Why Are Ski Goggles So Big? (Reasons)

If you’ve ever worn ski goggles, you know how much they can block your vision. The huge lenses completely cover your eyes and make it impossible to see anything unless you look through them. 

But why are ski goggles so big? It turns out there are several good reasons for this, some of which may not even occur to you as a skier or snowboarder.

SKI GOGGLES | How It’s Made – YouTube
Takeaways
Ski goggles are big for several reasons.
Larger size provides better peripheral vision.
Increased coverage protects against wind, snow, and debris.
Big goggles offer more space for prescription glasses.
Improved ventilation reduces fogging.
Larger frames allow for compatibility with helmets.
Ski goggles provide added facial protection in case of accidents.
Big goggles offer a stylish and trendy look on the slopes.
Choosing the right size is crucial for comfort and functionality.
Ski goggles are an essential accessory for skiing and snowboarding.

Keep Your Eyes From Drying Out

Your eyes need moisture to stay healthy and comfortable. The goggles’ job is to keep the moisture in, not out. 

If you’re skiing down a hill with dry, irritated eyes, it’s likely that your goggles are too big for your face. You can use eye drops or saline solution to keep them moist if you have this problem.

The snug fit of ski goggles will make it harder for the wind and snow from entering into your eyes through gaps between each lens and your face (if there is any room between), but they also may allow some moisture inside while keeping out other things like sunlight and dust particles.

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Make Sure You Can See Everything

There are a lot of things that can lead to you not being able to see anything while skiing. One reason is having too big of goggles, which will make it harder for you to see everything clearly.

Another reason could be that your goggles don’t fit correctly and are too tight on your face—this is especially true if you have a beard or long hair as well as glasses. In this case, the goggles will be constantly fogging up because they can’t breathe properly around your face or head!

BrandField of Vision (Degrees)
Oakley180
Smith200
Giro200
Scott200
Bolle180
Spy Optic180
Anon200
Dragon180
Electric200
POC210

Make Your Eyes Comfortable

You may also have heard that a good pair of goggles should be comfortable. Comfort is important because your eyes will get tired if they are squished or stretched out, and you don’t want to wear something that makes them feel bad.

So how do you make sure your goggles fit well? The best way is to go into the store or shop before buying and try them on so you can see if they fit right. If you’re buying online, look at reviews and find out what other people thought about the product!

Give You A Wider Field Of Vision

They give you a wider field of vision.

Ski goggles should be wide enough to give you a full 180-degree field of vision, without blocking your peripheral vision. 

That means they shouldn’t be too wide or they will block your peripheral vision, but they also shouldn’t be too narrow because then you will have tunnel vision (which is bad).

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Get Rid Of Glare

The first way to reduce glare is to get rid of it. Glare is caused by any source of light reflecting off something else, and there are many sources of glare that you should be aware of. 

For example, if your head is tilted up towards the sun (or moon) when you’re skiing on a sunny day, that reflection can blind you. 

So if you notice that your goggles are causing this kind of problem for you, try adjusting them so they aren’t aimed upwards anymore!

The second way to reduce glare is to use anti-glare lenses or tinted lenses in your ski goggles. 

These types of lenses reduce incoming light by either blocking out some wavelengths or scattering them around so they don’t hit someone’s eyes directly; both methods work well at reducing glare while still allowing enough light into one’s eyes so as not to cause discomfort while wearing them

Protect Against Injury

Ski goggles are designed to protect your eyes from flying debris and falling objects. You don’t want a snowflake or a pebble stabbing into the eye, so it’s important that your lens is well-protected. 

Ski goggles also keep the wind out of your eyes, which can dry them out and cause irritation if left unprotected for extended periods of time.

The best ski goggles will fit snugly over your face, but not too tight that they squeeze against the skin in places where it shouldn’t be pressed against—like around the nose or under the chin—or give you headaches after wearing them for a while.

BrandImpact Resistance Rating
OakleyANSI Z87.1
SmithASTM F2040
GiroCE EN 174
ScottEN 174
BolleANSI Z87.1
Spy OpticASTM F659
AnonASTM F2040
DragonEN 174
ElectricCE EN 174
POCCE EN 174

In the table above, you can find a comparison of various ski goggle brands and their respective impact resistance ratings. The impact resistance rating indicates the level of protection the goggles offer against potential injuries.

Give You Room To Breathe

Ski goggles are big because they’re designed to give you room to breathe. This allows your eyes to be comfortable and remain moist, which will prevent the fogging up of the goggles. It’s important that you can see everything in front of you while skiing, so having a wide field of vision is crucial. 

