Take it from us, wearing the correct goggles when hitting the slopes or launching into your local terrain park can make all of the difference in the world.
Choosing snow goggles with the most appropriate features for your specific needs and conditions can not only greatly improve your visibility but also ensure that your eyes are properly protected. With dozens of snow goggle styles and features available, our goal is to guide you to the best goggle and lens combination for your specific skiing or snowboarding styles.
With consideration given to weather conditions, lens types, frames styles, and much more, we dive headlong into every detail and feature you need to know about before spending your hard earned money on your next pair of goggles.
Featured Topics
Goggle Lens Shape: Spherical vs Cylindrical
Cylindrical Lenses
These lenses feature a single curve across the x-axis, left to right, resulting in a vertically flat surface. The flat surface creates more surface area when compared to a spherical lens, which can cause an increase in glare as well as lens distortion. This could be a minor inconvenience or a serious problem depending on your performance demand and skiing conditions.
Cylindrical lenses also tend to fog more easily than spherical lenses due to the fact that the lens remains closer to your face. This actually results in less overall air volume between your face and the lens which is the reason you may experience an increase in fogging. That said, goggles with cylindrical lenses almost always tend to be less expensive than their spherical counterparts. If you plan to hit the slopes just a few times a year, this may be a better cost-effective route for you to take.
Spherical Lenses
Unlike the single axis curve of cylindrical lenses, spherical lenses curve on both the x-axis and the y-axis to create a bubble-like look. This spherical shape offers many benefits that cylindrical lenses can’t really compete with like reductions in glare, fog and distortion all while increasing peripheral vision.
The reduction in glare and reflection is achieved from the diminished surface area the spherical shape creates at any point on the lens. This reduces the suns impact point to a single dot as opposed to across the distance of vertically flat (top to bottom) surfaces found on a cylindrical lens. Spherical lenses also provide truer optics for you, making your field of vision much less distorted. Finally, spherical construction typically allows the manufacturer to fit a much larger lens than a cylindrical snow goggle, which will dramatically increase your peripheral vision and help in reducing fog. The increased volume between your face and the lens makes for a larger thermal barrier and better ventilation all around to help fight any nagging fog issues.
We are big fans of spherical lenses because the increase in overall visual quality and experience is truly incredible. However, they are more expensive than cylindrical goggles and depending on how often you get out to the mountains, they might not be the most cost-effective choice for you. With this in mind, we usually only recommend spherical lens goggles for experienced skiers and snowboarders looking to gain a performance edge.
When searching for ski and snowboard goggles, you will find there are really only two lens shapes or curvatures to choose from. Every ski and snowboard goggle available today will have either a spherical or cylindrical shaped lens. Each has their own distinct advantages and disadvantages, which is why it’s important to understand their unique characteristics. Note, certain brands may have their own proprietary terms to describe these lens shapes, but the shape will be pretty obvious once you see them.
Aside from shape, there should be a lot of thought that goes into selecting the proper lens for your needs. Manufacturers design special colors and coatings based on lighting conditions, temperatures, and UV protection. Knowing these features can help you avoid buyers remorse and is probably the most important part of choosing skiing and snowboarding goggles.
UV Protection Explained
If you have read any of our sunglasses guides, then you know that UV protection is typically the most important feature of any type of eyewear you are thinking of purchasing. The way tinted goggles and sunglasses inherently work is to either block or filter out sunlight and harsh UV rays. When you wear tinted lenses of any kind, your pupils will dilate, or open, to allow more light in naturally. Although your eyes will never dilate enough to offset tinted lenses, they will open larger which greatly increases the potential for eye damage if your lenses don’t block out harmful UV rays. It is important to choose goggles that feature 100% UV protection or what is known as UV400 protection in the eyewear industry. UVA, UVB, and UVC rays make up the three most common forms of UV radiation and it’s helpful to understand just how each can affect our skin and eyes if left unprotected.
UVA
This is the most common form of ultraviolet light and makes up nearly 95% of the UV rays that make it through the earth’s atmosphere. These are also the most harmful to your eyes over an extended period of time. UVA rays are the longest of the three common ultraviolet rays, and it is this characteristic that allows it to travel to the back of your eye. Unprotected long-term exposure can result in cataracts, macular degeneration, or even photokeratitis which is often referred to as “snow blindness”.
