Heading to the slopes this season and the next? Lucky you!
No, ski goggles might not be mandatory by law. But they sure are essential for your comfort levels and performance while on the slopes. How else do you expect to protect your peepers from UV rays, flying snow and the ever-changing elements?
Choosing the best ski goggles is no easy task. Especially when there’s a never-ending lineup to sift through. So, what should you look out for when it comes to your ski goggles?
According to the extraordinaires behind sports performance equipment company, Oakley, skiers should be aware of two main characteristics in their ski goggles: performance and style. The spokesperson said: “Performance encompasses things such as safety, optics, fit, quality of materials — everything that makes a goggle a reliable product on the mountain. The style appeals to a different need: being visible and recognizable on the slopes, but also allowing the rider to add a personal taste to their outfit.”
But aside from spec appeal and protection elements, today’s ski goggles go one step further. Want your lenses to come with a scratch-free coating? After a pair that uses special technology to help your sight stay fog-free? Or how about ski goggles that can automatically adapt to changing light conditions, without having to manually change the lens yourself? Take your pick. Plus, if you are a glasses wearer, you’ll need a pair of goggles that are compatible with frames.
To find the best ski goggles on the market for 2024, keep scrolling.
Do you need to wear ski goggles on the slopes?
Though the level of protection needed depends on altitude and weather conditions, you should always wear a form of eye protection on the slopes.
UV rays are stronger at higher altitudes and reflect off the snow. Without ample protection, you risk damaging your eyes or suffering from snow blindness. Goggles offer protection against UV rays, snow, debris and wind while improving your vision by reducing glare.
At lower altitudes on particularly sunny days, it can be useful to have a pair of lightweight sunglasses on you as an alternative.
Do ski goggles help protect your eyes from UV rays?
Absolutely. High-quality ski goggles are capable of blocking 100 per cent of UVA, UVB and UVC rays. Many goggles come with interchangeable lenses which can offer different protection depending on weather conditions.
For example, mirrored goggles can reflect sunlight and protect your eyes from bright snow, while goggles with a yellow/orange film improve contrast and depth perception in low light and flat conditions.
How to measure your head to find out your ski goggle size
Simply grab some measuring tape and measure the circumference of your head. Ensure the tape is roughly an inch above your eyebrows and ears, then measure to the widest point at the back of your head.
Championing style, sustainability and ski-friendly goggles, we think the SunGod Snipers come out on top. The easy-to-change lenses mean you can wear these goggles through sunshine and shade, while the overall design allows you to enjoy a peripheral view.
But the real icing on top of the cake? The fact they come with a lifetime guarantee. So no matter whether you hit the slopes season after season or just every other year, you can rest assured you’ve got a pair of goggles there to protect every performance.
