Foggy Ski Goggles? Here’s How to Fix Them!

 

The onset of winter could mean one thing for winter sports enthusiasts: skiing. The thought of traversing the snow-covered mountains can surely get one’s adrenaline pumping. But if there’s one thing that can make or break your skiing experience, it has to be foggy goggles.

Think about this: how can you do a straight-run with an obstructed vision? When your goggles are foggy, it can be challenging. But luckily, there are simple tips and tricks to stop your goggles from fogging up. 

Why Do Ski Goggles Get Foggy?

For you to fix the problem, you should understand what causes goggles to fog in the first place. When condensation happens on the inside of your goggles, this is caused by the difference in the air temperature on the outside of your lens coming into contact with the air temperature around your face. 

How Do You Keep Ski Goggles From Fogging?

There are several reasons why goggles fog. But knowing the causes as well as doing these simple fixes help keep them virtually fog-free and always in tip-top shape.

1. DRESS ACCORDINGLY

When the weather is below freezing, it only makes sense to layer your clothing to keep you warm. But layering is one of the culprits as to why goggles tend to fog up. Think about wrapping your body in a thick blanket on a hot summer day, leaving only your face exposed. Your body overheats, and sweat builds up and escapes on your face. And we all know that sweat means moisture.

Now in winter, there is a difference in outside temperature and your body temperature.  If you’re wearing too many layers while wearing your ski goggles, the sweat and heat will be trapped between your face and your goggles’ lens. The result? Foggy goggles.

To avoid this, shed the unnecessary layers and only wear enough to keep you warm and comfortable. Jackets with pit zips can also come in handy in situations where you still feel hot and your goggles are still foggy. By letting off the steam generated by your body heat, you’re taking a step to cool down. 

 2. USE ANTI-FOG WIPES

When your goggles fog, it can be tempting to wipe it off with the first thing you’ll see. It can be napkins, paper towels, or even your gloves. If that happens, resist that temptation as these types of materials have small particles that could easily damage your lens. 

Make sure that you’re only using anti-fog wipes that are specifically made for sunglasses and goggles. Kroop’s Anti-Fog wipes are not only convenient but also easy to use as it only takes a few seconds to apply. It’s also designed to be as small and compact as possible, so it won’t take up much space in your pocket or pack. 

 

Kroop's Anti-Fog Wipes (5-Pack)

 

3. YOUR SKI GOGGLES MATTER

Any winter sports enthusiast knows that goggles are one of the most important gears that they can’t afford to leave out. Keeping your eyes protected could be the primary reason why you wear them when doing winter activities. But we all know that goggles are more than just that. They provide us visual acuity especially when we’re hitting the slopes. 

With foggy goggles on the way, it can be hard to do those turns and jumps because of your hindered vision. You want to choose goggles that provide good ventilation while being lightweight so you can wear them comfortably without being weighed down.

Our 13-Five goggles are not only comfortable, but they are also designed with ventilated holes that allow moisture to escape. These are available in seven colors, and they are all designed to fit perfectly over the brows but under the helmet.

 

Kroop's 13-Five Ski Goggles

 

4. LET THEM DRY

After doing those kickers and maneuvering past the glades, it’s easy to just put your goggles in the storage bag and call it a day. But before you do, take the extra time to dry them out before putting them back in. This way, you can ensure that there is no residual moisture left on your goggles that could cause fogging.

When taking them off especially when the snow is blowing, make sure you’re not setting them down on anything wet or damp. And when putting them back on, you would want to do it carefully so the snow wouldn’t go on the foam or the inside of your goggles’ lens.

If you’ve got an extra pair with you, don’t store them in your car or leave them hanging in your rearview mirror. The extreme cold causes vapor condensation that could very well result in fogging. Keep them someplace warm but not hot. Before using them, acclimate them with the weather first before heading out. 

5. WEAR YOUR GOGGLES PROPERLY

The way you wear your goggles with your helmet can also play a big factor. The airflow between your face, the foam, and the goggle lens can cause fogging - especially if you’re breathing out and working hard. To prevent this, adjust your goggles’ strap so they’re snug and tight when wearing a helmet. 

A mistake that some skiers don’t realize that they’re doing is putting their goggles on top of their heads when taking a break. If possible, leave them on.

6. KNOW THE PROPER BREATHING PATTERN

Instead of breathing out, practice this breathing technique instead: tuck your lower lip under or inside your upper lip and breathe down.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Goggles are one of the most vital pieces of equipment for winter sports enthusiasts and professionals alike. Although fogging can be a nuisance in an otherwise fun and thrilling experience, it can be prevented if you take the extra steps to prevent it from happening. 

Forget about bundling up in the cold. Shed those layers and avoid overdressing. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Taking proper care of your goggles and choosing the right pair can also help to solve that ever-persistent fogging problem.