Ski goggles are a type of protective eyewear worn by skiers, snowboarders, and winter sportsmen. These specialty goggles are designed to keep vision clear and protect the face and eyes from snow, ice, and wind. Ski goggles are one of the most important protective pieces worn by skiers. The best ski goggles fit securely and will protect your face in the event of a fall or collision with an object while skiing.

What are ski goggles?

Ski goggles are designed to meet the physical demands of skiing. The lens area of ski goggles is intentionally large to provide good peripheral vision. Most ski goggle frames are made from flexible materials that hold their shape but will not crack or break upon impact. The goggles are held in place by a thick strap that ensures they will not budge at any speed.

The difference between ski goggles and regular sports eyewear is that goggles shield the entire upper part of the face from the elements. Most ski goggles also offer UV protection and are tinted in a rose or yellow/orange hue. These contrast-enhancing tints allow skiers to see objects and shapes in the snow.

People with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism have the option of fitting prescription glasses into their ski goggles, or they can have prescription lenses inserted into the goggles.

Why are ski goggles necessary?

All skiers can benefit from ski goggles. Goggles protect the eyes from: 

• Snow blindness 
• Bad weather 
• Snow and ice 
• Wind 
• Twigs and debris

Skiers travel at high rates of speed, and it is essential to keep the visual field clear at all times. Regular sunglasses may protect against UV rays, but they do not provide the same comfort, security, and 180-degree visual field as ski goggles. Barreling down a steep ski slope, eyes have to be protected and vision needs to be clear to avoid collisions with trees, objects, and even other skiers.

Benefits of ski goggles

One of the primary benefits of ski goggles is that they provide unobstructed peripheral vision. The wide lenses also shield eyes from wind and snow, which can irritate eyes and cause temporary blindness.

Most people do not realize the danger associated with too much sun exposure while skiing. The sun’s rays are far more powerful when reflected off the snow at a high altitude; too much exposure can lead to painful sunburn of the eyes. Ski goggles block 100 percent of these rays.