Expensive ski goggles. Ski goggles. Main advantages of the brand


Every experienced skier or snowboarder knows how to choose ski goggles wisely, how much skiing comfort increases with them and how much the likelihood of injury is reduced. However, for beginners who like to ride, the selection criteria ski masks unknown. What should you focus on when purchasing?

Options for choosing ski masks

If you want not to spoil your vision and protect your eyes from negative external factors, you should use the following guidance.

Polycarbonate lenses

Don't skimp on high quality polycarbonate lenses. Any error in lens production implies distortion, especially in ski areas where there is a high probability of excessive amounts of blue color. Then the skier rushing down the slope faces the most tragic consequences. This is why lens quality is so important! When producing high-quality lenses, maximum precision is taken into account; the base material is polycarbonate, which has a filtering effect on intense blue-violet rays.

The polycarbonate lens is impact and crack resistant. Any mechanical impact in the form of snow, tiny fragments of ice, tree branches, or the neighboring tip of a ski pole will not cause any harm if the eyes are reliably protected. The basis of the polycarbonate lens is high-quality optical plastic, quite popular due to its characteristics. Japanese manufacturers have taken care of complete safety negative influence ultraviolet radiation, so visually invisible. Otherwise, the eyes would react to an increase in UV intensity by constricting the pupil.

The principle of protection is significantly different between cheap plastic and high-quality one. In the first case, the pupil dilates, because it reacts to a decrease in ambient light, resulting in unhindered penetration of UV rays directly to the retina. As a result, a burn occurs, sometimes retinal detachment occurs, and vision function is impaired or another serious eye disease develops. The degree of blackout, the color of the lens, the mirror coating on it have nothing to do with protection from ultraviolet radiation, which is determined by the characteristics of polycarbonate - filtering blue light, blocking the penetration of ultraviolet radiation.

Double lenses

Any model of mask is equipped with lenses directly with the layer; their design is based on creating a comfortable heat limit. This explains the resistance to fogging of glasses. Cellulose propionate with double-sided Anti-Fog coating is a special component of the inner lens. Impact-resistant carbonate combined with a protective surface treatment against scratches are the materials used to make the outer lens. There are models with the addition of ventilation micro-holes in the lenses, the purpose of which is to increase air circulation and prevent fogging of the lenses.

Features of lens colors

Features of lens colors. Orange, yellow and pink are good to use to reduce the flow of ultraviolet radiation. This helps to increase color contrast, improve the clarity of object boundaries and uneven lines. In foggy, cloudy weather or insufficient lighting, the relief lines of the descent are better perceived by the skier.

Smoke lenses reduce the light pressure directly on the eyes in bright light, often found at mountain altitudes.
Clear lenses are perfect for riding in the dark or in artificially lit areas. They have nothing to do with reducing light intensity.

Mirror-coated lenses provide additional eye protection from intense light. The high-tech coating is based on a composition of chromium, titanium and silicon, which ensures resistance to dirt and all kinds of scratches, and a long service life.

TPU frame

Such a frame will be a light and reliable shield around the eyes, without causing discomfort to your vision. The material is easy to paint, allowing developers to apply a variety of paints to it. In addition, TPU is always flexible and durable regardless of temperature fluctuations.

The elastic properties of the three-layer jacquard strap are maintained even during periods of prolonged and strong stretching. In some models, you can adjust the tension on both sides of the strap, thus individually adjusting the location of the clasp and the length of the strap itself. The simplicity and convenience of the fastener design allows it to be used with gloves.

Gasket fittings

The hypoallergenic foam fittings of the pad have open cells that promote air access and moisture absorption. The production of gaskets involves 2 technologies:

  • “triple layer”;
  • thermoforming.

At the end of the process, the finished product has a comfortable fit directly to the face due to the mixed thicknesses of the anatomical relief in the nasal and temporal areas. Three different layers (patterns) make up the “triple pad”, which contributes to a comfortable feel and secure fit ski goggles on the face.

