TL;DR: Ski goggles are vital eyewear for winter sports enthusiasts, offering protection against harsh weather elements and aiding in clear vision on the slopes. They come with features like anti-fogging lenses, UV protection, and various lens types for different light conditions. Learning about ski goggle technology helps individuals make informed choices, ensuring they select the right goggles for enhanced safety, comfort, and performance during their skiing or snowboarding adventures.

Ready for a new pair of goggles but not sure how to begin your search? You’ve come to the right place! I’m a Ski Expert here at Curated living in the beautiful state of Colorado. I’ve been skiing for almost my entire life, and I know just how important it is to have the right pair of goggles. With so many options on the market, it can be confusing to figure out which goggles are right for you. In this guide, I will break down different goggle features and styles to help make your search a little easier. Let’s jump in!

What Are Ski Goggles?

Ski goggles (also referred to as snow or snowboard goggles) are eyewear designed exclusively for use in winter sports. This specialized piece of gear is made to enhance the mountain experience. From improved visibility to helmet-integrating designs, goggles are a critical piece of equipment when hitting the slopes. Goggles designed for winter sports are going to be better suited for skiing and/or snowboarding than other eyewear, so think twice before throwing on some sunglasses or motorcycle goggles!

Why Is It Important To Use Goggles?

The right ski or snowboard goggles enhance safety, visibility, and comfort on the slopes. Proper goggles provide clear vision, essential for navigating terrain and avoiding obstacles. They offer UV protection, shielding your eyes from harmful sun rays, and guard against wind, snow, and debris. A good fit ensures comfort, while features like anti-fog coating and ventilation improve performance by maintaining clear vision. Overall, the right goggles significantly contribute to a safer, more enjoyable skiing or snowboarding experience, making your time on the slopes both pleasurable and rewarding.

What Are the Different Fit Options?

It’s important that your goggles fit your face in order to maximize comfort and prevent fogging. While brands may vary in their sizing conventions, here are some different fit options to look out for:

1. Gender-Specific vs. Unisex

Many goggle manufacturers offer styles for men, women, and unisex. The gendered options will be more tailored to the typical size differences for a man and woman, while unisex options will fit a wide range of faces. Gender-specific options may also impact color choices and lining material.

2. Frame Size

Beyond the gendered options, goggles are often advertised as small, medium, or large. These sizes refer to the frame, as goggles come with adjustable straps to fit any head or helmet. Keep the size of your face in mind when choosing a frame size. Beyond fit, sizing will also impact style (such as having a modern, oversized look compared to a traditional fit).

3. Over The Glasses (OTG)

Over-the-glasses (OTG) goggles are designed to be worn over prescription eyewear. If you wear glasses, look for goggles that are OTG friendly. If you don’t wear glasses, you can still comfortably wear OTG goggles — just keep in mind that the lens will stick out farther.

4. Asian Fit or Low Bridge

Goggles with “Asian fit” or “low bridge” in the name are designed to accommodate the typical facial features of someone of Asian heritage. They are made for a nose with a lower bridge and a wider, flatter face.

What Are the Different Shapes of Goggle Lenses?

A key feature in choosing goggles is the lens shape. Lens shape in ski and snowboard goggles refers to the curvature of the lens both horizontally and vertically, impacting peripheral vision, glare reduction, and overall visual clarity. Here’s a look at the three common types:

1. Cylindrical Lenses

Cylindrical lenses are curved horizontally while remaining flat vertically, offering a low profile and sleek design. While these lenses are popular for their retro flare, they have a tendency to cause glare and warped vision (albeit at a typically acceptable minimum).

2. Spherical Lenses

Spherical lenses curve both horizontally and vertically to mimic the natural curvature of the eye. These lenses have a distinguishable “bubble” shape. Spherical lenses are popular for their glare and distortion reduction and for their enhanced optical clarity.

3. Toric Lenses

Toric lenses blend the features of cylindrical and spherical lenses, curving both horizontally and vertically but with a more flattened profile. These lenses aim to provide optimal clarity and a natural field of view with reduced glare. This lens shape is relatively new to the market, so toric lens options will often be harder to find when compared to cylindrical and spherical lenses.

What Are the Different Lens Swap Systems?

