To give you a short answer, yes, you do need goggles to ski. It’s not necessarily an absolute requirement at popular resorts like Mammoth Mountain, but it definitely makes sense to don this particular type of eyewear as you hit the fresh powder. The team from ASO Mammoth, a top-tier provider of ski equipment and Mammoth snowboard rentals, explains what you need to know about the importance and benefits of goggles for skiing.
Injury Protection
One of the top reasons you need goggles to ski is because of the possibility of injuries to your face and eyes. Injuries can happen if you experience a hard impact as you fall or the motions of skiing spray some of that fresh powder toward your eyes. Depending on the type of skiing you do, there’s also the possibility of passing tree branches as you ski. Skiing when it’s actually snowing presents some risks as well, since the falling flakes could irritate or injure your eyes.
Glare Protection
Ski areas are typically exposed to the elements for safety and practical reasons. Goggles are often designed with special glare protection that minimizes the distractions that go along with direct sunlight exposure. Reducing glare also benefits you by:
• Improving your ability to maintain control
• Reducing the risk of unintended accidents
• Expanding your field of view
Extreme Temperature Protection
Since skiing involves snow, you’re often immersed in colder temperatures for long periods. The speeds involved with skiing also generate added wind pressure, which further magnifies the coldness of the air. If this frosty air is directly hitting your eyes, the prolonged exposure could cause serious eye damage. Goggles shield your eyes—and the surrounding skin—from this type of direct cold exposure.
UV Light Protection
Goggles aren’t just fancy sunglasses for skiers. Many of the goggles commonly used today include added UV protection. Even if it’s cloudy as you ski, potentially harmful ultraviolet rays can affect your eyes. Goggles also provide more facial skin coverage, which further minimizes direct UV light exposure.
Choosing & Wearing Goggles for Skiing
First, you want goggles that properly fit your face. They don’t need to be so tight that circulation is affected. However, you don’t want goggles that are too loose or shift too easily, since this defeats the purpose of wearing them. This is also why sunglasses aren’t appropriate for skiing. Also, make sure to wear your helmet correctly to get the most protection from both of these accessories. Properly wearing a ski helmet with goggles involves:
• Covering your forehead with the top/front part of your helmet
• Putting your goggles on so there’s no gap—or only a very small one—between the goggles and the helmet
• Adjusting the goggle strap so you get a secure fit
As far as whether or not you should place the strap inside or outside the helmet, it doesn’t really matter. Either way is fine as long as your helmet and goggles are properly in place.
Protective gear such as goggles can help you stay safe so you can make the most of your time on the mountain. If you need more advice about equipment, the latest in snow gear, or snowboard or ski rental in Mammoth, ASO Mammoth is the place to go. Drop by and see us when you get to the mountain or give us a call at 760-965-3444.