Ventilation system

The operating principle of the ventilation system is limited supply air flow under the mask, in this situation the eyes are not affected, but only the inner lens is blown, thereby eliminating fogging. There is single and double ventilation. In the first case, the air is ventilated through the corresponding channels of the mask frame. Dual venting involves adding vents directly to the top area of ​​the lens to increase airflow. All vents have a foam filter layer to block access tiny particles ice, water drops and snow flakes.

Storing glasses

Storing ski masks in a personal bag protects them from contamination and unexpected damage to the lenses. Sold complete with safety glasses for long shelf life.

What kind of ski goggles to buy and the necessary care for them

  • First of all, you should feel as comfortable as possible in your ski goggles and have a tight fit to your face without any gaps.
  • If you use a protective helmet when skating, try on the mask directly with the helmet.
  • Depending on the riding conditions, select a mirror coating, if necessary, and, most importantly, the color of the lenses.
  • You should not move your ski mask onto your forehead, because touching a steamed forehead has a direct bearing on its fogging.
  • If there is no need for a mask, a protective bag will serve as its storage place. Under no circumstances use a pocket or pouch to carry ski goggles, otherwise you risk damaging the lenses with foreign elements.
  • Avoid hitting ski masks against hard objects.
  • Do not leave ski goggles in places where people could sit, lie down, or step on them. The result is obvious.

How to remove stains from lenses

  • First, wash the outer surface of the lenses with warm water, then wipe dry with a clean cotton napkin.
  • The inside of the lenses is not wiped to avoid damaging the properties of the specially designed Anti-Fog composition, which protects it from fogging.
  • The use of gasoline, kerosene and chemical products, as well as ammonia solvents is strictly prohibited.
  • Natural drying or a warm air flow - a hand dryer - are ideal for ski masks.
  • Heating devices - heating systems, convectors, radiators, as well as microwave ovens, are not suitable for drying a ski mask.
  • Wear glasses only as intended! Driving or skydiving is strongly discouraged.

Note

So, we have looked at the features of a ski mask, how to choose it, the selection options and the main prohibitions. Remember about the intended purpose of ski masks; use them strictly for the safety of comfortable skiing.

The main winter entertainment is skiing. It's wonderful to walk down a sparkling snowy slope from a mountain on a sunny, clear day, enjoying the fresh air and wonderful nature around. But few people think about the fact that when skiing in winter, we do not replenish our health, but, on the contrary, sometimes we lose it. Especially when we forget that ski goggles are a necessary attribute good rest Outdoors. They will protect our eyes from bright light, strong

Wind, snow blowing in the face, and sometimes from tree branches and from a sharp tip will help protect your eyes from eye burns, the so-called “mountain blindness.”

But this ski accessory will only be useful if in its choice we are guided not only by fashion trends. To choose the right glasses for winter recreation, you need to know some selection criteria.

The first thing you need to pay attention to is that they must “sit” correctly on your face. Do not press, do not squeeze your face, do not make breathing difficult, be comfortable and comfortable. The edges of the mask are usually protected with foam rubber so as not to harm the skin.

We must not forget about the possibility of side viewing. After all, goggles are worn not only by skiers, but also by snowboarders, for whom a wide view is very important.

It is necessary to pay attention to the presence of ventilation channels or holes so that air under the mask does not accumulate, but is well ventilated. Such channels are usually located around the entire perimeter or on top.

If you are a real skier, then you definitely have a helmet. So, ski goggles should only be tried on together with it and selected so that the mask fits easily onto the helmet, but at the same time fits tightly and does not fly off the face. The belt, which is usually well adjusted, stretched and fixed, will help you adjust your glasses.

Those who have ski goggles need to choose them so that they can fit corrective lenses. Skiers with good vision insert ski masks into double lenses made of polycarbonate. This material does not scratch or break, protects well from ultraviolet rays and reduces glare on the snow.

To reduce visual distortion, masks use lenses of different thicknesses. But before you buy ski goggles, mandatory it is necessary to check whether they accurately display the surrounding objects. This is easy to verify if you look at a tree, bench or something else through glasses moved 30-40 cm away from your eyes.

