DEBATE: GOGGLES VS. GLASSES WHILE TOURING?

Hey all - Tanner here

Let’s face it: most skiers just slap on a pair of goggles, clip them to their helmet, and call it good. It’s easy, it works, and it’s become the norm. But is it always the best choice—especially when you’re sweating your way up a mountain in the backcountry? Not necessarily. Now, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some folks swear by goggles, others are all about sunglasses, and plenty mix and match based on the day’s conditions. So let’s take a look at the pros and cons.

Personally, I run really hot. So, the idea of climbing uphill while wearing goggles sounds like an unwanted sauna for my face. Therefore, I rock the Stash or Ramble Speed sunglasses for 99% of all my ascents and descents. Glasses just feel better, allow better peripheral vision, and give more sensitivity to the scenery around me which is why I'm in the backcountry to begin with. I wear glasses when the face shots approach about neck deep. Which in Little Cottonwood Canyon is just your average Tuesday morning. Then, sometimes, I leave them on when the face shots get biblical and start wrapping around my head. Obviously, this dedication comes with its downsides. I’ve definitely been blinded by snow for half of the line, leaving me to guess as to how much fun I'm having or where I'm going (see my write up on a snowmobile fiasco that nearly froze my eyeballs)..

I have partners who are WAY better than me who swear by goggles like the Adapt 2 line or Fathom+. And I get it. The wind does kind of sneak in on the sides and make your eyes tear up for long periods of time. If you fall, there's no guarantee that those sunglasses will stay on your face. And, if you hit a tree branch on your way down, I'm not sure what the impact rating is on our sunglasses. But, given the option, I'd rather be hit in the face with goggles on than sunglasses. Also, if you have goggles and a helmet that integrates well like Glade’s, the ventilation system really can take care of the sauna-like nature of climbing uphill.

Some folks wear goggles almost all the time while skiing, but carry sunglasses for the brightest days, lunch, and relaxing. Some folks carry goggles as well as two pairs of glasses, one with dark lenses for bright conditions and one with yellow lenses for flat light conditions – skiing first in flat light is one of the big challenges of guiding, and the right eyewear makes a huge difference. To me, that sounds like a lot, especially if you just purchased a $1500 all carbon fiber set up with paperclip bindings.

As with most things in the mountains, the answer is: it depends. Conditions matter, and so does your personal preference. If you’re someone who overheats easily and values comfort on the climb, sunglasses are probably your best bet for touring. They’re light, breathable, and won’t fog up as much. But if you’re more focused on protection and want to be ready to charge downhill without swapping eyewear, goggles are the way to go.

Many partners I’ve watched use a hybrid approach—sunglasses on the way up, goggles on the way down. This way, they stay cool on the climb but don’t sacrifice protection when it’s time to drop into the line.

Whether you’re Team Goggles or Team Sunglasses, it’s all about finding what works for you. So next time you’re heading into the backcountry, think about the conditions, the terrain, and how you run (hot or cold), and make your choice. And hey, if you’re really torn, just pack both.

See ya out there,

Tanner