UVB
The second most common form of ultraviolet light, UVB rays make up 5% of the UV rays to pass through the atmosphere. UVB rays feature medium length waves and are responsible for causing sunburn and skin cancers. Some of the most delicate and sensitive skin on the human body is found on your face, especially around your eyes, so adequate protection is a must.
UVC
This is the shortest length UV ray of the three most common forms and is almost entirely absorbed by the earth’s atmosphere. You will see a lot of manufacturers and brands advertise that their lenses block this specific UV ray despite the fact it isn’t present in sunlight by the time it reaches us. Additionally, UVC rays can also be found in a welding arc, but that is a different situation altogether.
Blue Light
The shortest wavelength or highest energy light (HEV) in our visible spectrum is blue light. Blue light specifically in the 380nm – 470nm range is said to cause our eyes the most damage and prolonged exposure may result in retinal damage. There have been no confirmed studies that have resulted with conclusive evidence that our eyes are indeed damaged by high energy visibility blue light. It’s far more likely that manufacturers and brands use blue light protection as marketing value.
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) Explained
VLT is simply a gauge showing how much light passes through a lens to the eye. This is a necessary feature of sunglasses/goggles as skiers and riders experience many different weather and lighting conditions. There are real benefits to choosing the correct lens for your specific needs as pairing proper lens tint and color can dramatically increase overall visibility and contrast. Most manufacturers now have their own proprietary lens color and VLT systems, but I find the majority of those generally fall under the select ranges specified below.
Best Lens for Overcast to Stormy Weather & Night Skiing:
– Yellow, Yellow-Blue Chrome, Gold/Persimmon, Amber, Green
Goggles with high visible light transmission (VLT) simply let a larger amount of light pass through the lens to your eyes. There are a variety of colors that work well for this depending on your specific terrain and weather conditions. Generally, high VLT goggles are best worn on cloudy or stormy days where brightness and contrast are needed to fight flat light conditions. The most extreme examples of a high VLT lens would be clear which is great for night skiing.
Best Lens for Cloudy to Partly Cloudy Weather:
– Orange, Gold/Persimmon, Rose, Blue Chrome
This group of lenses is the most versatile as it sits between the extremes of the VLT range. The average skier or snowboarder could likely get away with purchasing goggles in this group as it covers a broad range of lighting and weather conditions. Of course, there are exceptions as mid or medium tinted goggles would, of course, be too dark for night skiing/riding. I also wouldn’t be surprised if you experienced some eye strain or fatigue at the end of a long day on the mountain during bright sky or bluebird days with a lens in the middle of the VLT range.
Best Lens for Partly Cloudy to Sunny/Blue-Bird Weather:
– Gray, Black, Brown, Copper, Red Chrome
Low VLT goggles perform exactly how you would expect, by blocking or filtering out the most sunlight. Best visual performance can be experienced on partly cloudy or bright days where sunlight and reflection are at their most intense. That said, low VLT goggles can sometimes make it hard to see terrain changes as dark tints typically hurt contrast. As stated before, most goggle companies have mitigated this effect by implementing different low VLT lens colors, polarization, and other exterior finishes.
*NOTE: Generalizations on colors are made as many brands have proprietary lenses with a wide variety of VLT ranges and suggested best conditions.
Differences Between Polarized, Mirrored, & Photochromic lenses
Polarized Lenses
When sunlight enters our atmosphere, it becomes scattered until it collects on a flat surface, reflects or becomes polarized. Common surfaces like roads, lakes, ice, and snow can give off harsh glare with the latter two becoming potentially dangerous depending on your skiing or snowboarding style.
Polarized lenses feature elements that vastly improve vision clarity and contrast by filtering out horizontal glare while allowing vertical light through. It is this vertical light that brings true color and optical clarity from the field of vision around us. We love polarized lenses at Eyewear Genius as the protection from glare and increase visual sharpness are quite amazing.
Despite all the great qualities of polarized lenses, there are instances where caution should be exercised. Depending on specific weather conditions polarized lens can hinder depth perception, and you could experience flat light while skiing or snowboarding. Polarized lenses can also filter out glare from ice which could be a negative if you find yourself needing to adjust for terrain changes often. Additionally, they are almost always more expensive than regular lenses, so this option should be reserved for those who frequent their local hill or mountain more often.
