Best Ski Goggles of 2022 (Helpful Family Buying Guide)

Skiing and snowboarding can be a dangerous sport when you do not have the right equipment to protect yourself. Ski goggles are some of the most important ski gears that you’d want to invest in. They protect your eyes from injuries and any elements. Unlike regular sunglasses, ski goggles will shield your eyes from harsh winds, cold air, and can also block UV light.

A lot of brands offer quality goggles, so we’ve come up with a list of the best ski goggles that will protect you on the slopes, with the features that you need. Plus, they are stylish enough to make you look good while feeling comfortable.

 

Best ski goggles: our quick answer

• Best Overall: 1. Smith Optics 4D MAG Snow Goggles
• Best for Kids: 2. Anon Kids’ Tracker Ski/Snowboard Goggle
• Best for Women: 5. Zeal Optics Hatchet
• Best for Men: 8. Smith I/O MAG Snow Goggle
• Best for Beginners: 11. Wildhorn Cristo Ski Goggles
• Best Prescription Ski Goggles: 12. Oakley Men’s Airbrake XL Snow Goggles
• Best OTG (over the glasses): 13. COPOZZ G1 OTG ski goggles
• Best for under $100: 14. Bolle Volt Ski Goggles

 

Go to Comparison Table

Best overall

1. Smith Optics 4D MAG Snow Goggles

Lens Shape: Spherical

Frame Size: Medium / Large

Smith Optics was founded in 1965 by an orthodontist and ski enthusiast. He would build goggles by hand and sell them during weekend ski trips in Colorado and Utah. He then took his innovation to the next level and started producing his goggles with a contract manufacturer. Now, Smith Optics also produces snow helmets and is headquartered in Ketchum, Idaho.

What we like

What we like about the 4D MAG snow goggles is that they are equipped with reliable ChromaPop lenses and have an interchangeable system. The 4D MAG in Chromapop Everyday Red Mirror are good for bright conditions. Indeed, these lenses provide sharpness and clarity and have a Visual Light Transmission rating of 25%, which means that they will protect your eyes from the brightest to the lowest flat light conditions, while the Chromapop Storm Rose Flash are good for low lights and even for skiing on cloudy days.

The 4D MAG’s spherical lenses increase optical quality and intensify their safety. What’s special with the 4D MAG’s lenses is the BirdsEye Vision, which boosts its field of vision, and the Carbonic-X lenses, which have a high resistance to scratches and impacts.

The 4D MAG frame is constructed with Smith’s Responsive Fit, which is flexible. It is divided into two main sections and is connected with 25 narrow strips, enabling it to flex and conform to a wide range of skiers’ and riders’ face structures. This frame construction also provides an air inlet between its inner and outer layer, and a thin layer of AirEvac foam to enable good ventilation and keep snow and moisture out of the goggles.

What we don’t like

What we do not like about the Smith ski goggles is that the slight amount of distortion at the bottom of the goggle. Plus, they may be uncomfortable to most. But overall, those are very durable ski goggles because of their flexible nature and their responsive fit frame that is strong enough to withstand wear and tear. They are easily interchangeable, sleek, and have a trendy look.

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Ski goggles are a necessary investment for people who enjoy winter activities. Ski goggles have delicate properties that can be easily damaged which is why it is important for you to know how to properly clean ski goggles to avoid making an expensive mistake.

 

Best for kids

2. Anon Kids’ Tracker Ski/Snowboard Goggle

Lens Shape: Cylindrical

Frame Size: Small / Medium

Anon Optics is a sub-brand, founded by Burton Snowboards in 2001. They started with stylish and technical goggles with the goal of meeting the demands of the Burton pro team and riders, globally. Aside from goggles, the brand also produces helmets and accessories.