The color of such lenses may vary, because each of them is designed for certain weather conditions. It is best to buy glasses with gold, amber or yellow lenses. They perfectly neutralize sunlight reflected from snow and are comfortable in foggy or cloudy weather. Dark lenses are usually used in very bright and active environments.

m sun, and colorless ones - for riding at night.

If you want to buy ski goggles, please note that they must reflect more than 95% sun rays. In mountainous areas, ultraviolet light is reflected even from stones, and in bad weather its strength does not change. The danger of eye burns is especially great at altitudes of more than 2 kilometers. Category 4 goggles are used to ride at this altitude.

Different lenses have different purposes, which means you need to have two masks or a mask with a set of different lenses. And then skiing from the mountains will bring real pleasure! Although it’s worth protecting your eyes in winter even in your free time from skiing.

Correctly chosen equipment for a ski resort is the key to a pleasant and comfortable active holiday. Glasses play a very minor role. The glare of light reflected from the snow can be so harsh and bright that it can turn skiing into agony. Snow and wind also cause a lot of inconvenience, which can end ski trips early.

You need to select glasses individually, based on:

  • possible weather conditions,
  • desired service life,
  • selected time of day for riding,
  • own preferences.

It is important that the glasses have 100% protection from ultraviolet rays - this is, first of all, your health. Let's look at the top 10 ski points rating.

The American manufacturer has long established itself in the market for selling ski equipment, in particular glasses. The company's specialists constantly surprise sports fans and athletes with new designs and additional functions. The presence of replaceable lenses allows you to ensure maximum comfort in all weather conditions. Double lenses of the models and their treatment with antifog reduce fogging of the glass.

Ski goggles Oakley

Optical lenses produced by Oakley are popular not only among professional athletes, but are also widely used in the military and space industries. Additional lenses can be purchased without the slightest difficulty, as they fit any model of this brand.

The main advantages are:

  • Possibility of replacing the filter as operating conditions change.
  • The use of high-quality material allows us to ensure perfect fit and compatibility with .
  • Wide view, thanks to spherical lenses.
  • Using a 3-layer fleece seal.

Among all the advantages of this brand, perhaps one can be noted possible disadvantage- This individual feature, lens intolerance.

You can buy Oakley ski goggles at price range from 6 to 10 thousand rubles.

Ski goggles (masks) Salice

If your goal is not only to wear high-quality, but also stylish glasses, the best range is presented by the Italian manufacturer Salice. All details are thought out in such a way as to make it as comfortable and beautiful as possible.

Ski goggles Salice

Main advantages:

  • The design of the frame allows you to change the temples to elastic bands.
  • The inside of the frame is covered with a double layer of velvet, which provides good shock absorption and increases comfort.
  • Double filter and special anti-glare coating.

Flaws: Polarized lenses are not suitable for everyone due to individual eye sensitivity.

The price ranges from 3–6 thousand rubles.

Ski goggles (masks) Uvex

The production of glasses for the ski resort brand Uvex is carried out in Germany. The main goal is to provide professional athletes and simply outdoor enthusiasts with safe equipment parts.

Uvex ski goggles

Advantages:

  • The ability of lenses to create the appearance of space with a clear relief without distortion.
  • Good tolerance to large temperature fluctuations.
  • The presence of a special coating that prevents damage to the surface of the lenses.
  • Automatic change in lens darkening different conditions lighting.
  • Quick lens replacement thanks to magnetic base.

Flaws:

  • Not everyone can find a comfortable fit.
  • Insufficient lateral visibility.

You can buy Uvex ski goggles from 4.5 thousand rubles. up to 12 thousand rubles, this is the average price of the most popular models.

Ski goggles (masks) Carrera

These are universal optical glasses, which are suitable for both relaxation and sports. A wide range will allow you to choose a model for of different ages and your own preferences.

Carrera ski goggles

Main advantages of the brand:

  • Polarizing filters prevent glare from penetrating. Mirroring gives a stylish look.
  • The comfortable strap buckle allows for a good fit for people with glasses to improve their vision.
  • The use of a special ventilation system that regulates air flow prevents glasses from fogging up.
  • Thanks to the spherical shape of the lenses, the view is transmitted as distortion-free as possible.

