How to pick what ski and snowboard goggles to get
Two of the most critical items to have on the slopes are a helmet and quality goggles. With the higher elevation on the mountains, the UV rays are more prominent, and the appearance of the light hitting off the snow is more intense.
While there are several different colors for lenses, many believe that they all offer the same protection properties, which is false. All goggles are assigned a VTL, Otherwise known as Visible Light Transmission. The lens’s darkness is given a percentage, and the lower the percentage, the darker the color will be. The VTL is crucial because it helps determine what type of eye protection it will give you while wearing them.
The key to picking out what color will be most beneficial for you is figuring out what conditions you will most likely ride in. We understand that it can be difficult to carry more than one pair of goggles around, which is why we always recommend an interchangeable pair that allows you to swap in and out your lenses quickly. Here is our overall rundown of what colors to wear based on the weather.
Bright bluebird days:
Bluebird days are our by far favorite day to hit the slopes because the sun is out and shinning. On these days, you will want to pick a pair with a 5 to 15% VTL and a dark color such as black, blue, brown, and grey. These shades will help keep the sun out of your eyes and create a contrast, so you can see anything in the snow, no matter if you are in direct sunlight or the shadows.
Versatile and everyday use:
If you are the type of skier or snowboarder who will ride in any weather and doesn’t want to worry about switching out your goggles based on the weather conditions, we recommend going with a pair that has 15 to 25% VTL. A few shades in this range are green, copper, and light blue. These colors will allow you to see clearly and adapt to any weather conditions that may appear while on the mountain, including sunny and gloomy days.
Lowlight weather:
When there is minimal light on the mountain, you will want to go for a pair that has a VTL in between 30-60%. The most common shades are yellow, amber, and rose in this range. These colors are lighter and allow for more light to be seen but still give you contrast to see any bumps in the snow.
Nighttime adventures:
If dark days and nights are your favorite time to go up in the mountains, clear googles will be the best for you. What makes them unique is that they do not modify any colors or affect your depth perception. You might think that goggles wouldn’t be beneficial since there is little to no light but wearing goggles is essential to protect your eyes from harsh elements such as wind that can blur your vision and twigs that might fall on you when gliding through the trees.
We know that picking out the perfect pair is no easy task, especially with many available styles and brands. If you have any questions, feel free to come into any of our 14 locations, and one of our equipment specialists will help you find the best fit for you and your lifestyle.