What we like about the Anon Tracker kids’ ski goggles is that they are adjustable and helmet-compatible. They work well for kids from 2 up to 13 years old. They are constructed with a lightweight thermoplastic polyurethane frame, and dual-layer face foam to provide a goggle-to-face fit that is warm and snug. The ski goggles feature a non-slip silicone strap, a cylindrical lens that becomes narrow on the edges to reduce peripheral distortion, and Burton’s Integral Clarity Technology (ICT) helps keep the lenses fog-free. Besides, these goggles come with full perimeter channel ventilation for good airflow. There is also an option for lenses that are suitable for low light conditions and lenses with UV light protection.

What we do not like about the Tracker ski goggles is that the bands do not stretch enough to fit large helmets. Additionally, changing the lenses requires a moderate amount of effort. Overall, these are still some of the best kids’ ski goggles and are suitable to use as snowmobile goggles. They are well-made with anti-fog treatment and dual-lens construction for proper climate control between the lenses and your child’s face. They also include a microfiber goggle bag for storage.

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3. POCito Iris Children’s Goggles

Lens Shape: Cylindrical

Frame Size: One size

POC Sports, or simply POC, is a Swedish company founded in 2004. The company sponsors a lot of athletes and mainly manufactures skiing, snowboarding and cycling helmets, as well as apparel and sunglasses. They make a lot of quality ski goggles that have been a crowd’s favorite, and the POC Pocito Iris are some of the best kiddies’ models out of their line of ski goggles.

What we like about the POCito Iris kids’ ski goggles is that they are specifically made for children. They best fit kids ages 4 to 9. They are constructed with a polycarbonate outer lens and cellulose propionate inner lens, both made by the Zeiss Company. These lenses provide wide facial coverage for optimum protection from the cold air. They have a vast field of vision and a multi-lens system with anti-fog and anti-scratch treatments.

They also have a Ripel Hydrophobic coating to ensure that water and snow will bead up and dribble off. Additional features include a triple-layer face foam for comfort and warmth, which also provides a seal on the kids’ faces so cold air will not hit their eyes. Besides, they come with a reflective patch on the strap and a grippy silicone on the inner strap to keep the goggles in place. The goggles are compatible with small POC Iris replacement lenses, in the event that the lenses don’t work anymore.

What we do not like about the POCito Iris is that they come in a few colors but only in one size, so you will never be sure whether it will fit your kid. Other than these, the POCito Iris are still a great purchase, with adequate features, that are suitable for skiing and snowboarding.

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4. Smith Youth Daredevil Snow Goggle

Lens Shape: Cylindrical

Frame Size: Medium

The Smith Optics Youth Daredevil can fit over the glasses. This type of goggles is also known as otg glasses or otg ski goggles. These are designed with a deeper lens so that they will not press against prescription glasses, thus making the wearer more comfortable.

What we like about the Daredevil snow goggles is that they have enough interior capacity and a floating foam membrane, which makes them compatible with a helmet and eyeglasses by eliminating temple pressure. The goggles feature a Fog-x anti-fog inner lens, and cylindrical Carbonic-x lenses, which meet optical standards. They also feature ANSI safety and quality standards to ensure you are well protected from the elements. Also, they have a dual-slide strap adjustment system and two-layer DriWix face foam.

The Blue Sensor lens has 100 percent UV protection and a VLT (Visible Light Transmission) rating of 60 percent, while the Ignitor Mirror lenses have 100 percent UV protection and 35 percent VLT rating.

What we do not like about these kids’ ski goggles is that the lens might pop out without proper handling. Indeed, the lenses are interchangeable, and if you change them without handling them carefully, they will not hold securely. Other than that, the Smith Optics Youth Daredevil are good ski goggles for those who wear glasses thanks to their cylindrical shape and semi-rimless style, they will surely draw attention.

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Best for women

5. Zeal Optics Hatchet

Lens Shape: Cylindrical

Frame Size: Medium

Zeal Optics is a company based in Boulder, Colorado, and is a manufacturer of polarized goggles and sunglasses for action-sports. Zeal Optics was bought by Maui Jim Company in 2011, and since 2015, is the world’s third-largest maker of sunglasses.

