We all know that besides the cool quotient that UV sunglasses add to our looks, these are primarily meant to protect your eyes. But did you know, you also need sunglasses as protection against the cold, high-velocity winds in the mountains?
What happens if you play in winter sports without sports sunglasses?
Not protecting your eyes when you’re surrounded by snow is not a good idea. There have been instances when tourists have complained of snow blindness as they underestimate snow-glare.
What Is Snow Blindness?
Due to the continuous exposure to high-intensity UV rays reflected off the snow, the cornea of your eyes may get inflamed. This results in temporary loss of vision or snow blindness. It can be painful and you do not want that on your trip.
That being said, mountains can get very bright during the day. And since the atmosphere line gets thinner at high altitudes, UV ray penetration is the highest on mountains. Hence, UV protection glasses are highly recommended! Let’s plan your next winter adventure with the protection of appropriate sports sunglasses for men and women.
UV Sunglasses For Your Winter Adventure In North India
#1 Setting Out On A Himalayan Trek? Beware Of The Sun!
Imagine yourself walking the snow-covered alpine meadows of Uttarakhand. What does your kit of essentials consist of? First aid? Sure! Sunscreen to save your skin from severe sunburn? Crucial! And snow sunglasses, right? Because if the sun can burn your skin to a degree where it peels, think about what the bright light would do to your eyes? Snow is a highly reflective surface; it reflects 80 percent of the light back to us. These rays can damage your eyes and make you feel dizzy. Hence, snow sunglasses are essential.
In addition, your snow sunglasses will also protect your eyes in case of:
- A whiteout on the mountains where snow can enter your eyes
- The cold wind that often freezes our face
- Worst case scenario, if you happen to skid on the slopes and hit the surface, your protective goggles may take the impact and safeguard your eyes.
Word of advice: Slip into your UV-protection sunglasses the moment you step out of your tent. Because at high altitudes, even morning sunrises can be blistering and stressful to the eyes.
Best Winter Treks In North India
- Ali Bedni Bugyal, Uttarakhand
- Dayara Bugyal, Uttarakhand
- Kedarkantha Summit, Uttarakhand
- Chadar Trek, Zanskar
Best Winter Treks In Northeast India
- Goechala Trek, Sikkim
- Sandakhpu, Darjeeling
Also Read: Himalayan Biker Tales With Murthaza Junaid And Must-Have Eyewear
#2 All Thrilled To Learn A Snowsport? Do It The Right Way!
Adventure junkies taking high-altitude slopes often underestimate the sun. The notion of ‘no-sun on the high mountain’ can get dangerous. Our eyes are just as prone to sunburn as our skin. In case you are planning to go skiing, you better get a pair of skiing sunglasses. Snowsports like sledding, skiing, or snowboarding completely rely on gravity and are fast-paced. Ice hockey, for instance, is considered one of the world’s fastest sports. And while you are packing your bags for snowsports this winter, don’t forget your skiing sunglasses!
Best Snow Sports Destinations In North India
- Ice Hockey, Zanskar
- Skiing, Auli and Gulmarg
- Snowboarding, Solang Valley
- Gondola Ride and Sledge, Gulmarg
Best Snow Sports Destinations In Northeast India
- Skiing, Yumthang Valley, Sikkim, and Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
#3 Planning To Feel The Wilderness On A Safari? Keep Eyes Out On Jungle Trails!
You get the best experience of jungle safaris in winters. And with your jackets and boots, remember to wear your sunglasses too. Whether you are witnessing the beauty of a single-horned rhino in Assam or majestic tigers in Uttarakhand, you need a clear vision to be able to spot the wildlife. And also making your way through the sheer forest, rugged reeds, marshes, and shallow pools mean you can easily get anything in your eyes. Hence, it’s always best to have the protection of UV sunglasses whenever venturing outdoors.
Best National Parks In Northeast India
- Kaziranga National Park, Assam
- Manas National Park, Assam
- Nameri National Park, Assam
Best National Parks In North India
- Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
- Dachigam National Park, Jammu & Kashmir
Things To Look For When Buying Winter Sports Sunglasses:
- Opt for mirrored sunglasses with a reflective polarized coating that efficiently blocks harmful UV rays.
- Pick wrap-around designs for utmost side protection.
- Choose tints like amber, grey, red, orange, and brown. Avoid blue-tinted sunglasses. Since the tint decides the contrast and hue of the overall view, blue on white surfaces or blue skies is a bad choice.
