Here’s A Common, Perhaps COVID-Amplified Problem For Skiers.
A question from SeniorsSkiing.com reader Steve Rosen:
A new to me and persistent problem this season has been fogging of my goggles from the inside, particularly in the morning. It seems to be caused by local requirements to wear masks while in the lift lines, on the lifts, and skiing, all of which are very good ideas.
Most skiers and boarders who I’ve asked about this have had similar problems this season.
I’ve learned to put the goggles on my face as soon as the helmet goes on and to keep the goggles on, which seems to help, as does trying to create a seal between the bottom of the goggles and the top of the mask. Are there other techniques that work or that are sure failures? Or models of goggles that seem immune from fogging?
Question For You: How Do You Manage the Foggy Goggle syndrome? Is this a new problem? Do you have a person method to remain unfogged? What do you do when you get fogged up?
Please comment in Leave A Reply below.
Put your goggles up onto your helmet when you are in the lift line or inside a gondola.
Yep, that’s the only thing that works for me, sadly.,
I had the same fogging problem with my regular googles. My solution was to purchase and use an “over glasses” goggles which move the lens further from the face. This solved the fogging problem for me.
Better to hear from a goggle manufacturer but I’ve Tightened the strap and made extra effort to try and seal the bottom of the frame to my face by pushing against the frame. Also, a higher quality goggle makes a difference. But it is also impacted by the weather (temp and humidity).
I have smith vice goggles and a cotton mask that goes well up on my nose. I put the goggles over the mask and try to breathe out through my mouth. Most days it works. Standing around and talking do not help.
I also put a neck warmer over part of the mask to hold it a bit tighter.
Abom goggles. The goggle lenses are heated. They are expensive, but they work. About $270. Great goggles, Nikon lenses, perfect optics.
I use an anti-fog spray purchased on Amazon. Used for dive mask and skiing. Works well, but needs to be used every couple days. The trick is to let the spray dry then buff.
My problem? Flat light, any suggestions??
I have a Smith ski goggle with a built in battery powered fan. It works great
I sprang for the Anon M-4 goggle with the prescription insert and integrated magnetic mask. Works incredibly well!!
First, when you come in from skiing, dry your googles with a hair dryer to remove all moisture. Some may be trapped between lenses in thermopane googles. Keep blow drying until it’s all gone. Then place goggles over hot air vent overnight. Do not place googles in a pack w damp things.
All non fog preparations are just detergent that breaks surface tension so the fog bubbles don’t form. Smooth dish detergent mixed with a bit of water over the inside of the goggles. Polish dry but don’t rub off all the solution. Will last a day or longer.
Also, once your goggles are on and not fogged don’t pull them over your hat or helmet. That’s asking for trouble. And, there is no such thing as a goggle that will never fog although it’s a successful marketing tool. Goggles made for eye glasses sit further from your warm face and fog less. Thermopane goggles invented by Bob Smith are an improvement. Goggles with good ventilation also are better.
I wear glasses while skiing. The combination of a mask, glasses, and goggles caused complete fogging. I use Smith best OTG goggle. Since this problem existed in early December, I have researched and purchased the Atomic Savor Helmet that has a flip down visor (ie. goggle lense). It has completely eliminated fogging. It is the most comfortable helmet I have ever owned. And, when the lenses is down, it looks like exery other helmet- not a space shuttle look.
My solution to foggy goggles is to put liquid dish washing detergent on the inside of the lenses overnight and wipe it off in the morning with a micro fiber cloth for cleaning eye glasses. If works perfectly on two goggles that I have and on my Virimask for complete Covid 19 protection.
Cat Crap Multi use anti fog available on Amazon
I ware glasses under my goggles and found I have better luck if I put them on once outside and immediately put the goggles on , sealing the top of the mask. Then leave everything on! I’ve also had the best luck with breathing and fog using the throw away paper style masks. They do get damp but seem to work better than the cloth style. I carry extras in my pocket.
Rip the damn mask off and throw it in the snow and stab it at least a
100 times with your ski pole!!!!!
OK, maybe that’s just wishful thinking by most everyone!!
Finally! Advice that is common sense!!! I sooo agree!!! I’m more worried about a ski injury than Covid!
Smith goggles with battery power fan, pricey but really work!
I purchased an anti-fog liquid that called for application, allowing to dry, then rinsing with clear water. Bad idea! I got water between the lenses and had to leave them in a tupperware filled with uncooked rice for a week before the water cleared from between the lenses…and they still fogged. Now I put them up in line and on the lift and pull my mask below my nose while skiing. I put my goggles up and cover my nose before entering the corral.
I use these 3M masks. Called 3M daily face mask. 3 in a package for about $10. My goggles sit over the top of the nose piece, and I have not had fogging all season. I found them at Home Depot also. They are great masks for non skiers also!
I teach skiing full time and we have to wear a mask all day except indoors at a lunch table. First I go Commando stick on tabs so I attach my mask to my helmet. this creates more of an air vent below my moth. Next I try never to breathe out my nose only my mouth. Lastly I bought I Spy magnetic lens goggles with a bag and replacement lens. Anon and Amazon are other sources for changeable magnetic lens. when riding in a gondola or on a chair in non stormy days I keep the lens in the goggle bag. I put the lens on at the top of the lift. I then exchange the lens and leave the fogged lens in the goggle bag. in the evening I dry out the lens in the lens bag above the boot heater.
As for flat light which is a serious problem when we age my eye doctor has ordered a new bifocal contacts lens which I pray will work
My observations from many moons of skiing:
1. OTG goggles are best whether you wear glasses or not.
2. Double lenses (standard on just about every goggle) should never get moisture in between. If they do, throw them away. Or you just have a cheap goggle with an inner and an outer shield. Bad.
3. Cat Crap works. Dish soap wiped off works but not as well.
4. Gogs that vent through the lens (slots in the lens) fog less but are subject to snow coming in.
5. Smith TurboFan gogs work but they are pricey.
6. Try a silicone mask insert that holds it away from your mouth. I can’t vouch for it but there are people reporting that it helps reduce foggin.
I use a Smith Knowledge OTG (Over the Glasses) goggle – actually has a little ‘switch’ on top that you can set to open to keep the cool air circulating inside the goggle – especially while you’re waiting in the lift line … you can close it, if needed when skiing, to stop any tearing.
Seems to work well so far.
In Vermont we use a product called “Cat Crap” rubbed on the inside of our goggles and it completely stopped fogging. Kevin Toolan