The Rules
Don’t ever be tempted to take to the slopes without wearing high-quality UV eyewear protection (at least UV 400) as snow is highly reflective (even more so at high altitude), no matter what the weather conditions.  You run the risk of serious eye damage if you go without, even if all you’re doing is enjoying a drink at a mountain restaurant.

Goggles Or Sunglasses?
Ideally take both, but if you only take one, then go for the former as they can be used in both fine conditions and blizzards.

Sunglasses are great for blue sky days and sunshine.  But when it’s snowy, rainy, windy or there’s a whiteout, then ski goggles are an absolute must.  Not only will they protect your eyes from the elements, but they will increase the contrast in poor light, helping you to maintain your balance and confidence, as well as keeping you warm.

How Do I Choose The Right Pair?
They need to fit snuggly, providing a seal, so choose the right shape and size for your own face.  Look for nylon or rubber frames as they tend to be much more comfortable and will help protect your face in the event of a fall.

Taking Care Of Your Goggles
Good quality ones come with an anti-fogging layer. Try not to clean inside too often to prevent wearing this layer away.  Always use a goggle cloth as other items (tissues, clothing etc) tend to be abrasive.  Full of snow?  Shake off any excess snow and clear ventilation ports and vents. Allow time for the moisture to dissipate before replacing the goggles.  Keep moving as much as possible as airflow through the vents will help them dry.

Outsides will scratch easily, so be careful where you place them when you take them off.  The same applies to sunglasses.

Can I Wear Goggles With A Helmet?
Yes, they should still fit well even if you’re wearing a helmet – many helmets have brackets to hold your them in place.

Will Goggles Obscure My Vision?
Lenses will be farther away from the eyes, meaning that there will be a wider range of vision compared to sunglasses. One of the major advantages is that they provide unhindered peripheral vision; as some skiers travel at high rates of speed, it is essential to keep your vision clear at all times.