How to Properly Wear Your Ski Goggles
Ski goggles are an essential piece of every person’s ski attire. To the point where a day skiing without goggles can be nearly impossible if the weather is bad. Given that they are so important, making sure that they are properly fitted to your face is vital.
The simplest way to make sure that you are wearing your Goggle correctly is to try them on with your helmet when you are still at home. Put them on in the mirror and make sure that they fit correctly. They should be snug but not too tight. Ideally, there should not be a visible gap between you're helmet and top of the googles.
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Make Sure Nothing is Damaged or Broken.
Before you try on your goggles, make sure that nothing is out of place. If a piece of the plastic clip is missing from the side or if there is a crack in one of your lenses, then your goggles are not going to work properly and will have to be repaired or replaced. Also, when dealing with older goggles, keep in mind that the elastic used for the bands eventually wears out. So if your trusty pair of goggles does not seem to be fitting your helmet anymore, then it might be time to get some new elastic straps for them.
How To Properly Wear Your Goggles
The most common mistake that people make when putting on their ski goggles is to put them under their helmets. When you put your goggles under your helmet, the plastic straps will rub against your head and ears making it really uncomfortable. Also, you will not be able to adjust your goggles without taking your helmet, which is a hassle and can be unsafe at times.
Another thing that is less common but still happens is people skiing with their goggles upside down. Not only will this hurt, but you probably will not be able to see very well either. To make sure you do not have this happen to you, be sure that the U-shaped section of the goggle is resting on your nose. If the U-shaped section is on your forehead then you will know that your goggles are upside down.
Make Sure Your Goggles Fit Well
Goggles should fit snuggly around your helmet and face, not too tight or loose. Goggles that are too tight will be painful for your face and may snap during your day of skiing. On the other hand, if your goggles are too loose, you will constantly be adjusting them while you are going down the mountain, which can be very dangerous to yourself and those around you.
Use the plastic clips on the side to adjust how tight you want your goggles. Pulling them forward will tighten them while pulling them back will loosen them. Also, make sure that you have the proper goggle for your particular head and helmet. If you are unsure, ask someone at your local ski shop or at the base of the mountain.
The Dreaded "Gaper-Gap"
A "gaper" is someone on the mountain who does not ski very well, and they are often identified by the iconic "gaper-gap." You do not want to be a gaper, but do not worry because there is an easy way to make sure your goggles work to fit with your helmet.
A "gaper-gap" is the space between your helmet and goggles. While this may sound silly, it is actually a pretty critical part of your skiing setup. If you have this gap, you will be allowing cold air to slip between your helmet and goggles. This will make your head cold and fog up your lens, which is hazardous when skiing.
Get The Same Goggles As Your Helmet
The best way to avoid a gaper gap is to buy the same brand of goggles as you did your helmet. Companies make sure that their equipment works perfectly together long before they ever hit the market. So if you are worried about different pieces of gear not working together, then make sure you are getting the same brand. Of course, this goes for goggles as well as everything else you are wearing and using on the mountain.
On A Serious Note
Ski bum nicknames aside, you should really be conscious of your goggles when you are out skiing. The last thing anyone wants is to be too preoccupied with adjusting your gear and not seeing the tree or fellow skier you are racing towards. So make sure that your helmet, goggles, and other gear are ready for the season and fit you appropriately long before you get on your first chairlift.
Conclusion
Goggles are a pretty important piece of gear when it comes to skiing. Without them, you are not only a hazard to yourself but to everyone on the mountain. This is why it is so important to make sure that yours are not broken and that they fit properly long before you get to the mountain. This way, you have a safer day skiing and look better to boot.
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Hello, I'm Simon & I love skiing. I started skiing in 2007 and I founded this website to help new skiers learn everything there is to know about skiing. NewToSki.com has grown to be a trusted resource for over a million skiers to plan their ski trips each year and learn more about every aspect of skiing. Be sure to join my email list for the best tips and handpicked deals each week.
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