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There are many dangers associated with skiing, and one of the most important pieces of safety gear is a good pair of goggles. Goggles protect your eyes from the bright sun and from the wind and snow. They help you see better when it is snowing and when the sun is shining in your eyes. Goggles also help protect your eyes from UV rays, which can damage your eyesight.
Skiing is a fun and popular winter sport, but it is important to be safe while doing it. Wearing goggles is one of the best ways to protect yourself while skiing. Also, ski goggles will be indispensable in winter hiking, as they will protect your eyes from snow and sun. Do not neglect this type of eye protection, even if you are just going on a small hike: sunglasses or ski goggles will not be superfluous.
There are a few things you can do to prevent ski goggles from fogging up. One is to make sure the lenses are clean before you put them on. Another is to put a layer of anti-fog solution on the lenses. You can also try opening the vents on the goggles to allow air to circulate.
What Is Goggles Fog?
Goggle fog is a condition that can occur when wearing goggles, in which the lenses become foggy or steamy. This can happen due to a number of factors, such as the temperature difference between the air inside and outside of the goggles, or if the lenses are not properly anti-fog treated. Goggles fog can be annoying and can impair vision, so it is important to take steps to prevent it from happening.
Why Do Ski Goggles Fog Up?
Ski goggles fog up when the temperature of the goggles is lower than the temperature of the air around them. When this happens, water vapor from the air condenses on the lenses of the goggles, causing them to fog up.
There are a few ways how to prevent your ski goggles from fogging up.
How To Prevent Ski Goggles From Fogging: Fog Prevention Tips
There are a few tips on how to keep ski goggles from fogging.
Choose a quality pair of goggles
The first step to keeping glasses from fogging in ski goggles is to choose quality snow goggles with well-executed ventilation. To start, you’ll want to make sure you opt for a model with a double lens. Most modern designs have this feature. Additionally, the frame design is also important: if air can move effectively through the sides, top, and bottom of the goggles, condensation won’t be able to build up as quickly inside.
All else being equal, a goggle with more vents will fog up less frequently than one with fewer. However, it’s also important to make sure that the helmet you plan to wear doesn’t block your goggles’ vents. We recommend trying them on together.
Pair with a well-ventilated helmet
Ski helmets with good ventilation can help keep you from overheating, and it all starts with the number of vents. More expensive helmets typically have more vents than budget models. For example, Anon’s Merak helmet ($250-320) has 19 vents, while their Raider 3 ($85) has only six. Another key distinction to look for is whether or not the vents are adjustable.
Fixed vents can allow unwanted moisture and cold air inside, while adjustable vents allow you to better regulate temperature depending on output and conditions. An effective helmet venting system should direct air from your goggles through intakes at the front and release the heat out the top and back.
Resist wiping the inner lens
We’ve all been tempted to take our goggles off and wipe snow or moisture off our inner lens on bad days or after a fall, but be warned: this can cause damage. In addition to potentially scratching or smudging a pricey lens, wiping can also degrade your goggle’s anti-fog coating or film. As hard as it may be, we recommend allowing your goggles to air dry whenever possible. Many premium options also come with an included micro-fiber storage bag or wipe, which can help blot light powder off or clear up any water streaks if the situation is particularly dire.
Never scrub or use paper products like paper towels or napkins, as these are much more abrasive and can damage your lens. Smith offers a couple of cheap solutions in their NoFog cloth (coated in a strong detergent to keep your lens clean) and Snow Eraser (a soft sponge to wipe away moisture). But again, leaving your lens alone when it gets wet is the safest bet for boosting its lifespan and preserving the anti-fog treatment (we cover the reapplication process below).
Avoid putting your goggles on top of your helmet
As covered above, your ski goggles and helmet work best when they are an integrated unit, with the air moving up and away from your face. If you move your goggles to your forehead, the heat and moisture there will cause them to fog up (remember that heat rises), so it’s important to keep your goggles on during the ski day.
If you’re having problems with an uncomfortable fit or visibility due to fogging or fingerprints, we’ve found that taking them off your face for a few seconds (a good chairlift activity) can help. If it’s a persistent problem, try going into the nearest lodge to let your goggles dry out completely before carefully and gently dabbing or blotting any problem areas with a microfiber cloth or running them under a hand dryer (keep them at a considerable distance away from the dryer, as too much heat can be detrimental).
Keep the vents clear of snow
Keeping your goggles and helmet vents clear of snow and other debris will help them perform at their best, as any blockage will inevitably inhibit some of the venting abilities. If your ski gloves have snow on them, be sure to brush them off before touching your face or making any adjustments to your helmet or goggles. After a fall, it might be necessary to take either or both off and carefully tap them to clear any excess moisture. And again, remember never to wipe wet goggles with gloves—this will only exacerbate fogging issues and potentially cause irreversible damage to the lens.