Many goggles come with the ability to change lenses. Swapping lenses is incredibly useful if you ski in a wide range of weather or lighting conditions. While the intricacies of lens swap systems will vary from brand to brand, here are some typical systems available:

1. Magnetic Assist

Magnet-assist lens swap systems are relatively new technology. These systems have magnets in the frame and lens to allow for very quick and easy lens changes. While magnetic systems are by far the easiest to use, they are typically only found on high-end models and come at a high cost (usually over $200).

2. Traditional Press-Ins

Traditional lens-swap systems use a press-in method for changing lenses. When it’s time to change lenses, the new lens must align to the frame and will be pushed into place. While these systems may not be as easy to use as the magnetic systems, they are significantly cheaper while still allowing for flexibility.

3. No-Swapping System

Most introductory and kids goggles will not have the ability to change lenses. Goggles without lens swap capabilities come at a great price point. If you are a casual or fair-weather-only mountain enthusiast, these goggles will suit your needs at a good value.

What Are Other Technology Factors to Keep in Mind?

Now that we’ve covered some critical components in choosing goggles, let’s look at some other technology options that may factor into your decision:

1. Frameless vs. Framed Design: Frameless goggles offer a sleek design with a wide field of vision. While these goggles are attractive, they come at a higher price. Framed goggles have a traditional design with a frame holding the lens, offering durability and a more attractive price. Some goggles also come in a semi-frameless design, which is a blend of the two styles.
2. Lens Tint: Lenses come in a variety of colors, each designed to enhance visibility in specific lighting conditions. Each lens will have a percentage to indicate visible light transmission (VLT), which refers to the amount of light a lens allows to pass through. Lower VLT is perfect for sunny days, and higher VLT is meant for overcast or snowy days.
3. Lens Quality: Lenses come in a wide range of quality that impacts price point. Higher-end models may feature photochromic lenses, which are popular for their ability to adapt to changing light conditions. Many goggles offer polarized lenses, which are highly sought after for their glare-reduction properties. Keep an eye out for brand-exclusive lens technology to find premium models (i.e. ChromaPop by Smith). Balance your budget and needs when looking at lenses.
4. Field of View: Field of view refers to how much you can see in all directions, including the peripheral. High-end models will feature exceptionally wide views, and many brands use their own nomenclature to call this out (i.e. Giro’s Expansion View Technology).
5. Ventilation: Having adequate venting is critical for humid conditions or highly physical activity. If you sweat easily or are often in wet weather, look out for goggles that offer specialized venting.
6. Foam Padding: Goggle frames offer padding to ensure a comfortable fit that helps provide a good seal to keep out cold air and snow. Budget models will have basic foam, while higher-end models will have additional padding and a moisture-wicking liner for enhanced comfort.
7. Helmet Compatibility: Goggles and helmets from the same brand ensure a secure fit between them, allowing for a seamless look that is better for venting and face protection. While many brands are cross-compatible with each other, purchasing both items from the same brand is the best way to guarantee a perfect fit.

Basic Goggle Care

When you do purchase new goggles, follow these care guidelines to ensure they last for many seasons:

1. Always store your goggles in a cool, dry place.
2. Wipe away any snow and allow them to air dry before storage.
3. Don’t touch the inside of the lenses, as this will wipe away any anti-fog coating. If you do accidentally remove this coating, reapply a new coating with an anti-fog product.
4. Use a case or protective cover to prevent scratching the lenses.
5. Do not leave your goggles affixed to your helmet for extended periods of time, as this can stretch out the band and warp the lenses.
6. If you have replaceable lenses, make sure you are gentle when swapping lenses. Using too much force can bend the lenses or frame.

Find the Best Ski Goggles for You

When purchasing goggles, always prioritize your needs. Consider aspects like what kind of weather you often experience and how you plan on using your goggles. Keep your budget in mind when choosing goggles, and find the features you need at a price point that works for you.

Always buy from a reputable and well-established brand, such as Scott or Oakley. If you want more information on specific goggle brands, check out one of Curated’s many brand buying guides (like the one I made for my favorite brand, Giro).

Still need help finding your perfect pair of goggles? Reach out to me or another Skiing Expert here at Curated, and we will help match you with your new favorite goggles!