Ski shops near Westport carry a wide variety of goggles designed for skiing and snowboarding. People experienced in these sports understand how necessary a good pair of goggles can be, but if you are new to these activities, you may be wondering why you need goggles before hitting the powder.

Reduce Glare

When skiing and snowboarding, having good visibility is essential for your safety. Ski goggles are available with a wide a variety of specialized lenses that can help reduce the glare coming off of the snow. This makes it easier for you to see and adds comfort by preventing the need for you to squint against the harsh light, particularly on sunny days.

Increase Contrast

Another factor that contributes to visibility when you’re skiing or snowboarding is contrast. When you’re on the slopes, the terrain can blend together into a field of white. Wearing colored lenses, however, can add contrast to your view and make bumps and dips stand out more. Amber and rose-colored lenses are ideal for hazy or cloudy days, while brown lenses add more contrast in dimly-lit weather conditions and reduce light in sunny weather.

Protect Your Eyes

Goggles are an essential part of skiing or snowboarding gear to protect your eyes from the elements and injury. These sports expose your eyes to prolonged periods of harsh wind and bright sunlight. Unlike sunglasses, goggles seal your eyes from the cold air, and many goggles come with lenses that block UV light. Goggles protect your eyes from airborne snow and debris and shield them from hazards such as tree limbs and fallen branches. Ski goggles also stay securely on your head at times when sunglasses would fly off. Skiing and snowboarding are sports that require precaution to help keep you safe, and when you can’t see well, you are more likely to injure yourself. Snowboard shops carry ski goggles for different conditions to help you stay safe on the slopes.

If you are looking for snowboarding gear or ski wear in Ridgefield to prepare for a trip to the slopes, learning the essential elements of a perfect ski outfit will help you stay warm, confident, and comfortable.

Be sure to consider function when building you ski outfit. Your bottom layer should include warm socks, long underwear or tights, and a thermal top to conserve your body heat. Add a second long-sleeved top to stay warmer, preferably one with a turtleneck collar. A ski jacket, ski pants, and waterproof gloves are necessary for keeping wind and moisture from penetrating your clothing. Complete your outfit with a pair of ski goggles to protect your eyes from wind, sun, and debris.

The founders of Ski & Sport of Westport have been providing people with skiing and snowboarding gear for over 38 years. We have locations in Ridgefield and Westport, and supply high-quality equipment and accessories for skiing, snowboarding, and BMX riding. We carry top of the line products from designer brands to meet your outdoor sporting needs.

If you are wondering how to care for your snowboard, there are a few basic steps to follow that will help keep your board in excellent shape between sessions. Your local snowboard shop in Ridgefield will carry the supplies you need to care for your board, and will often provide snowboard maintenance and repair services as well.

Wax Your Snowboard Regularly

A good rule of thumb for keeping your board in good condition and protected from the snow’s moisture is to wax it after every three trips. Using a scraper intended for snowboards, carefully remove the previous coat of wax. Next, take your snowboard wax and use an iron to warm it just enough for it to melt – if it’s smoking, the wax is too hot. Allow the wax to pool on your board and then use the iron to spread it evenly over the base. Finally, use your scraper to gently remove any bumps, and an abrasive pad made for snowboards to smooth the surface.

Store Your Snowboard Properly

After snowboarding, wipe down your board with a cloth to remove any dirt or debris that might be lingering on the surface to prevent it from getting scratched between uses. If you find that your board has been gouged, scrape off the wax and clean the area before melting repair wax into the hold to fill it. Never store your snowboard on cement and instead, hang it on a wall using strong supports.

Sharpen Your Board as Needed

Snowboards can be sharpened at a snowboard shop with a sharpening machine, or with a whetstone and file. First, use your whetstone to smooth out any scratches, snags, or patches of rust, keeping the stone flat against the surface. Next, run your file along the length of the board, keeping it at a 30º angle. The side and base edges require regular sharpening, but how often depends on the softness of the snow it was used on, so check your board for dullness between trips.

Skiing and snowboarding are exhilarating sports that give you a major adrenaline rush. Stop by any ski shop selling ski gear in Ridgefield, and you’ll see plenty of skiers eagerly preparing for their next trip. But something avid skiers don’t often stop to think about is the one thing that makes this thrilling sport possible—snow.