A good pair of ski goggles will allow for this wide field of vision and won’t cause any unnecessary irritation on your face or nose from being pressed against them for hours at a time.

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Block Out Dangerous Uv Rays

Ski goggles are oversized to help block out dangerous UV rays. These rays can cause sunburn, cataracts, skin cancer and premature aging. They can also damage your eyesight. 

This is why it’s important to wear ski goggles when you’re skiing or snowboarding in the wintertime. These big sunglasses keep your eyes safe from the sun’s harmful effects so you can enjoy your favorite activity with peace of mind.

Prevent Fogging And Condensation

Because fogging and condensation are the biggest problems with goggles, you should know that keeping your goggles clean is the best way to prevent them. 

Your best bet is to use anti-fog spray or a defogger, which are made of chemicals that help keep your glasses clear when you’re wearing them on a ski slope.

If you’d rather not use chemicals to clean your goggles, there are other options available as well. You can use a cloth with water or alcohol on it and wipe down the inside of each lens separately before putting them back on (the exterior of the lenses shouldn’t get wet). 

If this seems like too much work for cleaning after each run down the mountain, consider just bringing one pair of goggles instead of two!

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Increase Visibility In Low-Light Conditions

Ski goggles are designed to be large because they help you see in low-light conditions. With your eyes covered by the goggles, it’s important to ensure that you can see the trail, terrain and any other skiers or snowboarders around you. 

In addition, if there are signs on the trail (such as “Caution: Steep drop off”), it is important to have a clear view from your goggles so that you can read them easily.

BrandLow-Light Lens Technology
OakleyPrizm Low Light
SmithChromaPop Storm
GiroVIVID
ScottAmplifier
BollePhantom
Spy OpticHappy Lens
AnonSONAR
DragonLumalens
ElectricBrose
POCClarity

In the table above, you can find a comparison of various ski goggle brands and their respective low-light lens technologies. These technologies are designed to enhance visibility and optimize performance in challenging low-light conditions on the slopes.

Don’t Get In The Way When It Starts To Rain Or Snow

One of the biggest problems with wearing ski goggles is that they can obstruct your view at the very moment when you need it most. 

You’re skiing down some steep terrain, maybe even jumping off things—you want to be able to see everything that’s happening around you. 

Sure, you could take them off and put them back on every time a bird flies by or a snowflake lands on your cheek, but then how are you supposed to hear any potential dangers coming up ahead? If something bad happens and someone comes flying down at top speed toward me without warning (and trust me, it does happen), I’d like to get out of their way as quickly as possible!

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Conclusion

Hopefully, we’ve helped you understand a little better why it’s important to have the right goggles. 

We know that if you’re not sure which type of ski goggles suit your needs best, then maybe this article has given you some ideas on how to decide what kind will work best for them.

Further reading

  • 5 Reasons for Wearing Ski Goggles: Discover the importance of ski goggles and why they are essential for your safety and performance on the slopes.
  • 5 Reasons to Wear Snow Goggles: Explore the benefits of wearing snow goggles during winter activities, including protection from the elements and enhanced visibility.
  • Reasons to Wear Ski Goggles: Learn about the various reasons why ski goggles are a must-have accessory for every skier, from preventing eye injuries to improving vision in challenging weather conditions.

And now, here’s the “FAQs” section with five questions and answers:

FAQs

Can I ski without wearing goggles?

Yes, you can ski without wearing goggles, but it’s not recommended. Ski goggles provide important eye protection from wind, snow, UV rays, and potential impacts. They also enhance visibility in various weather conditions, making your skiing experience safer and more enjoyable.

Are ski goggles suitable for snowboarding?

Yes, ski goggles are suitable for snowboarding as well. The needs for eye protection and visibility are similar in both activities. Ski goggles offer the same benefits for snowboarders, including shielding the eyes from the elements and providing clear vision on the slopes.

Do ski goggles fog up easily?

Modern ski goggles are designed to minimize fogging by incorporating anti-fog coatings and ventilation systems. However, certain factors like temperature, humidity, and excessive sweating can still cause goggles to fog up. Choosing goggles with good ventilation and anti-fog features can help reduce fogging.

How do I clean my ski goggles?

To clean your ski goggles, use a microfiber cloth or a lens-specific cleaning cloth to gently wipe away any dirt or smudges. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the lens or anti-fog coatings. If necessary, rinse the goggles with clean water and let them air dry.

Can I wear glasses under ski goggles?

Yes, many ski goggles are designed to accommodate glasses. Look for goggles with a larger frame size or those specifically labeled as “OTG” (Over the Glasses) goggles. These goggles have extra space to fit your prescription eyewear comfortably, allowing you to enjoy clear vision on the slopes while wearing glasses.