Does the following sound familiar? You’re standing at the top of the slope, surrounded by brilliant white snow, ready to enjoy an amazing day’s skiing. You zip up your jacket, pull your goggles over your glasses – and then frustration sets in as your lenses fog up and blur your view.
Unfortunately, this scenario is all too common for spectacle wearers. About 64 percent of people rely on prescription eyewear to correct their vision, and for many of them, skiing with goggles presents unique challenges. The good news: You’re not alone – and even better, there are practical solutions. OTG ski goggles, for example, are designed to solve the most common problems of spectacle wearers.
Ready to find out how OTG ski goggles can improve your experience on the slopes? Let’s dive in! Read below what our RENTertainers have to say about prescription eyewear if you like to ski or snowboard!
OTG ski goggles: Enjoy a clear view while skiing with glasses
As we said earlier, a day on the slopes can be tricky for glasses wearers. After all, ski goggles are essential for both skiing and snowboarding. However, the combination of glasses and ski goggles can create issues like:
- Fogging: Warm air from your breath or body meets the cold air outside, causing condensation on both your glasses and the goggle lens.
- Uncomfortable fit: Traditional goggles often press your glasses against your face or temples, causing discomfort and limiting your view.
- Cold air and snow infiltration: Poor seals around the temples can let in light snow and cold air, making the descent less enjoyable.
Does this mean you can’t wear glasses under your ski goggles? Absolutely not! It just means that you need to be more selective when choosing your goggles. That’s where OTG ski goggles come in.
What are OTG goggles?
OTG ski goggles – short for "over the glasses" – are specially designed to fit comfortably over prescription glasses. These goggles solve many of the problems that standard goggles cause for spectacle wearers.
Key features of OTG ski goggles
- Roomier frames: Designed to give you room to wear your glasses without them feeling uncomfortably on your face.
- Extended lens distance: The goggle lens is positioned further from your eyes, allowing your glasses to fit inside comfortably.
- Foam temple padding: Special padding ensures a snug fit around the temples of your glasses while maintaining a seal to block wind and snow.
- Improved ventilation: More vents or integrated fans prevent the dreaded fogging problem.
These features make OTG ski goggles maybe the best choice if you like to ski or snowboard with glasses, ensuring both comfort and a perfect view.
What to consider when buying OTG ski goggles?
Finding the right OTG ski goggles is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable skiing experience. Choosing the right pair requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure maximum performance and comfort:
1. Fit and comfort
- Make sure the goggles fit securely over your glasses and feel comfortable without causing pressure or gaps.
- The frame shouldn’t cause an extra air gap between your face and the goggles, so they create a proper seal to keep out cold air and snow.
- Your glasses should not touch the inside of the goggle lens to avoid scratches
2. Lens type and quality
- Look for lenses with anti-fog coatings to reduce condensation.
- Choose the right lens colour based on the light conditions you ski in most frequently.
3. Ventilation
- Look for goggles with advanced ventilation systems, such as extra vents or fans, to ensure airflow and prevent fogging.
4. Helmet compatibility
- Make sure your goggles fit seamlessly with your helmet. Many OTG ski goggles are designed to work with standard ski helmets, but it’s always good to test the combination before you buy. Use the INTERSPORT Rent service here!
5. Durability and Quality
- Look for well-constructed frames and robust materials that can withstand frequent use and harsh weather conditions.
Alternatives to OTG ski goggles
If OTG ski goggles aren’t the perfect match for you, there are other ways to achieve a clear view on the slopes:
Larger standard ski goggles with side cut-outs
These are designed to hold glasses. These models often offer a similar level of comfort and functionality, although they may not offer the same customised fit as true OTG designs.
Prescription ski and snowboard goggle inserts
Another alternative to OTG goggles are prescription goggle inserts. Essentially, they are something like built-in glasses, with prescription lenses suspended just inside the goggles. They work with most types of goggles and have special coatings to prevent fogging.
Please note: When you take off your goggles, you are also taking off your glasses. So don’t forget to bring a spare pair!