Flaws:

  • Not all models are suitable for use with helmets.
  • Carrera flexible goggles with a soft fit can only be used with a helmet from this manufacturer.

Cost from 1.5 to 3.5 thousand rubles.

Ski goggles (masks) Alpina

Shopping range of glasses for skiing German manufacturer Alpina received a high level of trust from users. Lenses have high degree UV protection and infrared radiation. Well suited for extreme sports.

Alpina ski goggles

Advantages:

  • Turbo ventilation is resistant to temperature changes, prevents lenses from fogging and protects from moisture on the inside.
  • Diamond coating provides good protection from scratches on lenses and condensation.
  • The use of special orange filters ensures good visibility in fog.
  • Due to the bending of the lenses, panoramic visibility and excellent lateral visibility are ensured.

Flaws: perhaps a high price, as for amateur skiers.

The average price of ski goggles is 6 - 15 thousand rubles.

Ski goggles (masks) Smith

Smith ski goggles

Pros of Smith ski goggles:

  • The use of a special membrane between the filters ensures leveling atmospheric pressure at high elevations and prevents terrain distortion and condensation.
  • Protection from ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
  • Frame flexibility to fit perfectly with helmet.
  • Possibility of changing lenses.
  • Applying a special anti-scratch coating.

Flaws: Lenses are not universal, they should be selected for each specific model.

Average price 5–10 thousand rubles.

Ski goggles (masks) Dragon

Dragon glasses take pride of place among lovers of active skiing and extreme sports. The American company uses the latest technologies in the production of equipment elements. A frameless, modern design model has been created for its customers. It is very stylish and also provides a good side viewing angle. Developed modern technology anti-fog coating of lenses, which allows you to maintain crystal clarity for as long as possible, even in extreme conditions.

Dragon ski goggles

Advantages:

  • Using a hypoallergenic microfleece lining with two layers of foam, which provides good grip on any type of helmet and fits snugly to the face.
  • High technology lens coatings ensure long-term use of glasses.
  • The use of cylindrical double filters provides good visibility and a wide overview.
  • Special anti-fog coating.
  • Polyurethane elastic frame.

The disadvantages of a brand can be identified during operation, when the capabilities of the glasses are not met with the conditions of use, or the correct model is chosen.

Average price 4 - 8 thousand rubles.

Less popular among athletes, but they have found their fans, are the models of ski goggles represented by the following brands.

Ski goggles (masks) Scott

A company with an American brand positions itself as a worthy participant in the competitive sporting goods market.

Scott ski goggles

Advantages of ski goggles from the American brand Scott:

  • Use of hypoallergenic foam seal.
  • Anti-fog double polycarbonate lenses.
  • 100% UV protection.
  • Convenient lower frame fastening that does not create pressure on the bridge of the nose.

Flaws: Replacement lenses are not always available.

The average price of such an item of equipment is 5 - 9 thousand rubles.

Ski goggles (masks) Bolle

The French ski goggles company provides a wide range of products for men, women and children. Bolle produces a variety of eyewear designs and colors that can highlight the style of any athlete. The product has the ability to successfully combine cost with needs. This is exactly the option when the glasses are both high quality and comfortable.

Ski goggles Bolle

Advantages:

  • 100% protection from ultraviolet rays.
  • Using bright, fun prints.
  • Comfortable soft elastic bands that allow you to easily adjust the fit of your glasses.
  • Acceptable prices.

Flaws. It is unlikely that such ski goggles should be chosen for professional athletes and fans of extreme sports. They quickly lose theirs protective properties under conditions of frequent use. Usage bright colors lenses and their combination can cause pain in the eyes due to different refraction of light.

Among the prices for the most popular models are from 1.5–4 thousand rubles.

Ski goggles (masks) Sinner

Sinner glasses are a Dutch brand that cares about quality and design along with affordable prices. In its technology, the company uses lightweight carbon lenses, rubberized clips to prevent slipping, and UV protection.

Ski goggles Sinner

Main positive characteristics:

  • Nice design.
  • Good technical characteristics that meet the necessary requirements.
  • Due to the increased space behind the lenses and easy mounting, it is convenient to use with glasses.
  • A special membrane does not create pressure on the temples.