What we like about the Zeal Optics Hatchet is that they are equipped with a Rail Lock system, ensuring that the lenses will stay put. This system also has the ability to vent out any fog by sliding the lenses up, but that would not be necessary because of the ever-clear anti-fog technology infused into the lens. The lens has a VLT rating of 18 percent, which reduces eye strain and the polarization heightens color while reducing glare and reflected light.

These goggles also feature adjustable straps that offer an extra grip to securely fit your face and helmet. The wide frames give a snug fit and provide a wide angle.

What we do not like about these women’s ski goggles from Zeal Optics is that the thick frame hampers the ability to look down, which can be inconvenient whenever you try to fix your ski jacket or pants. Plus, the frame is compatible with helmets but appears to fit awkwardly some ski mountaineering helmets. Overall, these are very comfortable ski goggles and their anti-fog technology is spot on. The lenses are interchangeable with photochromic ski goggles lenses, and with polarized and optimum goggle replacement lenses.

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6. Spy Optic Legacy

Lens Shape: Spherical

Frame Size: Large

Spy Optic was founded in 1994 in San Diego. The key founders were action sports and motorsports enthusiasts who reinvented modern eyewear and attracted athletes from all over the world. Up to this day, they continue to push their limits in eyewear.

What we like about the Spy Optic Legacy snow goggles for women is that they have an expansive field of view because of their oversized lens, along with their Spy Optic’s Happy Lens Technology, which not only enhances colors and contrasts, but also uplifts your mood and alertness. The frame’s curvature and nose cutout are perfect for large face structures.

The frame also has a Fingerprint-free Lock Steady 2 quick-change system to let you change lenses by just sliding a lever. Its triple-layer Isotron face foam is soft, durable, and moisture-wicking, which draws out sweat off your face. The lens is also anti-fog thanks to its streamlined frame vent. It also has an anti-scratch coating to provide optical clarity, and a hundred percent UV protection to shield your eyes against the sunlight. Additionally, it has an adjustable silicone-line strap that keeps the goggles from slipping off.

What we do not like about the Spy Optic Legacy ski goggles is that they come in a large size and may not accommodate smaller face structures. They are oversized goggles with frames that come a little stiff. However, they still work well with most women.

Overall, the Legacy ski goggles feature a quality lens and frame construction, and optimum anti-fog power. They are also lighter than most goggles, have plenty of venting, and are great for various lighting conditions.

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7. Oakley Flight Deck Ski Goggles

Lens Shape: Spherical

Frame Size: Large

Oakley is a well-known company founded in 1975 and based in California. They first started with motorcycle grips that stood out from other grips at the time. They went on to making gloves, number plates, elbow guards, and chin guards. To this day, they mainly manufacture sports equipment, sunglasses, sports visors, watches, ski and snowboard goggles, and other lifestyle pieces.

What we like about the Flight Deck ski goggles is that they offer a peripheral vision and are helmet-compatible. They are comfortable with their three-layer foam padding. Their outermost layer is soft, brushed foam, and wicks moisture well. They also have an easily adjustable wide strap that feels great with or without a helmet on.

The easily interchangeable lenses of the ski goggles fit over glasses because of the frame notches at the temple. The Persimmon lens is good on snowy overcast days, while the Prizm lens is more suitable when the sun is out.

The Flight Deck’s frameless style is durable enough and can withstand wear and tear. This model is wide enough to provide substantial protection and cover a good section of the face. It also provides a good seal to keep the elements out.

What we do not like about these Oakley ski goggles is that they are less breathable due to their small vent at the bottom, and the decrease in their breathability might create some fogging. They are also quite large and may therefore not accommodate smaller face structures.

Overall, for skiers and riders who opt for oversized, smooth, and sleek ski goggles, this is a good option. This model is stylish and offers a wide range of face protection and a peripheral vision.

