Flat light

Adapting to different conditions and learning how ski in them is all part of the fun of course, but I must admit I do struggle a bit with "flat light". You know the sort of day: visibility isn't great but not too bad for seeing where you're going generally. But you have no idea of what's under your feet ! Suddenly the ground may seem to fall away from you, or rise up under your skis without warning ! Does anyone have any tips for handling these flat light conditions, or is it just a question of skiing by feel and being ready for anything ? I know different types of goggles are supposed to be able to help, but I've never found them to be especially effective for these conditions; or perhaps I just haven't used the right kind. Any ideas welcome !

You need cat 1 lens for flat light. Whilst these lens still give uva/uvb protection from the sun they are essentially for out and out low light and although nothings perfect in poor visability cat 1's are about as good as it gets. Mixed light lens basically work best in sunshine conditions so tend to wear sunglasses when its bright and smith's optics cat 1 goggles in flat light which work best for me

Interesting; thanks. Must check what type of lens there is on my helmet visor.

Flat light is a real problem for me. I tend to get very disorientated in such conditions. I wondered was my own eyesight a factor? Might look at investing in a pair of cat 1 lens goggles and seeing if they make a difference.

I agree Wanderer; I've almost even fallen over while standing still, through losing appreciation of "which way is up" !

billip1 wrote:helmet visor.

Ah, that could be where you're going wrong.

Persimmon lenses required, Cat 1. And maybe look slightly closer to your tips than you normally would in flat light. Oh, and yeah, soft knees!!!

Damn! I like my helmet visor. Good tip about the tips, thanks. Knees are, of course, poised ready for anything ;)

I don't think there's a silver bullet. The only real solution is to try and find some terrain with more natural visual cues. I always try and ski in or near trees when it gets really bad.