Flaw. Not very durable. The coating wears off during the first 2–3 years of use. The result is scratches and insufficient protection from sun glare.

You can buy it for an average of 2–3 thousand rubles.

When choosing ski goggles, you need to remember the following:

  1. If you purchase a ski set with goggles, check whether additional lenses are available. It is better to purchase all the components at once, since it is unknown how long the manufacturer will complete and offer this model of glasses for sale.
  2. If equipment is purchased for use on an ongoing basis - important factor there will be stability of technical characteristics. As practice shows, cheaper options quickly lose their protective properties: the transmission of ultraviolet rays increases, scratches and abrasions form on the lenses.
  3. Interesting too

It would be fair to say that ski goggles or a mask are as important a component of a skier’s (or snowboarder’s) equipment as his skis (board) with boots. It doesn't matter whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, everyone needs ski goggles for any type of winter activity in the mountains. Glasses or a mask protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays. At high altitudes, their strength is significantly higher, especially if you take into account the reflection from the snow. And, of course, ski goggles protect your eyes from falling snow and wind when you're flying downhill.

When choosing ski goggles or a mask, you will be faced with a number of characteristics that affect comfort and safety. Most eye injuries from skiing high mountains associated with the lack of glasses (or a mask) or with a poor choice of them.

Ski goggles or mask? IN English version distinguish between ski glasses and sunglasses - ski glasses and Sunglasses. Probably due to the peculiarities of translation English word glasses - a ski mask is often called glasses. But in this material we will talk specifically about glasses (although many characteristics also apply to masks).

For skiing, it is advisable to buy sports sunglasses; not all urban models are suitable. Ski goggles fit better under a helmet and, like masks, come with interchangeable lenses. Let's look at the main characteristics sports glasses.

Ultraviolet radiation is the main reason to buy ski goggles. Therefore, we will start from this point and we will dwell on it in detail.

Ski goggles against UV radiation

Depending on the wavelength, UV rays are divided into three types - A, B and C. For us, only the first two are dangerous.

UV radiation B (range 280-315nm)

It has a relatively low intensity, but has a strong impact. It is those rays that, in small doses, provide us with a bronze tan, can cause burns to the cornea and conjunctiva of the eye. This can cause temporary loss of vision (“Snow Blindness”) and a number of other problems in the future. At high altitudes and in snowy conditions, the risk of getting a burn increases significantly.

UV radiation A (315-390m)

Initially less dangerous, however, rays of this type can penetrate deep into the eye and negatively affect the lens and retina. Long-term exposure to UV-A radiation can lead to, for example, cataracts and macular degeneration, which are the most common causes of age-related blindness.

The degree of exposure to UV rays depends on a number of conditions, including:

    Height above sea level. In the mountains, ski goggles become not just a stylish accessory, but a necessary piece of equipment. The duration of your stay in open space. Times of Day. The intensity of radiation depends on the height of the sun above the horizon. Maximum level, as a rule, happens between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Snow-covered surfaces or expanses of water strongly reflect the sun's UV rays.

In cloudy weather, ski goggles are also necessary. Clouds are not an obstacle to the passage of UV rays, so their intensity does not decrease in cloudy weather.

Considering everything listed factors, it becomes clear that leisure In the mountains, in all respects, it requires the presence of high-quality ski goggles or other sports models with similar parameters.

Filters in ski goggles



Filter material in ski goggles


Despite the fact that glass is the most scratch-resistant and has the best optical transparency, it is not acceptable in sports; if dropped, such glasses can break and damage the eyes with fragments. Glass goggles are more acceptable in mountaineering, where impact resistance is less important. Lenses of almost all modern ski sunglasses made of impact-resistant plastic. Most of polycarbonate. It has good optical transparency and low weight. Most often, polycarbonate is used in the production of ski masks.

More wearing masks high level used polymer NXT - polysilicate quasi-thermoset plastic. This material has extreme impact-resistant properties - such lenses are almost impossible to break. Ski goggles with NXT filters are distinguished by higher optical transparency than polycarbonate, which is as close as possible to glass, and in addition, it is resistant to low temperatures.

