Snow Goggles over or Under your helmet?

Snow Goggles: Over or Under the Helmet?

In recent years, the trend of wearing snow goggles under the helmet has gained significant traction among skiers and snowboarders, particularly within freestyle and freeride communities. This style, often associated with a more laid-back or urban aesthetic, has been popularized by professional riders and social media influencers. Despite its widespread appeal, research suggests that wearing goggles in this manner can compromise safety and helmet effectiveness.

The Origins and Persistence of the Trend

The practice of wearing ski goggles under the helmet likely originated from freestyle snowboarding and skiing, where individuality and style are highly valued. Many riders prefer this setup as it allows them to showcase helmet designs, reduce helmet lift at high speeds, and provide a snugger fit around the goggles. However, despite these perceived advantages, this approach persists largely due to fashion rather than functionality.

Safety Concerns: Fit, Impact Diffusion, and Concussion Risks

1. Decoupling and Helmet Fit
   Helmets are designed to fit snugly against the head, ensuring proper impact absorption. Wearing snow goggles underneath can alter the way the helmet sits, creating gaps or pressure points that reduce its ability to protect against head injuries. Poor helmet positioning can lead to unintended movement upon impact, increasing the risk of injury.

2. Impact Diffusion and MIPS
   Modern helmets often incorporate Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) technology, which allows for a slight rotational movement between the helmet and the head, helping to reduce rotational forces that contribute to concussions. Wearing ski goggles under the helmet can disrupt this relative motion, preventing the MIPS system from functioning as designed and reducing the overall effectiveness of impact mitigation.

3. Increased Risk of Concussions
   An improperly fitted helmet, caused by placing goggles beneath it, can lead to insufficient energy dissipation during a crash. This may increase the likelihood of concussions or other traumatic brain injuries. Helmets are designed to sit directly on the head for maximum safety, and any obstruction can compromise their ability to absorb and distribute impact forces effectively.

Beanie Under the Helmet: Pros and Cons

Another common practice among riders is wearing a beanie under their helmet for added warmth and comfort. While a thin beanie may not significantly impact helmet function, a thick or bulky one can create similar issues to those caused by wearing goggles underneath. A beanie can interfere with helmet fit, reduce stability, and hinder safety features like MIPS. If warmth is a concern, helmets with built-in insulation or thin, moisture-wicking headwear are recommended alternatives.

Manufacturer Recommendations: Snow Goggles Over the Helmet

Leading safety research, including studies by respected manufacturers such as Location Extreme, based in Oxford, England, emphasizes that snow goggles should be worn as designed—over the helmet. This ensures proper fit, maintains impact protection, and allows helmets to function as intended. While the under-helmet style may be visually appealing, safety should take priority in any high-impact sport like skiing or snowboarding.

Conclusion

Ultimately, while wearing goggles under the helmet has become a prominent trend in the snow sports community, the potential safety risks far outweigh any aesthetic benefits. A well-fitted helmet, worn correctly with goggles positioned over it, provides the best protection against head injuries and ensures that safety features like MIPS function properly. Riders should prioritize safety over fashion, following the recommendations of helmet manufacturers and industry experts to reduce the risk of serious injury on the slopes.