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Posted on Saturday April 23rd at 9:24 a.m.
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You know I think the most essential pieces of equipment to get right to enjoy your day in New Zealand are snow chains, well fitting boots and GOGGLES.
Goggles protect you face and eyes from the wind, snow and rain (as well as your eye from the sun but any glasses will do that).
The Frame
Goggles come in all shapes and sizes. It is important to choose on that is right for you. Men's, women's and childrens goggle are all diffenrent shapes and, some goggles are made for wearing with specific helmets so make sure you are trying on the right type of goggle. Get something that fits your face, and if using a helmet, try it on with a helmet before you buy to make sure the strap is long enough. The frame of the goggle is a fashion statement so if that matters to you make sure that you shop around for the right style and colour.
If you wear eyeglasses, over-the-glasses (OTG) goggles are the best option. Remember to bring your glasses with you to try on goggles, if you plan on wearing them while skiing. If you are wearing contacts while ski goggle shopping, keep in mind that you may want to ski while wearing your glasses, on occasion. When that's the case, you will need the larger-sized over-the-glasses goggles.
The Lens
The lens however is usually interchangeable.
Like double glazing in a house a double layered lens is better than a single. Lenses come in all sorts of colours. Polarised lenses being the ultimate but you pay for the privilege. If you're getting serious about a pair of goggles and you want it to do everything, get a dark lens for brighter windy days, and a rose, yellow or clear lens for cloudy or white-out conditions. I personally have two pairs of goggles, one with a dark and one with a rose lens.
The lens is plastic and will scratch so if you want them to last don't just through them in the bag with your boots, in your boot maybe. Use the bag that it came with, which also usually doubles as a cleaning cloth.
Fogged goggles. An issue, but follow some basic rules and you shouldn't get fogged goggles. More goggles now come with an anti-fogging agent on the inside of the lens. The more you clean the inside of the lens the less effective this agent will be. Use only a lens cloth if you can. You can buy a non-fog cloth or spray to help if you find your goggles fogging. Follow these steps to avoid fogged goggles:
- Dry your goggles thoroughly the night before.
- Keep them dry before putting them on your face.
- Once on your face NEVER put them up onto your forehead if your hat or helmets are wet. Take them off and tuck them into your jacket.
- Dry your goggles thoroughly after riding.
A few cautions;
- If your goggles get overly wet there is not much you can do. Be careful when cleaning the inside of the lens.
- If you are drying your goggles close to a heater, not too close. I have seen many instances when people melt their goggles while trying to dry them.
Choosing a Goggle
Choosing a Goggle Lens