These materials absorb 100% of UV rays, providing excellent eye protection even with a clear filter.

Filter darkness level


Sunglasses manufacturers offer lenses for various conditions varying degrees darkness. For consumers, this characteristic is indicated in accordance with the table below. As ski goggles we recommend using models with values ​​S2 - S4(sometimes a marker is used cat - category). The brighter the sun in the mountains or the more sensitive your eyes to light, the more sunglasses will suit you. An excellent solution for changeable weather and terrain will be photochromic lenses with variable degree of darkening.

    S 0 Extremely low level protection. Recommended for use in cloudy weather or in the evening, under artificial lighting for example. S 1 The S1 filter is designed for riding in low light conditions, at dusk or in cloudy weather. S 2 For riding in conditions of average solar activity. Cloudy weather and partly cloudy. S 3 For high solar activity. In clear, sunny weather. They protect well from incident and reflected light. S 4 For riding in conditions of very high solar activity. For example, in the highlands.

Filter color

The color of the filter can affect the perception of the real world. The most popular filters for ski goggles are yellow-orange, bronze and black.


Black lenses and shades of gray - The most common tinted lenses. They block glare, reflect bright light and sun without distorting color perception. They are uncomfortable in cloudy weather and artificial light.


Bronze/amber/pink- provide excellent contrast on a white background, improving the perception of snowy terrain with shadow areas on a mountain slope. Ski goggles with such a filter will help you distinguish surface unevenness. A filter with a brownish tint is good for bright colors. solar conditions, and lighter colors for low light conditions, as they block blue light, dominant in cloudy weather.


Yellow/Orange/Golden colors cut off the blue part of the spectrum to increase contrast and increase the depth of perception in different conditions lighting, making shaded areas of the slope better visible. Ski goggles with such a filter increase contrast and provide maximum clarity in low and “flat” lighting (cloudy, poor visibility).

Photochrome


The weather in the mountains is very changeable, especially with changes in altitude. At the top of the mountain the sun may be shining brightly, but on the way down you will find yourself in a cloud. If you want to buy ski goggles for all occasions, we recommend paying attention to goggles with a variable filter - photochromic. People call them chameleons. Depending on the light intensity, ski goggles change the degree of darkness, providing the eyes with a comfortable level of visibility in different conditions. Photochromic ski masks have long been very popular.

Polarized ski goggles


Polarized lenses protect your eyes from sunlight reflected from the snow. Acting as a vertical light filter, such lenses are capable of increasing the level of clarity and contrast of the picture much more effectively than simple mirror lenses, or in other words, the presence of a polarizing filter improves the optical component of the perception of reality. Typically, polarizing filters have dark shades and are not very good in the afternoon when there are long shadows on the snow, but during the day they are second to none. Polarized ski goggles are ideal for winter sports, reducing eye fatigue. Polarized lenses can absorb up to 98% of glare reflected from snow or water surfaces.

Polarized glasses are also very popular among lovers of water recreation. These same glasses will become a favorite accessory in the car; the glare of light reflected from the wet road and reducing the contrast can seriously bother the driver.


polarized ski goggles increase contrast

Mirrored ski goggles


The mirror coating of the lens allows it to reflect rather than block visible light. It also reduces the amount of glare reflected from the snow surface. Dark lenses combined with a mirror coating provide maximum protection from sunlight.

Ski goggle frames


Eyeglass frames are most often made of plastic, nylon or metal alloys. The frame of sports glasses should be as durable, lightweight and non-slip as possible. The most suitable for sports models are plastic and nylon, lightweight and flexible materials that make the frame more streamlined for a tight fit to the face. Frames made of synthetic materials in ski goggles practically do not break, returning to their original position after deformation. Plastic ski goggles can have a significantly larger viewing area, while providing lateral protection from glare and incident light.

Metal frames are initially harder, can become brittle in the cold, are less amenable to molding, and therefore have design limitations.

Ideally, your ski goggles should have a lightweight frame; they will provide greater comfort during long-term use during the day.