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Best for men

8. Smith I/O MAG Snow Goggle

Lens Shape: Spherical

Frame Size: Medium

The Smith Optics company has continued the trend of making high-performance optics, and the Smith I/O MAG are some of their most user-friendly snow goggles.

What we like about the I/O MAG is that they come with two Chromapop carbonic-x lenses with Tapered Lens Technology. This TLT technology consists of tapering the lens from the center towards the periphery to decrease light refraction that passes through the lenses. Chromapop lenses are meant to enhance contrasts and definitions, making you see well even in low lights.

The carbonic-x is a material used for the outer lens, making it resistant to scratches and impacts. A Porex filter is also built into the lens to help equalize pressure during elevation changes that can distort shapes. Thus, the I/O Mag lenses provide outstanding, distortion-free visibility. The Chromapop Sun Red Mirror is best for sunny days and overcast, while the Chromapop Storm low-light lens is best used in stormy and dim lights.

The goggles come in a medium fit and are very comfortable when they fit your facial structure well. They feature a triple-layer face foam that is soft and has moisture-wicking abilities. The strap is wide, adjustable, and has a single layer of silicone to keep it from slipping. It also comes with a clip buckle at the back.

The inner surface of the I/O MAG’s double lenses is coated with an anti-fog treatment and Fog-X hydrophilic surface so that the treatment can’t be wiped off. The frame has a thin layer of open-cell foam to allow adequate ventilation and breathability.

What we do not like about the Smith I/O MAG ski goggles is that their lens-changing system requires more effort and time than other models. The goggles also come in medium size, which means that they may not fit people with small or large face structures.

Overall, the Smith ski goggles are very functional. They have a superb field of vision, the lenses are of quality, and if you have a medium facial structure, they will fit you comfortably.

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9. Anon Men’s M2

Lens Shape: Spherical

Frame Size: Medium / Large

The Anon M2 are also some of the best goggles for anyone, regardless of one’s level. The materials and technology infused into those make them high-performance goggles.

What we like about the Anon M2 is the MagnaTech technology. These goggles have 16 special earth magnets with eight connection points that line the frame, making their quick lens-change system easy to utilize. The M2 come with two sets of lenses made by Zeiss. The darker lens is best for brighter conditions, while the lighter lens is best for overcast days. The lenses also have a hundred percent UV protection for reducing eye strain and damage.

These goggles come with Anon’s signature ICT treatment. It is an anti-fog treatment that actively controls moisture and provides maximum peripheral clarity. The frame consists of lightweight thermoplastic polyurethane, which resists abrasion and makes it elastic enough to fit medium to large face shapes.

It also utilizes face foam, which is 40% thinner, allowing for a snug fit. It is also lined with a full perimeter channel venting through the top and bottom to provide good airflow and fog-free vision. Its wall-to-wall vision reduces any view obstruction from the goggles. Additional features include a flush-mount strap to minimize gaps and distribute pressure evenly across the face. This makes those suitable as prescription ski goggles. The strap also has a non-slip silicone layer to keep the goggles in place.

What we do not like about the M2 is that they produce a minimal amount of fogging when used for several hours, but the overall construction of the goggles and their magnetic lens changing system is what makes these good ski goggles. Plus, they are OTG-glasses compatible.

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10. Giro Axis Snow Goggle

Lens Shape: Cylindrical

Frame Size: Medium

The Giro brand was founded in 1985 in California. It mainly manufactures snow and cycling helmets, MTB goggles, cycling and mountain bike shoes, as well as gears for skiing and snowboarding.

What we like about the Giro Axis Snow Goggle is its molded cylindrical lens that will provide you with a wide range of vision. It also has a quick lens-change system, which uses four magnets that are positioned around the frame and held by four snap pins to keep the lens locked in place. Besides, it is equipped with a vivid lens technology, which is patented by Giro in partnership with Zeiss. This technology enhances contrast and definition, effectively manipulates blue light for enhancement, and blocks UV light.

