Ever been out for a great day on the slopes and it feels like things are getting more and more cloudy, even obscuring your vision?
At first, it gets a little annoying, and then after a while, you can even end up missing obstacles. It happens to everyone.
Having clear ski goggles can really up the stoke for any day out shredding. Fortunately, it’s not that hard to keep your ski goggles from fogging. With a little bit of knowledge and preparation, you’ll be able to keep your goggles fog-free and the slopes with clear vision.
Check out this list below with 14 great ways to prevent ski goggles from fogging up.
First, Understand Why Ski Goggles Fog Up
Understanding wh your ski goggles fog up is the first step in preventing the issue.
When the moisture in the air inside your ski goggles hits the surface of the goggles that are exposed to the cold outer air, the result is a mini-condensation or fog.
Because these are the two issues at play, it can be relatively easy to prevent your ski goggles from fogging.
We just have to manage two things:
First, we need to pay attention to the moisture in the air inside your goggles.
Secondly, we have to work on reducing the temperature difference between the air inside and the air outside.
In most of these suggestions, you’ll see that they are basically ways to help manage moisture and airflow. Check them out and happy shredding!
14 Ways To Prevent Foggy Goggles
1. Open up the vents in your ski goggles
By opening up the vents in your ski goggles, it allows for ventilation of the warm air and can really help to keep your goggles fog-free. The vents will allow cold air inside your goggles and reduce condensation on your lens.
Most goggles have air vents on the top and on the bottom. Try to be as ventilated as possible throughout the day to help manage the temperature difference.
In many ski climates, the air will also likely be pretty dry, which will also help to reduce the condensation on the lenses.
2. Don’t tuck your face mask under your ski goggles
When you bring your mask under the line where your ski goggles rest on your face, you’re basically directing the moisture inside your breath directly inside your goggles. Your breathing will also bring warm air with moisture inside your goggle area.
Make sure you’re not breathing into your ski goggles area by tucking things under the liner.
Taking a little extra time to make the right adjustments for your mask-goggle line will help you stay comfortable while also keep your lenses dry and clear.
3. Stay in motion
By staying in motion, you’ll increase the ventilation in your goggle area that will help you keep your lenses fog-free.
Remember, bringing in cold air will decrease the temperature difference and prevent your lenses from becoming foggy.
Send it! Keep the wind flowing past your face and into your googles to keep them nice and clear. Who wants to go slow any ways?
4. Dress appropriately for the temperature
Because temperature is one of the key issues that affect the condensation on your ski goggles, managing your body temperature can really help.
Think about it you’re sweaty and hot, not only will that increase the temperature difference between the inside and outside of your googles, but it will also add more water vapor into your air around your eyes and face.
5. Use a breathable buff/gaiter/balaclava or none at all
If you’re wearing a mask, buff or gaiter, make sure it’s breathable. On top of not tucking your gaiter into a pair of goggles, make sure whatever face covering you are using allows for the warm moist air to move away from your face.
6. Wear a helmet with a Visor
A good helmet with a visor will prevent snow and other particles from lodging themselves in a pair of googles. Open and clear vents allow for good ventilation and can help keep your goggles fog free.
7. Check your vents for debris or snow
Along those same lines, take your ski goggles and check your vents for debris or snow that might be clogging up the vents and trapping the hot air in your goggle area.
8. Vent out your ski goggles on the lift
When you get a break in between runs on the chair lift, take a minute or two just to slowly lift the goggles away from your face. This will ensure that you keep the cool air flowing and don’t trap in the warm air.
9. Avoid resting a pair of goggles on your head
It can be tempting when you’re taking a break or when you’re riding up the chairlift, to rest your goggles on your head. Don’t do dat!
Especially if you’ve been skiing and you’re wearing a hat, your head will be sweaty and ready to give off warm, moist air right into your goggles.
If you need to remove a pair of goggles, try to have them open to the air.
10. Don’t wipe the inside of your ski goggles
If you notice any buildups of moisture on the inside of the goggles make sure they air it out. The best way to get rid of that condensation is by managing the temperature difference and allowing ventilation.
A quick swipe might create a temporarily better view, but it won’t keep your goggles clear. They’ll also start accumulating smudges.
11. Buy goggles with anti-fog coating
New goggles come with an anti-fog coating that can be helpful in preventing fogged-up goggles. The coatings often work by preventing the water droplets from being able to “grab” the inside of the lens.
These anti-fog coatings can be quite effective, but will all ultimately reach their limit if the moisture and temperature conditions are not managed.
12. Use anti-fog spray
Don’t have the latest goggles on the market? There are many anti-fog sprays available that can help prevent fogged-up goggles. Again, these sprays can help, but won’t totally over-ride basic physics.
13. Properly dry out your goggles after use
After a long day on the slopes, make sure you take the time to properly dry out your goggles. Store them in a warm dry area where the condensation on the goggles will evaporate.
Again, in most ski environments, and especially during the winter months, the air will likely be pretty dry. That nice dry air will help to remove all the condensate on the lenses.
14. Invest in a new pair of goggles
Newer goggles have great anti-fog coatings, optimized air vents, and often take advantage of double lenses and changeable lenses. They also can look sick!
Investing in the right equipment will always allow you to spend more time focusing on your lines and your friends rather than trying to tinker with annoyances like fog.
15. Swap out lenses
If you’re having trouble ventilating or managing the temperature differences, take your goggles and swap out the lenses. Many middle and higher-end goggles come with interchangeable lenses. If you’re out there charging, you might not have time to wait to deal with fogged-up goggles.
Swapping out a lens can be a quick fix.
Wrapping It Up
There you have it. Some practical ways you can keep your lenses clear so you can enjoy your day.