The ends of the temples in ski goggles should be made of soft plastic or rubber. The shape of the frame is as anatomical as possible, the arms are curved for better fixation on the head. Often sports goggles include the possibility of using an elastic strap instead of the temples or together, passing behind the athlete's head, they guarantee a constant position even during freestyle.

Pay attention to the fit; ski goggles, in addition to protection from sun rays, also provide protection from wind, which is especially important if you wear contact lenses. The tighter the goggles fit on your face, the better the side protection, the more comfortable you will be riding. Some models of sports glasses include additional removable elements that are placed on the temples.

All people have different faces, forehead height, width and length of the bridge of the nose. It is possible that glasses from one manufacturer will not suit you, but from another they will fit like a glove. Try it on different models to make sure your ski goggles fit you optimally.

Why are cheap ski goggles bad and even dangerous?

    How well do cheap ski goggles protect against ultraviolet radiation? It should always be remembered that for the human eye ultraviolet radiation- only a damaging factor. Often, it is much better to be without glasses at all than to use bad optics. In bright sunshine, your pupils adapt, narrowing and protecting the retina from UV rays; however, covered with dark glasses, the pupils, on the contrary, dilate. Because of this, the risk of getting a retinal burn in the bright mountain sun increases. In the event of a serious fall, glasses made of cheap plastic can break and injure your eyes. The same can happen with the frame.

It is worth noting that all ski goggles from leading manufacturers provide almost 100% protection against UV rays. However, if you decide to buy glasses for alpine skiing unknown manufacturer for a low price, be sure to check this option.

A ski mask (goggles) is an absolutely necessary piece of equipment for a skier. And that's why:

  • The mask provides eye protection from exposure to ultraviolet rays and bright sun.
  • A ski mask or snowboard mask increases vision clarity. This can be especially true in foggy (cloudy) conditions, when the edge of the slope is practically invisible. On the contrary, on a bright sunny day, a dark or mirror filter will protect your eyes from the blinding sun. A polarizing filter does an excellent job of neutralizing glare. At ISPO 2014, Oakley also introduced an alternative solution, The Oakley Prizm Solution. The lens of these ski goggles cuts off part of the color spectrum, so the snow no longer appears as a solid white field, you see a clear relief.
  • You can buy a ski mask to protect your eyes from accidental blows from branches and snow dust from the skier in front. During snowfall, skiing without a mask is extremely difficult. A ski mask will also protect your face from the icy crust during a fall.

How to choose a ski mask?

If you're choosing your first ski mask, your first question should be "where will I ski?" The answer to this question determines which filter will be optimal. Find out which lenses for ski masks are suitable for certain conditions below. Having decided on the filter, we move on to choosing models. Sport-Marathon offers only the best ski goggles, so the question of which brand is better is somewhat incorrect in our case. It's better what suits you. With all the wealth of choice, buying a mask for alpine skiing or a mask for snowboarding is not so easy. The shape and size of ski masks can vary significantly.

Let's give some tips:

  • You need to try on your ski mask together with your helmet. The shape of your specific ski or snowboard mask may not match your helmet model. The smaller the gap between the frame of the mask and the edge of the helmet, the lower the risk of frostbite and discomfort.
  • The ski mask should fit tightly to the face, without gaps. Otherwise, ski goggles will not fully protect your eyes from the wind. The nose piece of the mask should not be too low.
  • the visibility in the horizontal plane of a ski mask or snowboard mask should be sufficient to control your route.
  • It is recommended for athletes to buy ski goggles with good vertical visibility.
  • The wider the straps of a ski mask or snowboard mask, the better the fixation on the helmet (hat). Silicone strips on the straps ensure reliable fixation of the mask on the helmet.
  • Additional ventilation holes on the lenses reduce the likelihood of the mask fogging.
  • The greater the distance between the lens and the face, the more protection from possible impacts the mask can provide.
  • To buy a ski mask adapted for optical glasses, look at models with the abbreviation OTG in their names. Read more about ski masks for goggles in our Blog.
  • The cost of the mask is affected by the quality of the lens; lower quality glasses are more easily scratched and allow more distortion. “Sport-Marathon” offers to buy a snowboard mask or a mountain ski mask from Oakley, Dragon, Uvex, as well as other world brands.