The Axis is also equipped with EVAK vent technology to minimize fogging by releasing moisture and creating a barrier against the elements. EVAK tech also utilizes three-layer foam with micro-fleece lining, which is durable and non-absorbent.

The frame is pretty flexible, and the straps are elastic to be easily adjusted and stay in place due to the silicone layer.

What we do not like about the Axis snow goggle is that it requires some force to remove and reinstall the lens. It is also prone to fogging, and it does not come with Adapt Strap interchangeability. However, this ski goggle still has a lot to offer. It meets Zeiss’ standards for optimal visuals, gives a wide field of view, and is OTG compatible.

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Best for beginners

11. Wildhorn Cristo Ski Goggles

Lens Shape: Spherical

Frame Size: One size

The Wildhorn Outfitters was founded in 2015 and is located in Salt Lake Valley. It is an outdoor gear company that manufactures skiing, snowboarding, snorkeling, hiking, and camping equipment, as well as apparel, and is a proud supplier to the USA ski and snowboard teams.

What we like about the Cristo ski goggles is that their dual-layer lens technology is lined with anti-fog and anti-scratch inner and outer materials to provide you a better skiing experience. They are sleek, functional, and tough, making them some of the best ski goggles for beginners as well as experienced skiers. Their spherical-shaped lens offers a panoramic view and protects the eyes from the cold wind and bright, sunny days. The TPU frame, along with a triple-layer face foam, provides a comfortable fit, suitable for both adults and youth. It has a hundred percent UV protection and a fully adjustable elastic strap that is universally compatible with helmets.

What we do not like about the Wildhorn Outfitters Cristo ski goggle is that they do not have the same features as high-end goggles, although they are much more suitable for beginners than professionals. The ventilation is also minimal so it is prone to fogging. Finally, for most people with larger face structures, this might not leave room for eyeglasses.

Overall, this is one of the better options, especially for beginners. They perform well, even during slightly sunny to overcast days, have a stylish design, and are affordable.

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Best prescription ski goggles

12. Oakley Men’s Airbrake XL Snow Goggles

Lens Shape: Spherical

Frame Size: Large

Oakley has been creating a wide range of functional and stylish ski goggles, and has been one of the favorite brands in the ski industry due to its reputation for producing excellent optics.

What we like about the Airbrake XL snow goggles is that they are some of the best choices for prescription ski goggles. They are available with an insert placed behind the lens, and far away enough from your face to minimize fogging.

The Airbrake XL perform well in any weather conditions, whether at the resort or in the backcountry. Their Prizm lenses function well in their intended conditions and are easily interchangeable due to the frame’s Switchlock technology. They also provide a clear vision, even in varying lights. These lenses utilize Oakley’s High Definition Optics (HDO), which meets the American National Standards for optical clarity, impact resistance, and visual fidelity. The anti-fog coating keeps the Airbrake’s lenses clear, and the dual-vent lens provides ample airflow and excellent breathability, even on warm, sunny days.

The three-layer face foam provides comfort as it cushions the face from the goggle frame, and its outermost layer can wick moisture well. The Airbrake XL have a wide strap with a silicone grip that is comfortable with or without a helmet and can accommodate a wide range of facial structures and size heads.

What we do not like about these Oakley ski goggles is that their frame color reflects on the inside of the lens, which some may find distracting. There is also a lot of frame visibility around the nose because of the reflection of its white frame. But overall, the Airbrake have superb quality, are durably-made, function well, and are compatible with prescription inserts. Plus, they come with numerous lens choices for picky users.

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Best OTG (over the glasses)

13. COPOZZ G1 OTG ski goggles

Lens Shape: Spherical

Frame Size: One size

Copozz is an American brand that manufactures a series of products, including skiing, swimming, diving, and cycling gears. They are focused on combining technology with fashion and release new models every year.

