Whether you are new to skiing or snowboarding or not, one of the essential pieces of equipment you MUST have are a decent pair of ski/snowboarding goggles. Buying wisely can provide that extra protection while shielding the eyes against harmful UV rays. To me, there is no question that you should have specialist goggles to protect your eyes, sunglasses certainly would not be sufficient. It is important that you don't just go for high fashion, as there are a few things you should think about first.
The advantages of goggles over sunglasses are that most goggles have anti-mist venting properties, useful as fogging is a particular problem for beginners rather than experienced skiers as they are less likely to fall. In addition, unless you have wrap-round sunglasses your peripheral vision is greatly improved by goggles. You can still wear goggles 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.
More extreme sports demand particular elements for sunglasses or goggles. It is a personal choice whether you go for polarised lenses as although polarised lenses will reduce glare, they may also reduce the ability to see icy patches when skiing. The preferred lens colour rather depends on the conditions, and while a yellow/orange will enhance the contrast and make it easier to pick out objects or bumps in the snow they work best in low to moderate light or in foggy conditions. Bronze chrome or especially dark green lenses would be best for very bright sunlight for comfort but would be disadvantageous in poorer light conditions. Rose tints are also good for low-light while clear lenses are best for night skiing.
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).
You must ensure that 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. 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.
The advantages of goggles over sunglasses are that most goggles have anti-mist venting properties, useful as fogging is a particular problem for beginners rather than experienced skiers as they are less likely to fall. In addition, unless you have wrap-round sunglasses your peripheral vision is greatly improved by goggles. You can still wear goggles 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.
More extreme sports demand particular elements for sunglasses or goggles. It is a personal choice whether you go for polarised lenses as although polarised lenses will reduce glare, they may also reduce the ability to see icy patches when skiing. The preferred lens colour rather depends on the conditions, and while a yellow/orange will enhance the contrast and make it easier to pick out objects or bumps in the snow they work best in low to moderate light or in foggy conditions. Bronze chrome or especially dark green lenses would be best for very bright sunlight for comfort but would be disadvantageous in poorer light conditions. Rose tints are also good for low-light while clear lenses are best for night skiing.
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).
You must ensure that 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. 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 same 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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