Children's ski goggles are selected in the same way as adults. The mask needs to be tried on, so before you buy ski goggles, take your child to the store.

What kind of masks are there?

Fundamentally, all masks differ in shape (viewing area) and lenses. If everything is more or less clear with the shape, the main thing is that the mask fits well and matches the helmet, then with lenses everything is much more complicated.

  • Filters are made differently depending on their purpose and weather conditions.
  • The color of the filter affects the perception of the surrounding world. Light filters in ski and snowboard masks are good in cloudy, cloudy weather or for evening skiing. It can be a yellow, orange, white, blue, pink, green filter. Each of them has its own peculiarity in reflecting reality. Ultimately, it is everyone's personal choice. Masks designed for cloudy weather are marked cat 0, cat 1 or S0, S1.
  • Mirror and black filters are great for a bright sunny day, but in the evening and in cloudy weather they will be very uncomfortable. Masks for riding in bright sunny weather are marked cat 3, cat 4 or S3, S4.
  • Photochromic lenses, modulators with changes in light intensity, or simply “chameleons”, can solve the problem of choosing a lens. These ski goggles can be bought by those who spend the whole day on the mountain. The lenses will adapt to the brightness of the sun throughout the day, and you will not need to monitor the weather forecast when deciding which mask to take today.
  • Lenses are cylindrical and toric (spherical). Spherical lenses They give less distortion, but are more expensive because they have a completely different production technology.
  • All masks have double lenses, with the exception of models for professional athletes.

Selecting filters by weather

First of all, all filters have the main indicator - light transmission. It shows what percentage of sunlight the mask allows through. So from the lightest to the darkest, this figure can be from 82% to 2%. Those. a mask for cloudy weather allows 50-80% of sunlight to pass through. Depending on this parameter, filters are divided into categories S0 – S4. You can skip the issue of protection against ultraviolet radiation; today all ski masks are made with maximum UV protection.

  • Bright sunny day. The Alpine sun is significantly different from the Moscow region. In bright sunny weather in the mountains, you need a mask with darkening filters of any color. A great option is a mirror filter. Such masks are ideal for the Alpine mountains, and besides, they look chic.
  • It's a nasty day. Despite the clouds, ultraviolet radiation in the mountains still affects the eyes, so a ski mask is a must. Select filters of categories up to S2. Black and mirror, unfortunately, are no longer suitable. Great discomfort in cloudy weather is caused by decreased visual contrast. Blue color, predominant in the spectrum, conceals the shadows of irregularities. This way you will feel the change in terrain with your feet rather than see it. If you prefer to ski before the lifts close, you might know this feeling. Choose yellow, orange or gold lenses - they limit the blue spectrum, making the relief more readable.
  • Snowfall, wind, cloudiness. In such weather, the mask protects rather from mechanical impact on the eyes. Any light masks, including transparent ones, will do.

Lens color

  • Yellow/orange/gold – limits the blue component of the color spectrum, increasing contrast and increasing the depth of perception. Ideal for flat and low light conditions.
  • Pink lenses are especially good in low light conditions. This color best emphasizes the volume of objects, improves color rendering, and makes shadows and contours more contrasting.
  • Green, blue and silver lenses enhance color rendering and reduce contrast in bright sunshine.
  • Mirrored and black lenses reflect bright light and UV rays, allowing you to ride with your eyes wide open.
  • Gray, platinum filter - enhances depth perception in the most sunny days, up to cloudy weather.
  • Transparent - for riding in dark time days or in extremely low visibility conditions. In general, a mask with a clear lens protects the eyes more from mechanical influences– snow, wind, tree branches.

Ski masks – online store

If you are not able to come to the store on Saikina, 4 in person or you know exactly what kind of ski goggles you need, the Sport-Marathon online store can organize delivery to anywhere in Russia. Our consultants will help you choose the appropriate model.

Discounts and sales

Want to save money? Choose a snowboard mask or a ski mask, there is a sale at the end of each season or on days special offers. The main thing is not to miss the moment, the most interesting models end first!