, but it’s a good idea. Skiing at night can be dangerous because you can’t see as well.
Wearing goggles will help you to see better and will also protect your eyes from the cold wind. You also still have to deal with flying ice, snow, and wind at night.
If you wear night goggles, clear goggles or yellow ones are best for letting in light.
Some people also like to wear a headlamp to help them see better at night.
Why Do Some Goggles Have Two Lenses?
Some goggles have two lenses because they’re designed for people who wear glasses. The outer lens is made from a material that’s similar to that used in contact lenses. This helps to correct your vision and gives you a clear view of the slopes.
The inner lens is made from a clear material that protects your eyes from the elements.
Can I Ski Without Eye Protection?
You can technically ski without eye protection, but it’s not recommended. Skiing without goggles or sunglasses puts you at risk for sun blindness and other eye problems.
It’s important to take measures to protect your eyes from the sun when you’re skiing. Wearing goggles or sunglasses is the best way to do this.
What If I Wear Contact Lenses?
If you wear contact lenses, you’ll still want to wear goggles or sunglasses. This is because the UV rays can still damage your eyes, even if you’re wearing contacts.
In addition, the wind and cold can dry out your eyes and make your contacts uncomfortable. Wearing goggles or sunglasses will help to protect your eyes and keep them from drying out.
Goggles Help Protect The Eyes While Skiing
As you can see, there are a few things to consider when choosing ski goggles. But overall, it’s important to wear some type of eye protection when hitting the slopes. Whether you wear contact lenses, prefer certain styles, or ski at night, you have plenty of options for eye protection.