You need extra protection for your eyes when skiing or snowboarding and specialist goggles can provide that extra protection while shielding them against harmful UV rays. In our minds, there is no question that you should have specialist goggles to protect your eyes, sunglasses certainly are not enough. Please don't just buy what you believe to be high fashion, as there are a few things you should think about before you buy.
Goggles are more advantageous over sunglasses because for one, most goggles have anti-mist and venting properties. This is useful, as fogging is a particular problem for beginners rather than for more experienced skiers who are less likely to fall. Additionally, unless you have wrap-round sunglasses your peripheral vision is greatly improved by wearing goggles. Thankfully, you can still wear goggles even if you wear prescription glasses or contacts, although it must be noted that your selection of goggles will be a bit more limited if you wear glasses.
An important element you should look for when buying ski/snowboarding goggles must of course involve the lenses. You may intend to get polarised lenses but consider this carefully as they do have a negative side. Yes, they will reduce glare, but equally, they will reduce the ability to see any icy patches while skiing. The colour of the lenses you choose for your goggles should be determined by when you normally intend to use them. For example, yellow/orange tints will enhance the contrast and make it easier to pick out bumps or objects in the snow, however, they are best used in low to moderate light or foggy conditions. Dark green or bronze chrome lenses are more comfortable for very bright sunlight but would be disadvantageous in poorer light. Rose tints are also good for low-light conditions but if you intend to ski at night, you should choose clear lenses.
As for price, thankfully, even designer ski and snowboarding goggles come in all sizes and at a wide variety of prices (for example, Electric and Oakley goggles can be found from around 70 pounds sterling, or Bloc goggles from a little over 25 and Spy around 80 sterling and above).
Make sure your ski or snowboarding goggles fit snugly and are large enough to protect some of your face as well as your eyes from ice chips that may fly up. They should also be made of a soft flexible material and be held in place by strong wide straps to keep them safely in place. Don't forget to check that your new goggles have 100% UV (A and B) protection and remember that the darkness of the lens tint has nothing to do with how good the UV protection actually is.
To summarise, don't forget to buy your ski or snowboarding goggles before you leave for your first trip as you will get a better deal. Think carefully about when you are likely to use them and the possible light conditions. While regular skiers may tend to have goggles with more than one lens or multiple pairs, to begin with I would probably go for the yellow/orange option for their ability to improve contrast and because they work well in low to moderate lights.
Goggles are more advantageous over sunglasses because for one, most goggles have anti-mist and venting properties. This is useful, as fogging is a particular problem for beginners rather than for more experienced skiers who are less likely to fall. Additionally, unless you have wrap-round sunglasses your peripheral vision is greatly improved by wearing goggles. Thankfully, you can still wear goggles even if you wear prescription glasses or contacts, although it must be noted that your selection of goggles will be a bit more limited if you wear glasses.
An important element you should look for when buying ski/snowboarding goggles must of course involve the lenses. You may intend to get polarised lenses but consider this carefully as they do have a negative side. Yes, they will reduce glare, but equally, they will reduce the ability to see any icy patches while skiing. The colour of the lenses you choose for your goggles should be determined by when you normally intend to use them. For example, yellow/orange tints will enhance the contrast and make it easier to pick out bumps or objects in the snow, however, they are best used in low to moderate light or foggy conditions. Dark green or bronze chrome lenses are more comfortable for very bright sunlight but would be disadvantageous in poorer light. Rose tints are also good for low-light conditions but if you intend to ski at night, you should choose clear lenses.
As for price, thankfully, even designer ski and snowboarding goggles come in all sizes and at a wide variety of prices (for example, Electric and Oakley goggles can be found from around 70 pounds sterling, or Bloc goggles from a little over 25 and Spy around 80 sterling and above).
Make sure your ski or snowboarding goggles fit snugly and are large enough to protect some of your face as well as your eyes from ice chips that may fly up. They should also be made of a soft flexible material and be held in place by strong wide straps to keep them safely in place. Don't forget to check that your new goggles have 100% UV (A and B) protection and remember that the darkness of the lens tint has nothing to do with how good the UV protection actually is.
To summarise, don't forget to buy your ski or snowboarding goggles before you leave for your first trip as you will get a better deal. Think carefully about when you are likely to use them and the possible light conditions. While regular skiers may tend to have goggles with more than one lens or multiple pairs, to begin with I would probably go for the yellow/orange option for their ability to improve contrast and because they work well in low to moderate lights.
About the Author:
Don't make the mistake I did! It took a friend having a bad fall as a result of incorrect eyewear but I now have 2 pairs of snow/ski goggles. One pair of Oakley goggles (Crowbar) and a cheaper pair for sunny conditions.
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