Don’t overdress
Overdressing can lead to overheating, which will cause condensation to build up. If your layering system isn’t tuned properly, this can make your body sweat more, making it harder for your goggles and helmet to regulate temperature. Our go-to ski kit typically includes a quality moisture-wicking baselayer, appropriately insulated midlayer (fleece, down, or synthetic), and a protective and breathable hardshell or uninsulated ski jacket overtop (with pit zips to dump excess heat quickly).
Those that run cold or ski in particularly frigid areas might consider opting for an insulated ski jacket or 3-in-1 design, but we really value the ability to shed layers as conditions (and our output level) shift.
Keep moving
This one might seem fairly obvious, but staying in motion keeps air flowing and therefore minimizes the risk of running into fogging issues. It’s not always possible, but if you’re dealing with persistent temperature control issues, try seeking out longer runs or shorter chairlift lines. The circulation of colder air around your face will help excess moisture evaporate more quickly.
Use a mask or balaclava that breathes well
Many skiers use a buff or neck gaiter to keep their neck and lower face covered and protected from the elements, but the downside is that warm breath can sometimes be blown up into your goggles and fog up your lens. Utilizing light and breathable design is the first step toward minimizing condensation buildup.
We like Smartwool’s Merino 150 for its odor-resistant properties and soft feel, and Buff’s Original Multifunctional balaclava is a proven synthetic alternative that breathes very well. And a final note: you might be tempted to tuck your neck gaiter into your goggles on cold days, but this will almost inevitably lead to wet, moist particles from your breath making their way up and into your lens. If possible, keep a small gap between your goggles and mask to maintain a pathway for hot air to escape.
Keep a backup pair or lens handy
If all else fails, it’s always helpful to have a backup pair of goggles or an extra lens handy. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy—if your goggles are fogged up, even an ultra-cheap pair will probably be a step up in terms of visibility and work long enough for your go-to pair to dry out completely. Bolle’s Freeze is a proven budget option that will get the job done for just $30.
Many high-end snow goggles also come with two lenses, so swapping them out can be a viable solution provided the conditions allow for it (some tints aren’t suitable for socked-in or bluebird days). When making the change, just be mindful to limit contact with the lens with your hands or gloves.
Let your goggles dry at the end of the day
Proper care and storage are critical to prevent glasses from fogging under ski goggles, and the best practice is to let them dry completely at the end of each ski day. We advise placing them on a clean surface in a dry, warm place and letting gravity do the rest of the work. Be sure not to leave damp goggles in your cold car or buried in your ski bag overnight, and avoid using a blow-dryer to expedite the process (again, too much heat can potentially degrade the anti-fog treatment).
Once dry, it’s best to store your goggles in microfiber or hard-sided case to prevent dust and other debris from accumulating on the lens when not in use. This will also help limit scrapes or scratches from packing them with other gear.
How To Clean Inside of Ski Goggles
To clean the inside of ski goggles, remove the lens and clean it with a mild soap and water solution. Use a soft cloth to avoid scratching the lens. Rinse the lens thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before replacing it.
FAQ
What to put on goggles to stop fogging?
There are a few things you can do to stop your goggles from fogging up. One is to use anti-fog spray for ski goggles. Another is to make sure the lenses are clean and free of any grease or fingerprints. You can also try wearing a ski mask or bandana over your mouth and nose to help keep your breath from fogging up the lenses.
Why are my anti-fog goggles are still fogging up?
There are a few things you can do to keep your anti-fog goggles from fogging up. Make sure you clean and dry your goggles before each use. You can also try using a defogging solution or wiping the inside of your goggles with a little bit of soap.
Does ski goggles anti-fog spray work?
There are many different types of anti-fog spray, and each one works in a different way. Some anti-fog sprays contain chemicals that help to prevent water from condensing on the surface of the lens, while others create a barrier between the lens and the water droplets.
Does baby shampoo stop goggles from fogging?
Yes, baby shampoo can stop goggles from fogging.
How to keep ski goggles from fogging with the mask?
Make sure your mask fits snugly and there are no gaps around the edges
Conclusion
There are a few things you can do to prevent your ski goggles from fogging up. First, make sure that your goggles fit snugly and seal well around your eyes. If there are any gaps or leaks, cold air can enter and condense on your lenses, causing them to fog up. Second, try to avoid breathing directly onto your lenses. When you exhale, your breath is full of warm, moist air which can condense on your lenses and cause them to fog.
Third, try to keep your goggles as clean as possible. Dirt, dust, and other debris can accumulate on your lenses and cause them to fog. Finally, if all else fails, you can always purchase a pair of anti-fog ski goggles. These goggles are treated with a special coating that prevents moisture from condensing on the lenses.