Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to your most frequently asked questions regarding winter sports sunglasses and goggles:
Q: Can I Use Ordinary Sunglasses on the
Slopes?
A: Many people do. Such sunglasses may be suitable, however high
optical quality lenses with
full UV400 compliance are essential. The sunglasses themselves
should give good peripheral protection to minimise UV rays and
drafts from entering around the frames. Close fitting wraparound sunglasses with
shatterproof, polycarbonate lenses provide the best protection and
give a wider field of vision.
Q: Are Polarised Sunglasses Essential
for Skiing?
A: Because polarised lenses eliminate glare off flat surfaces they
are a popular choice for skiing and snow boarding. However they are
not essential, it is more important to choose the most suitable lens
colour for the prevailing mountain conditions. Mirror lens coatings
are a great alternative to help reduce glare.
Some opticians believe that polarised lenses work great on sunny powder days but make it harder to recognise ice patches on the slopes. Polarisation also has little value on cloudy days when glare is not an issue.
Q: What is Flat Light?
A: When light is "flat," the slope looks like a white, empty canvas,
and it's impossible to read the snow surface clearly. Ruts, bumps,
ice, rocks, thin patches and even the edges of the piste disappear.
And if you're out in an open expanse, it's hard to determine the
pitch of the slope as your depth perception shrinks to nil.
Q: Why is Contrast Important?
A: Contrast is the difference in brightness between the light and
dark areas in your view. A high contrast lens gives you great visual
acuity between light and dark areas. Brown, amber, orange, pink and
yellow lenses filter out blue light waves giving a sharper high
contrast view. The more common grey lenses are considered neutral
because they do not enhance contrast or distort colours, as these
are intended for use in bright sunlight this is not a problem when
used as appropriate.
Q: Where
Can I Buy Affordable Ski Sunglasses and Ski Goggles?
A: You can buy a wide range of winter sports sunglasses and goggles
online at
i*sunglasses.com/Ski&Snowboard, they are based in the UK and
ship to most countries worldwide.