5 tips for skiing with glasses
Having perfect vision while on the mountain is a priority, right? How else can you scope your line or spot your friend among the après crowds (unless they’re dancing on a table in a neon onesie, of course)? However, is skiing with glasses as easy as throwing them on and heading out? Or is it more of a challenge? Don’t worry – Dope Mag’s here with the answers in our quick-fire guide.
Wearing your glasses up the hill sounds simple enough. But did you know it’s fraught with challenges like foggy lenses and finding the right fit? Bummer, right? And did you know there’s also more than one way to see ‘n’ ski? Good thing, then, we cover them all so you can have incredible sight – and an epic time on the mountain.
Oh, and how about looking like a vision in our new-season ski clothing? See what we did there? Yep, pair your 20/20 sight with a new ski jacket or ski bib.
Top 5 tips
Wear over the glasses (OTG) goggles
Try prescription ski goggle inserts
Use contact lenses
Remember your prescription sunnies
Prevent your goggles or glasses from fogging
1. Wear over the glasses (OTG) goggles
OTG (‘over the glasses’) goggles are the OGs. These oversized goggles fit on top of your prescription glasses. So, the lens is a touch further away from your face than traditional goggles. The foam padding is also slightly thicker to create a seal around your glasses’ arms. Don’t worry – they’re not so oversized you resemble a bug. It’s more that their specialized design is roomy enough for your specs to slot naturally underneath.
What’s the benefit of OTG goggles? Comfort! Because these goggles have a specific fit, you don’t have to worry about your spec lenses or frames squashing against your face, potentially bending or breaking. These goggles also keep your glasses firmly in place. That way, there’s no dreaded nose slip and adjusting your specs mid-descent. Don’t forget to consider your glasses style, though. Yes, those agency-style, chunky frames might work in an office. But on the mountain, it’s a different story. Instead, opt for slim, low-profile frames, which work better under OTG goggles.
2. Try prescription ski goggle inserts
Another way to see ‘n’ ski is prescription ski goggle inserts. This is where removable prescription lenses fit in the front of the goggles. They’re compatible with virtually any type of goggle. So, add them to your current setup and transfer them to another pair when needed, such as your low-light goggles. Plus, you can include a special anti-fog coating to prevent any dreaded lens mist.
Prescription ski goggle inserts are an amazing alternative to OTG goggles, as you can leave your glasses behind in the chalet. However, they are a little pricier for that reason. Plus, once you take them off, you’re removing your glasses, too. Don’t worry, though – we’ll get onto a solution for that in a second.
3. Use contact lenses
Of course, swapping your specs for contact lenses is also an option. Contacts are super useful, as you don’t have to worry about your goggles potentially causing damage or the contacts fogging up.
You can opt for daily or monthly contact lenses. Alternatively, we’ve recently discovered Ortho-k contact lenses. You wear them overnight while you sleep, remove them in the morning, and – boom – you have perfect vision to take in the fresh pow and bluebird mornings. The effects of Ortho-k lenses also last for around 12 hours, taking your awesome eyesight into après and beyond.
4. Remember your prescription sunnies
It’s all very well having amazing vision when riding. But remove your prescription ski goggle inserts or regular specs for a coffee-stop or après session, and you’ll revert to blurry vision again. Uh-oh! That’s where prescription sunglasses come in!
Yep, prescription shades are great for slotting in your ski jacket pocket and whipping out for coffee in a deckchair or beers on the terrace. They’re also handy for spring ski tour ascents or park-side hangouts. Trust us – we’ve racked up a few in our time!
5. Prevent your goggles or glasses from fogging
Is there anything more annoying than ski goggle fog? We’ll wait. In all seriousness, lens misting (including on your glasses) can ruin a perfectly good day up the mountain. So, how do you stop it? Just follow these tips…
Check if your OTG goggles have sufficient ventilation
Vents allow your breath and moisture to escape and prevent fogging. So, the more vents you have around the edges, the better. Make sure your vents are clear, though. By that, we mean unblocked by your helmet or other gear.
Try not to wipe the inner lens
Wiping your inner lens can spread moisture droplets and potentially damage any anti-fog coating. If you need to wipe your glasses or goggle lens, lightly blot with a microfiber cloth.
Avoid placing your goggles on your forehead
Put your goggles on your forehead or helmet when taking a break, and you immediately invite sweat and moisture to the party. Both these elements lead to fogging, creating a misty lens when you’re ready to use your glasses or goggles again.
Careful of your neck gaiter or face mask
Try not to tuck your face mask or neck gaiter under your goggles. This only traps your breath, encouraging warm air to rise and funnel into your goggles and specs. The result? That damn fog again!
Resist overdressing
Riding in too many layers increases the risk of fogging, as you’re more likely to sweat and overheat. As we know by now, that warm air can rise and form the dreaded fog.
Keep skiing
By staying on the move, you keep the air circulating through your goggles, helping to prevent fog. If you need to take a slopeside break and remove your goggles, wait ten seconds or so before putting them back on when you step outside. This allows your face, glasses, and goggles to cool down and match those mountain temperatures.
Dry your glasses and goggles thoroughly
At the end of each day, leave your glasses and goggles in a warm, dry place. Doing this helps any moisture evaporate – and lessens the chance of fog happening the next time you use them. And a clear lens – and clear vision – is what we all want, right?
Wrapping up
There we have it – skiing and seeing is a perfectly achievable combo! And the best part? You have options! Why not try contact lenses one day? Then, you can switch to OTG goggles to give your eyes a break. Or reach for the best solution for you. For example, that might be prescription ski goggle inserts full-time while following our anti-fog tips – and having prescription sunnies in your pocket for après.
Have extra questions? Or want to go off-piste (both figuratively and literally)? Reach out to our expert team at crew@dopesnow.com to ask any and every ski and snowboard-related question. They’re also available via Messenger to chat in real-time. Handy, right? Until then, we’ll see you on the hill!
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