Prescription snowboarding goggles for better visibility

SKIING IN POOR VISIBILITY: TOP TIPS FOR NAVIGATING A WHITE-OUT
January 16, 2023/in Skiing /
Having great snow is the dream of most skiers – think fresh pistes, snow-lined trees and stunning mountain vistas. But when it comes during your holiday it can bring a sense of adventure or some associated challenges – depending on how you see things. With all the snow we’re due this week, we’re likely to field questions from guests as to where to go and top tips for making the most of the snowy conditions. So, we thought we’d share our top tips for skiing amid poor visibility and how to navigate the slopes in a whiteout.
STAY IN THE TREES
If the cloud comes in and you’re struggling to see your hand in front of your face, where you ski will make all the difference. If you can find a tree-lined route or area then the visibility is often vastly better, with trees helping provide definition, making for a much more enjoyable ski day.
If you’re skiing in Courchevel the runs around La Tania are great for white-out conditions. Good options include Folyeres (blue run), Plan Fontaine (green) or Murettes (red) down to Le Praz.
WEAR SUITABLE EYEWEAR
When visibility is limited you want to set yourself up for success by picking the best eyewear for the task. Sunglasses or goggles with a lens made for sunny conditions will hamper your vision and make for poor definition. Instead, either choose goggles or sunglasses with a low-light lens, or, if you have the option, and your goggles came with both, swap your lens out for the day. Low-light lenses will let more light in, helping you navigate poor visibility, and are usually lightly coloured like yellow, orange or pink.
STICK TOGETHER WHEN SKIING IN A GROUP
If you’re skiing with other people it can be easy to lose them in a whiteout, which can be unsettling to nervous skiers, or if you’re skiing with little ones. To avoid this, stay close together, stop more frequently, and stay to one side of the piste. Wearing brightly coloured clothing can also help you remain visible through the cloud.
USE THE PISTE MARKERS
If you’re struggling to tell which way to go, the easiest way to navigate is by following the piste markers, keeping them to your left, or right hand side (depending on which side of the piste you’re on). A little known fact that can really help this tactic is that, in France, the pole on the right hand side of the piste has an orange top, helping you ensure you stay on track and don’t venture off piste.Prescription snowboarding goggles for better visibility


CHANGE YOUR ELEVATION
It’s rare that the light, cloud and subsequent visibility are the same at all elevations. So, if you’re skiing near the top of the mountain, head down to see if it improves. Or, vice versa – grab a bubble and head to the top to see if you come out of the clouds.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO CALL IT A DAY
If the conditions become really debilitating or someone in your party is struggling, don’t be afraid to call it a day early. There’s no shame in cutting a day short or taking a bubble down, to keep your confidence intact and avoid injuries. Grab a cuppa and snuggle up beside the fire, and get out fresh the next day.
So there you have it – our top tips for skiing in poor visibility. Now, if it snows, or the cloud comes in during your next ski trip, you’ll be all set to enjoy the fresh stuff, and make the most of your holiday.