Goggles or Sun Glasses

Goggles or Sun Glasses

Being a first time skier, my knowledge is very limited, that’s why yesterday when I was at the TKMAxx I looked at the goggles and didn’t know what to do. I’ve read somewhere that amber lenses are the best ones for most of the conditions, they work well when it’s bright and also when it’s dark.
So when should I use sun glasses, I was considering not buying sun glasses and only use goggles when we are skiing and when we are chilling out at the café use my normal sun glasses.

My question is: When should one use sun glasses and when to use goggles?

I personally tend to ski the majority of the time in goggles and only on the sunniest of spring days do I don the glasses.

There isn't a perfect lens for all occasions and I have my doubts as to whether the orange lens makes that much difference in flat light conditions.

Since it'll be your first time I would suggest you get goggles. Make sure they are UV protective and double-lensed (helps prevent steaming up.

I use goggles all the time (exc Apres), got 2 pairs-1 for when it is sunny and 1pair for when it is dull.

Wearing sun glasses when skiing prevents a number of issue.s.

Thanks guys

what colour lenses should I look for then?

davidmpires wrote:Thanks guys

what colour lenses should I look for then?

When you hold the lens up to the light, it should appear to make the view brighter and contrast more defined, without dazzling.

The Oakley site has quite a good feature showing how different coloured lenses affect the view.

http://oakley.com/innovation/optical_superiority/lens_tints

Have a play, see how it looks to you.

The way goggles fit is also important, try before you buy.

If you want for a varied condition I would go Black Iridium. They are not bad when it snows and excellent in the sun.

I have this lens on my Oakley Wisdoms.

Got HI Yellow on my Crowbars and they are eye damagingly bright when it's sunshiney. Only good for low light.

davidmpires wrote:
My question is: When should one use sun glasses and when to use goggles?

If you're wearing sunglasses and you find the wind drying your eyes out then it's time to wear goggles IMO.

Goggles shield the eyes completely from wind, snow, and importantly the sun and glare off the snow from every direction. Sunglasses do not.

A face plant with goggles on is usually far less damaging to the wearer than doing the same with sunnies on. I personally would never ski ski with glass lensed and/or metal framed sunglasses.

Go for the amber/persimmon lenses because I think they're the most suitable one lense solution across a range of light conditions. Also get dual lense goggles because they are more resistant to fogging IIRC. From what I've seen all branded goggles in TKMax are dual lense.

Just my opinion. Some skiiers ski happily wearing sunnies in almost all conditions so they say, I don't.


If you buy goggles always take them up the mountain because you never know when you might need them. Mountain weather can change very quickly. Be prepared.

Hi There,

I was in your position a few years ago and scoured the internet and experienced friends for answers.

I ended up buying a pair of Oakley a Frames with Persimmons Lenses (Orange tint). I found these great in most conditions and when the light was failing while on a tricky run they were invaluable. I also found it much easier to pick out the ruts and terrain in the snow in all conditions and absolutely love them.

I do carry a pair of sunnies in my pack for when your sat at a bar or cafe and dont want to have to wear your goggles.

I would go to a shop and try on a few pairs to see what fits you best and in my opinon you get what you pay for. My girlfriend brought a cheap single lens pair and struggled as they kept steaming up. If your budget is tight then find a pair in the shop you like and that fit well and then search for the same pair on an auction site like ebay (remember to go for double lenses though). I did that and picked mine up secondhand on ebay and got a great bargain.

Good luck on your search and I hope you enjoy your trip.

Chap