Skier safety depends on the ability to see the fall line and the surrounding area, and sense the changes in terrain. Extreme sunlight, flat light and snow and ice particles falling against a skier's face will potentially impede her vision. These distractions may cause her to shift her focus from her feet to her face and eyes. As she loses awareness of the terrain beneath her feet, she becomes susceptible to injury. Ski goggles provide a viable solution to these problems.
Function
The Environmental Protection Agency warns that the sun's ultraviolet ray intensity increases with altitude because there is less atmosphere available for absorbing the damaging rays. Snow also reflects the sun's rays, which increases the potential for damage. Ski goggles protect the eyes from ultraviolet radiation. Since they are larger than traditional sunglasses, they also protect the face.
Features
Ski goggles differ from traditional sunglasses. They cover more of your face and have a softer, more flexible design. A thick, adjustable band holds your ski goggles in place. The more expensive goggles have some useful bells and whistles. Double lens goggles, for example, increase facial warmth and reduce the potential for fogging. Some goggles have a fog-preventing fan system. People who wear prescription eyeglasses have two options. They can purchase prescription ski goggles, or wear goggles designed to fit over eyeglasses. Those who desire a "geeky" ski experience may appreciate Zeal Optics Transcend Goggles, which feature a GPS and a sensor, which computes altitude and temperature and skiing speed.
Considerations
Ski goggles have different color lenses for different conditions. If you ski in different conditions and at different times of the day, consider a ski goggle with removable lenses, which can be changed according to the conditions. Clear lenses work best for night skiing, while yellow lenses brighten the landscape on stormy, overcast days. Pink lenses create contrast in most conditions.
Fogless Goggles
Manufacturers credit the scientist at the NASA Johnson Space for the fogless ski goggle concept. NASA wanted the scientists to develop a method of keeping the spacecraft windows clear before launching. They developed a window coating comprised of detergent, oxygen-compatible oil and deionized water. Through a program called NASA Spinoff, NASA issued about 60 nonexclusive licenses to various manufacturers. Ski goggle manufacturers benefited from this invention.
Prevention/Solution
Prevent scratches by storing your ski goggles in their protective pouch. Clean the outside of the goggles with water, but cleaning the inside of the lenses may damage the anti-fog coating. Prevent fogging by keeping your goggles on your face. Removing your goggles while outdoors will cause them to fog up when putting them back on your face. Bring your helmet when purchasing ski goggles. They should fit with the helmet's goggle attachment, and there should be no space between the helmet's lower rim and the top of your goggle.
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