What we like about the G1 OTG ski goggles is their double-lens layer with Revo mirror coating and anti-fog treatment, and the fact that they’re strengthened by Copozz’s Super Hardening Technology. They also have a hundred percent UV Protection, and their large spherical lens with frameless design provides a wide range of unobstructed views. The frame is wide enough and designed to fit over the glasses. It also features an extra-long, non-slip strap with an adjustable buckle to keep the goggles in place.

The G1 OTG feature a multi-layered face foam and a two-way ventilation system, which makes these goggles comfortable and breathable. There are a lot of color options for their replacement lenses. Those are easily interchanged and suitable for all weather conditions.

What we do not like about the Copozz G1 OTG ski goggles is their use of plastic finishing in between the empty spaces, and the fact that the lenses are somewhat prone to scratching.

Overall, the G1 are a good option of goggles to wear over the glasses. They are highly adjustable and work well, with or without a helmet. Plus, they are nicely shaped and work well in low lights and on bright, sunny days.

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Wearing ski goggles over glasses can be a bit tricky. In order for both eye pieces to be fully functional and comfortable to wear, they must be worn properly. If you’re not sure about how to do this, we have created a guide on how to wear ski goggles with glasses.

 

Best for under $100

14. Bolle Volt Ski Goggles

Lens Shape: Cylindrical

Frame Size:  Small / Medium

Bolle was founded in France in 1888. They launched their first sunglasses in 1936 and have continued creating products that meet the highest standards of safety. They manufactured safety glasses and goggles during the 1950s, and then went on to producing ski goggles and ski helmets. To this day, they also offer cycling and mountain bike products.

What we like about the Bolle Volt ski goggles is that they are equipped with Carbo glass lenses, which are scratch- and impact-resistant. The pink vermillion and blue emerald lenses also help improve clarity on sunny days, and even on overcast conditions, and its mirror finish helps reduce glare.

As for the double lens, it provides a thermal barrier for protection against harsh conditions and has an anti-fog layer and flow-tech venting for breathability and good airflow. Plus, it has a dual-density foam that is gentle against the face, as well as a hundred percent UV protection and 31 percent VLT.

What we do not like about the Volt ski goggles is that they are prone to minimal fogging. Other than that, these are a good option for affordable kids’ ski goggles. They are helmet-compatible and are suitable for skiing and snowboarding.

However, you have to know that the sizes are for children from ages 6 to 13. Many people misinterpreted the fit and assumed it was for adults.

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15. Giro Balance Ski Goggles

Lens Shape: Spherical

Frame Size: Medium

The Giro Balance are some of the best budget-friendly ski goggles in our list. They have a unique design, are well-balanced, and have a lightweight frame to fit the curvature of your face comfortably.

What we like about the Giro Balance ski goggles is that you will hardly notice that you are wearing them due to their lightweight design and the comfort of their triple-layer face foam. Plus, the micro-fleece lining keeps the wind and moisture out to reduce the chance of fogging and obstruction of vision. The lenses are coated with an anti-fog for a clear view, and you won’t have to worry about constantly wiping your lenses.

The goggles are also equipped with Expansion View Technology (EVT), a unique technology that brings the lens closer to the eyes and then curves towards the sides of the face, which allows for a peripheral vision. The Giro balance has an adjustable strap for a secure fit and is compatible with all Giro helmets. It also has a wide range of lenses of different tints and colors, so you can choose yours depending on the style or the specific lighting conditions. It allows you to adjust your tint depending on the weather to favor optimal visibility. The frames also come in different stylish designs with a variety of colors. Additionally, these goggles come with Toric spherical injection-molded lenses to create a peripheral vision without any distortion.

What we do not like about the Giro balance ski goggles is that, although they offer a wide range of colors and designs, they lack lens-interchangeability, which we usually find in most ski goggles.

That being said, this is still a good choice for cheap ski goggles, meaning they are affordable but still offer quality functions and features.

