Brains
The ski goggles vs sunglasses debate is one every skier faces as spring rolls in, the weather starts to warm up, and the sun hangs out just a little more each day. This is often the call for some to dig into the slush day gear, cut down on layers, and add a little more style. Eventually, the question arises, “Hmm, do I really need goggles?” “Would I like the extra wind on my face?” Well, today we’re going to try to help you answer that question.
Goggles are a skiing staple, a mountain necessity, and today’s technology is seamless. They wrap around your face, keeping the wind and snow from blowing into your eyes. Companies have improved anti-fog capabilities and increased their field of view over the years.
Ski Goggles vs Sunglasses: A Brief History of the Debate
Ski goggles became practical enough to hit the mountain in the 1930s when celluloid plastic was incorporated into the clunky eyewear. Compared to modern ski goggles, it took roughly 30 years for the next major technological advancement to convince most skiers to grab a pair of goggles or sunglasses. The double-layered lens in the mid-1960s, along with foam padding and adjustable straps, made goggles nearly irresistible on a cold, windy day. Today, goggles feature the latest and greatest technology to reduce glare and fog and maximize the field of vision. Despite the incredible advancements in goggles, people still reach for their sunglasses… but why?
The answer is multifaceted; maybe it is for reasons no other than style, or affordability, maybe they like a cool breeze on their eyes, or that’s just how they’ve skied for 50 years. Let us set speculation aside and dissect the benefits of each type of eyewear.
Why Goggles Remain the Mountain Standard
Pros of selecting goggles:
- The adjustable strap wrapping around the goggles provides a snug, yet soft fit that may even stay on during your hardest tomahawk of the season.
- Goggles typically cover a larger surface area on your face, providing protection from the sun, snow, wind, tree branches, and whatever else may find its way to your face or into your eyes.
- Typically, the safer choice due to its robust, secure fit.
- Seamless integration with the proper helmet, AKA no gaper gap!
Cons of goggles:
- Goggles are typically bulky and can reduce peripheral vision.
- They can be too warm, causing sweating and creating discomfort in the eyes for some people.
- Typically, it is more difficult to remove ice, snow, and fog.
The Case for Sunglasses on the Slopes
It’s time for sunglasses to shine. Sunglasses can be a great choice for skinning up the mountain, or whenever you need a little more ventilation. Like goggles, sunglasses have benefited from evolving technology. Over the years, we’ve seen sunglasses become tailored toward action sports, adding functionality and durability for a variety of applications.
Pros of sunglasses:
- Provides excellent ventilation in warm weather, giving you the extra breeze to cool your face.
- Prescription sunglasses are more accessible than prescription goggles.
- More convenient to store in your jacket, pants, or other pockets when not in use.
- Lightweight and breathable for the skin track or cross-country skiing.
- Funky sunglasses can make a killer fashion statement.
Cons of sunglasses:
- Some sunglasses can slide off your face easily, especially during that gnarly tomahawk.
- It is often easier for snow, sunlight, and other elements to get into your eyes.
- Typically more prone to shattering or losing a lens.
- Sunglasses don’t typically provide the same level of safety and protection as goggles.
How to Make the Ski Goggles vs Sunglasses Call on the Day
Choosing sunglasses or goggles is a matter of personal preference, and the weather can have a significant influence on your decision. Sunglasses can be an excellent choice for the skin track and warm sunny days, whereas goggles can be ideal for mixed weather conditions. It’s important to stick with what you find most comfortable, so get out there and experiment. Maybe you are like Zeb Powell, who became well known for riding without eye protection and casually won an X Games gold medal while wearing pink sunglasses.
Good discussion of the pros and cons from a comfort perspective. However, there was no focus on eye safety. Goggles are the best choice from an eye safety perspective. In a crash sunglasses offer little if any protection to your eyes. On the other hand, goggles provide excellent eye protection. This is especially true if you wear contact lenses while skiing. Think of what could happen to your eyes when wearing contact lenses and sun glasses during a face plant onto hard pack snow.
And goggles will do a very good job protecting your eyes from errant branches when skiing through trees. That is why I always wear my goggles even when the weather is warm and beautiful. I value my eyes over my comfort.