Are ski goggles necessary?
Skiing is great fun and physical activity, but before heading to the mountains, it's important to ensure you have the right equipment. The first thing to remember is the right ski goggles. Why is this so important? Let's see what goggles protect against on the ski slopes.
What do ski goggles protect against? (UV rays, wind, weather conditions)
Ski goggles are not only a fashionable accessory, but above all, essential protection against harmful weather conditions that may accompany us while having fun on the slopes.
First, let's focus on UV radiation, which is very dangerous. White snow, while certainly beautiful, can pose a serious threat to your eyes while skiing. This is because the snow reflects dangerous UV radiation. Without goggles, it could damage the cornea and lead to a phenomenon called "snow blindness." This is a temporary vision impairment characterized by inflammation of the cornea and caused by exposure to strong UV radiation. The first symptoms may be intense watering, redness, and pain, and in extreme cases, it can even lead to blindness lasting several days.
Additionally, ski goggles can be an effective barrier against wind, snow, and rain. Their sealed design protects the eyes from wind, which can cause watery eyes and thus reduce safety on the slopes.
It is also worth noting that ski goggles provide additional protection in the event of a fall or collision on the slope, minimizing the risk of eye injuries.
Ski goggles for children – are they necessary?
The safety of young skiers should always be a priority on the slopes. Good ski goggles protect children's eyes from sunlight, wind, ice particles, snow, and infrared radiation.
Protecting children's eyes is crucial, as they are much more delicate than adult eyes. Failure to protect them can increase the risk of serious vision problems in the near future.
The best ski goggles for children should have two lenses, be durable, prevent the lenses from fogging, and have a UV400 filter, which is responsible for protection against harmful UV radiation.
Models available on the market for children are characterized by an ergonomic design adapted to smaller faces. If your child is skiing for the first time, it's worth taking the time to choose truly comfortable, tight, and high-quality ski goggles. This will ensure comfort while skiing and significantly increase safety on the slopes.
Which ski goggles should you choose?
Now you know that goggles protect your eyes while skiing. However, it's also crucial to choose a high-quality model that you'll use for a long time. Find out which ski goggles to choose for eye protection, comfort, and safety on the slopes.
Ski goggle size
The first consideration when choosing ski goggles is their size. Typically, you'll find sizes like kids, junior, S, L, or M. Kids and junior models are designed for children. Adult goggles are available in a wide range of sizes and variations these days, so it's essential to try on the chosen model and find the perfect fit for your face.
Women's ski goggles and unisex models are becoming increasingly popular. Size S is typically chosen by women with smaller faces, as these models are narrower and lower than sizes M and L.
It's important to choose ski goggles that provide a wide field of vision, comfort, and protection for the entire eye area and forehead. After trying them on, check whether the frames restrict vision or impede breathing.
The shape of ski goggles
The shape of ski goggles has a significant impact not only on their aesthetics but also on their functionality. Frames have the greatest impact on the shape of ski goggles. Therefore, there are two main types of goggles to consider: cylindrical and spherical.
- Spherical goggles – characterized by a rounded shape and rounded lenses; valued primarily for their wide viewing angle and field of view, modern design, and lens placement closer to the face. The only potential issue is the increased risk of scratching the lens.
- Cylindrical goggles – cylindrical models with flat lenses are also available. These have higher frames and are more scratch-resistant.
A properly selected shape can influence the quality of vision on the slope, ventilation and overall riding comfort.
OTG frames – why is it worth it?
Ski goggles with Over-the-Glasses (OTG) technology are designed for skiers who wear prescription glasses. If you have vision problems, don't take risks on the slopes and opt for contact lenses or goggles with OTG frames. These are designed with a cutout and wider frames that allow you to wear the ski goggles over your glasses.
Ventilation in ski goggles
Adequate ventilation is another key factor to consider when choosing ski goggles. So, choose a model that allows for proper air circulation and wicks moisture away from sweaty skin. This will effectively eliminate discomfort and prevent fogging during winter sports.
Lenses in ski goggles
The lenses in ski goggles are also a crucial aspect, protecting your eyes and improving your vision. When purchasing, consider features such as:
- clarity of the lenses – you can choose from goggle models on the S0-S3 scale and photochromatic lenses;
- contrast – high-quality ski goggles are equipped with technologies that increase white contrast and effectively improve visibility while skiing;
- anti-fog coating – prevents ski goggles from fogging;
- number of panes – you can choose between double and single panes; currently, double panes are more popular;
- glass tint – brown reduces reflections, yellow and red enhance contrast, and green provides good contrast, while grey reduces light intensity; you should choose the appropriate colour that will work well on sunny days and in poor visibility conditions.
