by Clark Brinton

Created on: January 06, 2009

You've finally broken away from the daily grind to realize your long awaited ski trip. After dealing with all the necessary hassles, you've successfully made it on the mountain. By your third run you're holding your head at an angle, peering through the bottom left corner, the only spot yet to be engulfed by crusty fog. It looks like smooth corduroy, then oof! Oof! OOF! You've been barraged by a militant-like line of moguls. You land spread-eagle for all to see, a victim to verbal abuse that issues forth from the ski lift overhead. Isn't there a better way?

Ski goggles, though often overlooked, are the key component in your ski equipment arsenal. Not only do they dictate whether you remember your expensive ski vacation with joy or resentment, they are arguably the most important piece of safety equipment for resort skiing. Skiing with fogged goggles, or lenses inappropriate for the conditions, is not only a pain in the ski bum, but also dangerous. Uneven terrain, rocks, or trees that are missed due to inappropriate eye wear could cut your trip, or life, short. Skiing is about risk taking, but goggles shouldn't be part of the gamble.

Goggles are important, but what do I look for? The four F's: Function, frame, fit, and fashion are a good starting place.

First off, function. There are as many different lens colors and types as there are skiers on the hill, but a great goggle pick shouldn't require a ski shop techie's expertise. The majority of people want a goggle that is versatile and effective in all conditions. For the all condition, all mountain warrior, a rose or amber colored lens with mirror finish is most appropriate. The mirror finish will reflect snow glare away from the eyes in bright conditions, and the amber or rose colored lens will highlight hidden obstacles in low light. If you always ski at high noon in bright light, a deeper tint would be more appropriate, as a clear goggle is best for night skiing. These are more the exception than the rule, however.

Second, frame. Always, i repeat, ALWAYS make sure the goggle has a frame with a double lens. This will all but eliminate goggle fog and keep you from tearing up by insulating your sensitive eyes. Also, examine the goggle to assure that there is plenty of ventilation built into the goggle for airflow between the lenses. This will keep your field of vision crystal clear. Finally, if you use a helmet or are partial to skiing with a special fleece drumstick beanie, check for compatibility with the goggle. There shouldn't be a forehead gap between the helmet and goggle, and the strap should lie comfortably in the helmet allowing the goggle to sit properly on your face.

Third, fit. Most goggles come in child, mens and womens sizes, and many have more size breakdowns within these categories. You know your face, get a goggle that fits it! Specifically, check to make sure the frame doesn't obstruct your peripheral vision as a safety measure. It should lie comfortably on your face with even pressure around the outer foam padding. If it pinches your nose, rides up on your cheekbones, or just doesn't feel right, look for a different goggle. Even if the wrong goggle is on sale, you'll thank yourself later for splurging on a good fit.

Finally, fashion. Though style is a shallow quality, who doesn't like to look good whether rockin that ole' school stem christi, throwing a corked out 7, or just making down the hill alive? A good goggle is expensive, you might as well get it in a color you're fond of.

Buying a great goggle isn't rocket science, but skiing with one will make you feel smarter than an MIT mogul.

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