Business news : Snowsports Industry Gets Behind Goggle Gap Project

The Goggle Gap Project, initiated by a collaboration of snow sports industry manufacturers and associations, was recently adopted by SnowSports Industries America (SIA) to address the issue of correct helmet fit.

Launched this week, the campaign is aimed at increasing kids and pre-teens awareness as well as their parents with supportive materials that demonstrate correct sizing, fitting and adjustments for helmet + goggle systems in a fun and memorable way.

When a helmet and goggle system doesn’t fit well together, it can leave a portion of the forehead exposed creating Goggle Gap. The space on your forehead, or Goggle Gap, can be left completely bare due to a poor-fitting helmet and goggle system, becoming severely sun or wind burned or exposed to frostbite on cold days. With 1.5 million goggle units and 1.1 million helmet units purchased in the 2012/13 season, the goggle gap could impact many of the 4.4 million youth that participated in snow sports in 2012/13.

“Like with any sport, there are many details to consider when purchasing ski and snowboard gear, the Goggle Gap Project is just another way that equipment manufacturers and specialty retail stores are collaborating to educate parents, teens and really everyone on the importance of proper fitting snow sports headgear,” says David Ingemie, SIA’s president.

For a proper fit, the brim of the helmet should be flush with the top of the goggles. Any space larger than 1/4 inch means your helmet and goggle setup does not fit properly, 1/4 inch or is probably acceptable only if the liner materials of the goggle and helmet cover all skin areas.

“With so many choices in goggles and helmets - there’s really no reason not to have a system that works great and looks great as well,” added Ingemie.

To fix the dreaded Goggle Gap, consumers can find information on helmet/goggle proper fit in the KidZone section of SIA’s consumer website Snowlink.com or bring their helmet/goggles into a snow sports specialty retailer and try different combinations with the help of an expert.

Resorts and retailers are encouraged to download the Goggle Gap posters on outlining the do’s and don’ts of helmet/goggle fit - perfect for displaying in ski school buildings, rental shops, retail shops, and the base lodge.

More information about the Goggle Gap Project is at Snowlink.com/gogglegap.

Other snow sports industry involved in promoting the Goggle Gap Project include the National Ski Patrol (NSP), Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of
Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI) and National Ski Areas Association (NSAA).


By press release