You can wear sunglasses while snowboarding, but it’s not always the best choice. Sunglasses will help protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, but they won’t stay on your head if you wipe out while riding.
I’m a lifelong snowboarder who gets out in the snow as often as possible. I’ve worn many different goggles and sunglasses on the slopes, so I know what eyewear works and what doesn’t.
This post will tell you why you can wear sunglasses while snowboarding, but I’ll also explain why you might want to wear goggles instead. I’ll also highlight the importance of eyewear and why you always need it when riding.
Let’s get out there.
Contents
Sunglasses and Snowboarding
If you have spent any time on the slopes, you have more than likely seen snowboarders wearing sunglasses.
It’s OK to wear sunglasses on the slopes, and they will help you out in a few ways.
But sunglasses aren’t always the best choice on the mountain. They will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, but they don’t offer the same benefits as regular snow goggles.
I think it’s important always to have a good pair of snow goggles when you go riding. You’ll want to wear them the majority of the time. But it’s also OK to have a set of sunglasses to wear when conditions allow for it.
I wear sunglasses sometimes when I’m snowboarding. This is typically only in the late season when spring-like weather is more common. Sunglasses are lighter weight, and if the weather is warm, they can serve you well on the mountain.
But if the weather is bad with snow or variable lighting, I will always choose my goggles over sunglasses. Sunglasses won’t give you the same protection from snow, and you also might have limited visibility because the lenses aren’t as wide.
Wearing Sunglasses When Snowboarding: What You Should Know
If you choose to wear sunglasses when snowboarding, you should know some important things to help you see clearly and not lose your shades.
First off, I highly recommend getting some sort of strap that attaches the sunglasses to your head. If you don’t use one of these, your glasses can go flying if you fall. This can damage them or even make them disappear.
You also need to ensure that your sunglasses have complete UV protection, or they really aren’t worth wearing in the snow. Check that your lenses have at least 100% UV protection to ensure your eyes don’t get sunburnt when you ride.
The tint of the lenses is another consideration. You want to make sure that you can clearly see the light conditions you are riding in. With goggles, you can switch lenses, but you usually can’t do this with sunglasses.
FAQs
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions relating to if you can wear sunglasses while snowboarding.
Why do snowboarders wear sunglasses?
Some riders like to wear sunglasses when it’s not snowing because they are lighter. Others want to wear them simply because they have a unique style that looks good when riding. But goggles are still ideal when conditions are snowy.
Is it weird to wear sunglasses in the snow?
I don’t think it’s weird to wear sunglasses in the snow, but it’s not always the best decision. Sunglasses will still protect you from harmful UV rays, which is very important whenever you are in the snow. But snow goggles have benefits that sunglasses do not.
Are Polarized sunglasses good for snowboarding?
Polarized sunglasses can be good for snowboarding because they let you see more contrast and definition in variable light conditions. However, polarized glasses aren’t essential, and goggles are always better than glasses.
Can you wear snowboarding goggles with glasses?
If your snowboarding goggles are large enough, there is no problem wearing them over your glasses. If they don’t fit over them, you’ll struggle to get a secure fit, which will affect how both your glasses and goggles work.
Conclusion
It’s totally fine to wear sunglasses when snowboarding, but I’d make sure you have a way to keep them attached to your head. You also need to know that sunglasses won’t give you the same traits as a good pair of snowboarding goggles.
About Lorraine