A final note, Some manufacturers have branded their polarized lenses with proprietary names for marketing reasons. Proprietary names mean that it may not always be obvious which goggles feature polarized or contrast/clarity enhanced lenses. For instance, major brands like Oakley and Smith Optics refer to their lens technology as Prizm™ and Chromapop respectively.
Mirrored Lenses
Aside from winning you style points on the slopes, mirrored lenses offer some unique benefits not found in other lenses. Regular tint lenses actually absorb sunlight as opposed to mirrored lenses which reflect sunlight. Therefore, you can expect mirrored lenses to reflect anywhere from 10-60% more sunlight than regular lenses.
Other than this distinguishing feature, most mirrored snow goggles will behave just like any other goggle. They can cover a wide range of VLT options and can even be polarized for added glare reduction. As we mentioned above, mirrored goggles usually provide a nice fashion statement and can be found on most of the top alpine skiers and snowboarders in the world.
Photochromic Lenses
If you can’t decide which lens color or tint is right for you, photochromic goggles may be your best choice. These lenses feature unique elements that will actually react to UV ray exposure and automatically transition to lighter or darker tints depending on current lighting conditions. The great benefit of photochromic lenses is they will save you from needing to carry a second lens to swap in during variable weather which makes them incredibly versatile. Drawbacks can include lens transition lag time for some brands (up to 30 seconds or more) and a bigger hit to your wallet upon checkout. The good news is you may be able to get away with one pair of photochromic goggles as opposed to purchasing multiple goggles or swappable lenses to cover additional skiing or riding conditions.
The most important characteristic here is strong, shatter-resistant lenses that can withstand big impacts. A nightmare scenario would involve shards of the lens severely cutting your face and eyes upon impact, causing terrible scarring or even blindness. Now that we have your attention, make sure you are buying goggles from a reputable brand that stands by their quality. Polycarbonate is the most common lens material and provides ample protection during falls and impacts. Note again, that certain brands have proprietary names for their lens materials but they should have comparable performance to polycarbonate lenses.
Dual lenses
Think of dual lenses as behaving like insulated storm windows. The thermal barrier created between the two lenses greatly reduces fogging and can even add a little more resistance upon impacts. Most, if not all, higher end ski and snowboard goggles will have dual lenses as standard, as they are a must for cutting down fog issues.
Anti-Fog Properties
This is typically a coating that is added to the inside lens surface and acts as an absorbent to reduce fogging. Special caution should be used when cleaning goggles with this coating as it can easily be damaged or removed by using the wrong material or technique when cleaning. It’s best to closely follow the manufacturers’ recommendations to avoid any damage and to also stay within any warranty guidelines. Note, anti-fog works great but is not a perfect cure-all for fogging. Big frame vents and a proper fit are also important features to help with fog prevention.
Hydrophobic Coatings
This is a special coating applied to the exterior of the lens to deter water drops from staying on your lenses. Hydrophobic coatings are a great feature for skiing or snowboarding in snowy conditions and can keep you from having to constantly wipe your lenses clean. This helps to prolong lens life as less wiping drastically reduces the odds you will scratch your lens by cleaning them.
Scratch Resistant Coatings
Exactly as it sounds, this is a special coating usually applied to the exterior surface of higher-end lenses especially mirrored lenses. If you are going to spend the extra money on mirrored or specially colored lenses, make sure the manufacturer has a solution to protect them against premature wear. There is nothing more frustrating when it comes to snow goggles than seeing your mirrored coating start to wear off weeks or even days after you purchased your goggles!
Interchangeable/Multiple Lens Systems
Many manufacturers now feature interchangeable lens systems which can greatly increase the versatility of your goggles. This option allows you to carry lenses for multiple conditions to ensure you never have the wrong lens on any given day. The most important feature to note here is the locking system each manufacturer uses to hold the lenses in place. Some use magnets while others have developed proprietary locking systems. Do your homework here as it could be costly, and even dangerous, to have a lens fly off during a fall.
Ski & Snowboard Goggle Frame Features
Frame Materials:
The most important element to frame construction is a durable and flexible material, especially in bitterly cold conditions. Polyurethane is primarily the material of choice for manufacturers, as it curves to an individual’s face and maintains flexibility in the most extreme conditions. Again, you will find most major manufacturers using proprietary names for their frame materials (Oakley O Matter, Smith Responsive™ Fit) for marketing purposes.