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16. Dragon Alliance NFX Snow Goggles

Lens Shape: Cylindrical

Frame Size: Large

Dragon Alliance was founded in California in 1993. Its first and still primary products are sunglasses. They were first distributed to local surf shops before expanding and soon developed a global reach.

What we like about the Dragon NFX ski goggles is that their lenses are equipped with Lumalens technology, which is designed for color enhancement and visual sharpness. This technology also makes the lens resilient and clear. The lens is also coated with an anti-fog treatment to help keep your vision clear for the lens to withstand wear and tear.

Besides, the goggles have a soft microfleece inner lining and padding that provides excellent comfort. They also have vents on the top portion of the lens for airflow, and an easy lens-swapping system that requires minimum effort.

What we do not like about the NFX goggles is that the shape of the lens does not allow the goggles to conform to a wide range of face shapes. In addition, its foam is less breathable. Overall, it still has a solid build and sturdy construction and is an affordable choice for skiing or snowboarding.

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Best ski goggles comparison table

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FAQs

What color lens is best for ski goggles?

A lens’ color filters and emphasizes the colors in your vision. It can be brighter or darker depending on your needs. Most lenses for bright and sunny days will not be the best option for stormy or overcast days. The best goggle lens color depends on the conditions that you will be using them in.

Clear lenses are translucent and will not block out any light. They are ideal for night skiing. Meanwhile, darker-colored lenses, like blue, green, and violet lenses, are good for bright, sunny days or higher light conditions.

Yellow lenses are great for flat, low lighting, while black, brown, and bronze are best for very bright conditions. Finally, gray-colored lenses are known for handling a wide range of lighting conditions and this might be the best color of lens that you may opt for.

Are photochromic ski goggles worth it?

Photochromic lenses adjust and adapt to lighting conditions. These lenses will become darker in bright light and lighter in low light, allowing them to handle numerous light levels in just one lens. They provide accurate perception, and with them, you would not have to worry about bringing multiple pairs of goggles because their tint will automatically adjust to the lighting. While they are not cheap, they are a worthwhile investment.

 

Buying guide

There are several important details to consider when choosing the best ski goggles, and it is best to know these aspects to ensure that you have the right goggles to protect your eyes from the elements.

Lens’ shape

• Cylindrical lenses
  

  The lens’ surface is vertically flat, and it curves left to right across the eyes and face. These lenses are more affordable but may cause more glare and slightly reduced peripheral vision.

• Spherical lenses
  

  This type of lens’ shape curves horizontally across the eyes and face, and also vertically, around the face. However, curved spherical lenses provide greater peripheral vision, less distortion and glare, but cost more.

• Toric lenses
  

  These are less curved vertically, have a spherical curve horizontally, and follow the shape of the face more closely, giving you better optics and outstanding peripheral vision.

Ventilation

Some goggles’ ventilation systems are better than others. Ventilation is important because it reduces the chances of fogging. You have to keep in mind that any blockage to googles’ vents will cause some fogging, so you must check if the goggles’ venting system is compatible with the helmet’s shape.

• Double-layered lenses
  

  They are found on almost all goggles because they do not fog quickly, unlike single-layered lenses. They also provide a thermal barrier, making them more fog-resistant.

• Anti-fog coatings
  

  combines into almost all mid to high-end goggle lenses to help reduce fogging. However, anti-fog treatments are available for use on lower-end goggles with no coating or for old goggles that are beginning to fog.

• Vents
  

  Vents are placed either at the top, sides, and bottom of goggles to help reduce fogging. Wider vents create a better airflow but may let the cold air in.

• Fans
  

  A few high-end goggles are equipped with small, battery-operated fans to help vent out moisture. Some fans have settings that can be adjusted for low-impact movements.

Frame size

Small-sized frames are suitable for kids and youth, but also for adults with small face structures. Meanwhile, medium-sized frames will fit most people, and large or oversized frames provide more field of view, both horizontally and vertically. The latter will give you a better view of what’s above and below you. However, a large frame cannot fit everyone.

