Protecting Your Eyes During Ski Season
Australia's ski season runs from June to October, and while we might not have the Alps, our alpine regions serve up serious UV exposure. Snow reflects up to 80% of UV radiation — meaning your eyes get hammered from above and below. Here's how to protect them.
Why Snow UV Is So Extreme
Two factors combine to make alpine UV exposure intense:
- Altitude — UV radiation increases by approximately 10-12% for every 1,000 metres of elevation gain. Australian ski resorts sit at 1,400-2,200 metres, meaning UV levels are significantly higher than at sea level.
- Snow reflection — Fresh snow reflects 80% of UV radiation. This means you receive UV from the sun above AND reflected UV from the ground below. Your eyes get almost double the exposure compared to non-snow conditions.
The result? Even on overcast days, UV exposure on the snow can exceed extreme levels.
Snow Blindness: A Real Risk
Photokeratitis — commonly called snow blindness — is essentially sunburn of the cornea. Symptoms include:
- Intense eye pain
- Tearing and redness
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- A gritty sensation, like sand in your eyes
It typically appears 6-12 hours after exposure and can last 24-48 hours. While it usually resolves, repeated episodes can cause permanent damage.
Sunglasses vs Goggles
carbon fiber sunglasses - Protecting Your Eyes During Ski Season" loading="lazy" style="max-width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:8px">On the slopes, goggles are the standard for active skiing and boarding. But there are many situations where sunglasses are more appropriate:
- Lunch breaks and village time
- Cross-country skiing where goggles feel excessive
- Spring skiing in warmer conditions
- Après-ski when you're still exposed to reflected UV
- Driving to and from the mountain
Quality polarised sunglasses with UV400 protection are essential for all these scenarios.
Overcast Doesn't Mean Safe
Clouds block some UV but not all — up to 80% of UV can penetrate cloud cover. Combined with snow reflection, an overcast day on the snow can still deliver dangerous UV levels. Never assume cloudy means safe.
Alpine Eye Protection Essentials
- UV400 protection — non-negotiable at altitude
- Category 3 or 4 lenses for the intense brightness
- Polarisation to cut snow glare
- Lightweight, comfortable frames for all-day wear
- Durable construction — cold makes some plastics brittle
The Voyager Black handles alpine conditions with ease — UV400 polarised lenses, crushproof carbon fibre that doesn't go brittle in the cold, and just 22 grams of all-day comfort.