Contact lenses
Contact lenses completely eliminate the need for OTG goggles. However, they may not be the best thing for everyone, especially in cold or dry environments.
Practical tips for using OTG ski goggles
1. Keep your lenses dry
Make sure your glasses and the goggle lens are completely dry before putting them on to maintain a clear view.
2. Use anti-fog treatments
Use anti-fog sprays or wipes on your glasses and goggles to minimise condensation.
3. Check fit with your helmet
Always check your glasses and helmet together to ensure a snug, gap-free fit.
4. Pay attention to the VLT value
Choosing the right VLT value ensures optimal vision and comfort, protecting your eyes from glare or strain in changing light conditions
What is the VLT value and why is it important?
The Visible Light Transmission (VLT) value measures how much light passes through the goggle lens, expressed as a percentage. Choosing the correct VLT value enhances your view by adapting to different lighting conditions.
- Low VLT (5-20%): Dark lenses for sunny days. Reduces glare and protects your eyes from bright light.
- Medium VLT (20-50%): Versatile lenses for partly cloudy conditions. Balances light filtering and clarity.
- High VLT (50-100%): Lightweight lenses for overcast, fog, or night skiing, that let in more light for improved view.
Want to know more about the VLT value? Visit our RENTertainer blog!
Do glasses wearers need a special helmet as well?
It all depends! The most important thing is that your helmet and goggles are compatible. Some manufacturers also offer special OTG visor helmets for glasses wearers. To find out more, check our blog article on ski helmets that work with prescription glasses!
Transform your skiing experience with OTG ski goggles
The right OTG ski goggles ensure clear vision and comfort all day long. By focusing on proper fit, lens quality, ventilation, and compatibility with your helmet, you can find a pair that meets your needs and keeps you fully focused on the slopes. Don’t forget to test your goggles with the rest of your ski clothing to ensure a perfect match before you hit the snow!
At INTERSPORT Rent, we have a wide range of new OTG ski goggles from top brands like Oakley, to make sure your view is crystal-clear on every slope. Whether you’re skiing in bright sunshine or snowy fog, our RENTertainers will help you find the best pair. Visit one of our 800+ locations to try out the latest models and enhance your skiing experience today!
Frequently asked questions about OTG ski goggles
What’s the different between OTG ski goggles and regular goggles?
The key difference between OTG goggles and regular ski goggles is their compatibility with prescription glasses. For glasses wearers, OTG goggles provide a tailored solution, while regular goggles may require contact lenses or prescription inserts.
What is the benefit of OTG ski goggles?
OTG goggles offer several advantages for skiers who wear glasses:
- Comfortable Fit: Designed to accommodate glasses without causing pressure or discomfort.
- Clear Vision: Advanced ventilation systems reduce fogging of both the goggle lens and glasses.
- Convenience: Eliminates the need for contact lenses or prescription inserts.
- Protection: Offers the same level of UV protection, weather shielding, and impact resistance as regular goggles.
For glasses wearers, OTG goggles are a practical and comfortable solution to enjoy skiing or snowboarding without compromising vision or comfort.
Can I use OTG ski goggles with any helmet?
Yes, most OTG ski goggles can be used with standard helmets, but compatibility is key. Ensure the goggles fit snugly with the helmet, without gaps that could let in cold air or snow. Wide, adjustable straps should secure properly, and the helmet's venting system should align with the goggle vents to prevent fogging. Whenever possible, try the goggles and helmet together before purchasing.
How do I prevent fogging in OTG ski goggles?
To prevent fogging, choose goggles with anti-fog coatings and advanced ventilation systems. Make sure your goggles fit properly over your glasses without blocking vents. Keep both the goggle lens and your glasses clean and dry, and avoid covering vents with your helmet or ski clothing. For extra protection, consider using anti-fog sprays or wipes.
INTERSPORT Rent tip
Finding ski or snowboard goggles that offer a perfect fit with your glasses can be difficult. So why not try several different models in action before committing to a specific product?
At INTERSPORT Rent, you can choose from a wide range of OTG ski goggles. Our local RENTertainers will be happy to help you choose the best products for your needs, so don’t hesitate to drop by!