Visible light transmission and lens color

• Visible light transmission
  

  This is the quantity of visible light that passes through the lens. It is measured in percentages, indicating the darkness of a lens. The lower the VLT, the darker the lens will be.

  • VLT 0-10% –   for sunny days
  • VLT 10-25% – best for partially cloudy to sunny days
  • VLT 25-60% – for cloudy days and sundown
  • VLT 60-90% – suitable for night and heavily clouded days

• Lighter lens tints
  

  These lenses have a higher VLT because large amounts of light pass through the lens. Green, rose, yellow, gold, and amber-colored lenses all have higher VLT and are best used on cloudy, socked-in days.

• Darker tints
  

  These lenses possess lower VLT due to less light passing through the lens. Brown, gray, and copper-colored lenses all have low VLT and perform best on sunny, cloudless days.

• Clear lenses
  

  These are best for night skiing.

 

Features

These are the features that you need to look out for when you are buying your ski goggles.

• UV protection
  

  Almost all goggles sold today offer a hundred percent UV protection from all types of ultraviolet rays.

• Polarized lenses
  

  Their primary function is to decrease glare from sunlight on snow or water. Most polarized ski goggles have 50% polarized lenses, which allow you to spot ice while blocking out the snow’s harsh glare. These lenses may work well on bright, sunny days, but may be too dark in overcast conditions. In some cases, polarized lenses may also affect depth perception, so consider this if that’s an issue for you.

• Photochromic lenses
  

  These lenses automatically adapt to conditions and UV intensity. The more sunlight and UV rays, the darker the tints become. On overcast days, the lenses are lighter.

• High-contrast lenses
  

  Manufacturers have their own contrast-enhancement technology, which will allow the lenses to filter out some colors while boosting light-sensitive colors to help you see in detail.

• Mirrored lenses
  

  These lenses are often partially or fully coated on the exterior of the outer lens, reflecting more light, which allows in less light than non-mirrored lenses.

• Interchangeable lenses
  

  This feature will allow you to switch colored lenses to suit changing lights.

• One lens
  

  If you do not want to keep changing lenses, you may opt for a single-lens ski goggle — one for bright conditions and another for low lights.

• Digital display
  

  Some goggles are now equipped with advanced technology, which can be connected with GPS and Bluetooth, allowing to display navigation, performance, and smartphone information within the goggles in real time.

• Helmet compatibility
  

  Almost all goggles are helmet-compatible, and your goggles should comfortably fit on your face while they are strapped around the helmet.

• Strap adjustments
  

  Some goggles have a single sliding clip, while others have buckles with sliding clips on each side for adjustments. Some goggles for children also have non-adjustable straps.

• Padding
  

  This keeps the goggles from squeezing your face. The foam should be thick enough to cushion the face but not so thick that it increases fogging. High-end goggles may use two or three layers of thin padding to enhance ventilation.

• OTG (over the glasses) style
  

  If you wear prescription glasses, OTG goggles are designed to fit over them. These goggles have enough space to accommodate glasses while avoiding pressure on your face, especially on the temples and nosepiece.

 

Final Thoughts

Skiing is considered an extreme sport. In order to lessen the chances of an injury, you need to invest in good quality protective equipment. Since you’ll be spending most of you time in high places when you’re skiing, it’s important to wear something that will protect your eyes. This is where ski goggles come in. 

There are many kinds of ski goggles and they are equipped with varying features. Manufacturers have different ways of producing these ski goggles. Whether they are made of high-quality or simple materials, these ski goggles still need to be well taken care of so that they may last for more than one season.

Since there are a lot of features to consider when buying ski goggles, choosing the perfect one for you can be quite challenging. To make things easier for you, make sure to remember what we discussed in this article when it’s time to make your choice. If you want this decision to be even easier, just pick one of the ski goggles that we reviewed in this article. Trust us, you won’t go wrong with these ski goggles.