Before you get on the slopes you’ll need to purchase a pair of goggles and if you’ve been considering whether or not to purchase polarized snow goggles there are some things that you’ll want to know. 

When you purchase the right pair of polarized goggles you will filter out the correct light and improve the quality of what you are seeing. You’ll be able to distinguish ice from snow when flying downhill and keep safe. Purchase the wrong pair of polarized goggles and you can be in a heap of trouble when on the slopes.  

Here are some important things that you should know before you purchase any pair of goggles so that you can purchase the best polarized ski goggles.

What are polarized goggles?

Polarized goggles are designed to cut down on glare. When you are skiing down the mountain glare can put you into a dangerous situation. There's a special chemical applied to the polarized lens, and it allows them to filter light. The chemical molecules are lined up precisely to block some of the light and prevent it from passing through the lens. 

Basically polarized lenses work by blocking the light waves bouncing off horizontal surfaces. The only light that gets through is through the vertical openings and it will not blind you. This is why things get darker when you have a pair of polarized lenses. While things may be darker, objects are crisper and clearer. You’re able to see details far better and this is important when skiing down the mountain.

Polarized ski goggles reduce the harsh light that prevents you from seeing clearly, and provide you with greater clarity and contrast making them an asset for skiers and snowboarders.

Can you ski without goggles?

Of course, you can go skiing without goggles, but the better question would be - would you want to?

Not only do goggles keep out dust, debris and prevent your eyes from drying out in the wind. Skiing and snowboarding without goggles puts you at risk of UV damage, and snow blindness and can lead to a potential accident on the slopes. Anything that can potentially impair your vision while flying down the slopes should be avoided. 

By putting on a pair of goggles you will reduce the evaporation of your eyes' natural moisture, prevent particles from getting in your eyes and scratching them and improve your vision by reducing glare so you can spot the ice and see where you are going at all times.

Does polarization help in snow?

Without polarized ski goggles skiing could be dangerous. It’s likely that you’d be unable to see clearly due to the glare from the snow and unable to view obstacles while skiing down the slopes. Plus, the glare alone can damage your eyes if they are not polarized. 

How do polarized ski goggles work?

The purpose of polarized ski goggles is to keep the sun's rays out of your eyes and improve your vision. When there is snow there will be glare, and it can put you into a dangerous situation when you are going down the slopes. 

The filters on the goggles of the polarized lens are what will prevent the light from reflecting and also improves your vision. This is due to the polycarbonate elements that are placed on the lens. 

Benefits of polarized ski & snowboard goggles

There are plenty of good reasons for wearing a good pair of polarized goggles when you are skiing or snowboarding. Here are just a few of those benefits,

Glare Reduction 

This is by far the most significant benefit of polarized lenses. Cutting down on glare not only prevents temporary blindness. It also prevents damage to your eyes. If you spend the day squinting to keep the sun out of your eyes it would lead to eye fatigue and headaches. 

Improved Clarity 

While polarized lenses reduce the glare they also improve how you see through the lens. They improve sharpness and clarity giving you better contrast without color distortion. A more defined vision allows you to see clearly and better identify between snow and ice on the mountain. 

More Vivid Colors 

Because a polarized lens filters light, it can also filter the reflections of the microscopic particles that are in the air. These particles can prevent you from seeing colors how they are naturally intended to be seen because they cast a haze that dulls the colors. 

When using polarized goggles you are able to see the impressive vivid colors and beautiful scenery as you peacefully go down the slopes. 

Reduced Eye Strain 

If you are constantly squinting to deal with the bright conditions you’ll be faced with vision impairment and eye strain. Squinting leads to fatigue and discomfort, and it’s safe to say that you’ll take away some of the enjoyment of the trip. 

When wearing polarized goggles you’ll reduce the glare, which will allow you to see clearly, preventing any potential accidents from happening while on the slopes, and keep you from having to squint. 

What does it mean to have mirrored polarized goggles?

There is a thin metallic layer on the outside of mirrored sunglasses that is like looking in a one-way mirror. This layer is how the lens reflects glare and prevents light from entering your eyes. 

Polarized vs non-polarized ski goggles

It goes without saying that polarized ski goggles and non-polarized ski goggles are very different. And the differences become more apparent when you are wearing them for any length of time.  Let’s go over how different these really are.

The main benefits of polarized lenses is that they will reduce glare, improve the clarity of your vision, and help you to see the colors more vividly. With non-polarized ski goggles, the main benefit is going to be that you reduce the intensity of the light.  

High absorption power

All glasses have some sort of absorption power. Yet, polarized ski goggles have a much higher absorption capacity than non-polarized ones. It will absorb the sunlight, ray, and snow cold. Non-polarized glasses will not absorb this type of sunlight and can put you at risk while skiing down the slopes.

Polarized lens

One of the main differences between a non-polarized and polarized goggle lense is how you see when looking through the lens. With polarized ski goggles, you’re able to see clearly because the lens keeps the sun rays out of your eyes, and improves clarity and contrast. With the non-polarized goggles, you will not get the same advantages, as they simply just block some of the light.

Is it worth to buy a polarized goggles?

If you’re wondering if it’s worth buying polarized goggles over any other, the answer is yes. Polarized ski goggles provide the best protection and comfort from the wind, harmful rays, and snow. But what makes them even better is the way that they improve your vision when you wear them.

Sun glare can cause an accident when skiing down the slopes. Imagine getting exposed to glare, not being able to see, and hitting a patch of ice that otherwise could have been avoided. This can send you into another skier, or worse into a tree.

But choosing just any polarized goggles isn’t going to be enough. When shopping for the right sunglasses for skiing it’s important that you choose polarized lenses from the right company. Technology is important to your overall protection when it comes to polarization. 

ShadyVEU offers high-quality polarized lenses for every occasion. Protection isn’t the only thing that you’ll want to take into consideration when purchasing a pair of polarized sunglasses. Style and the way that you look and feel are also important. Whether you're looking for polarized or mirrored polarized ski sunglasses for your next adventure you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.