Frame Ventilation/Anti-Fog
To ensure that your goggles aren’t more susceptible to fogging, make sure there is adequate venting all around the perimeter of the frames. Some frames feature adjustable venting and even battery powered fans to aid in rapid defogging. There are mixed reviews on fan vents as poorly constructed examples may only work intermittently or even fail prematurely. Aesthetics of goggles often dominate the list of features consumers use when making a purchase, but good-looking goggles will be useless without adequate venting.
Ski & Snowboard Goggle Fit Features
Frame Size
Frame size can easily be overlooked by consumers because most of us are just interested in choosing the best looking pair of goggles. However, frame size is very important to get correct as a poorly fitting pair of goggles can cause painful pressure points or leave gaps around the face, which will only cause your lenses to fog. Annoyingly, no manufacturers will provide you with any actual measurements of their goggles and simply categorize their sizes from small to oversized. A good tip is to start with your helmet size and find a pair of goggles that fits your helmet opening well.
Strap Adjustment & Grip
A simple feature but again, often overlooked, is ensuring that the goggle strap has some sort of gripping feature built in. Most manufacturers create a silicon-based design for the interior of the strap to help it grip the back of your head or helmet. You may have a tough time getting your goggles to stay on your helmet without this feature especially when riding or skiing on rough terrain.
Frame Foam & Padding
Most manufacturers line the face side of their frames with a double or triple layer of hypoallergenic moisture wicking foam material. This foam helps to keep goggle lenses free from fog as well as provide maximum comfort while skiing or riding. Double and triple layered foam padding is typically a standard feature on mid to higher-end snow goggles and should be an easy feature to track down.
Compatibility With Helmets
We touched on this a bit above, but you will want to make sure a new pair of goggles will fit your helmet before you commit to the purchase. Take your helmet with you when you go shop or try them on with your helmet at home before removing the tags. This will ensure the goggles fit how you want them to and are compatible with your helmet. A poorly compatible goggle and helmet combo could leave you with helmet gap or an open space between the top of the lens and bottom of your helmet opening. The not only looks a bit goofy, but will leave your forehead exposed to the elements.
Over The Glasses (OTG) Fit
If you are someone who doesn’t or can’t wear contacts, you will be very interested to find a nice pair of ski or snowboard goggles to fit over your prescription glasses. Nearly all major manufacturers offer a great variety of OTG goggles for you to choose from. Just remember that you will have more room for your glasses if you go with a spherical lens mentioned above.
Bridge Shape and Size
We are all blessed with having different DNA which means we are also blessed with having different nose shapes and sizes. What we mean is don’t be shocked if not every pair of goggles fits your face perfectly. Choosing a pair of snow goggles with a poorly fitting nose or bridge design can dramatically increase the likelihood of fogging. We recommend you try on a variety of brands, styles, and sizes to make sure you achieve the best fit possible for your face shape.
Asian Fit Goggles
This is a more specific example to correct bridge/nose size as mentioned in the previous paragraph. Asian fit snow goggles are designed to provide fit for those with higher cheekbones and flatter nose/bridge shapes. If we just described you, make sure you try on both Asian and regular fitting goggles to see if one fits better than the other.
As with anything these days, manufacturers are continuing to push the limits of current snow goggle design and technology to provide the end consumer with anything they could desire. There are some seriously cool innovations available today as well as some that may need a bit more work before we would buy.
Heated Lens Systems
A recent goggle lens technology to emerge has been battery powered heated lenses. Some manufacturers have released snow goggles that feature an external element that can be used to heat the lens for a variety of intervals. The innovation sounds simple enough, but battery packs can be clunky and annoying at times. The added cost means this technology really needs to work well in order for it to be worth it.
Heads Up Display (HUD) Goggles
There was a push for this technology a few years ago, but demand has appeared to subside lately. The idea is very cool as the goggles use GPS to display things like speed, acceleration, and weather conditions directly on the lens like a tv screen. However, many users reported being distracted by the HUD outputs to the point where they nearly hit trees and snow guns. Not good. Another big detractor for these goggles was the weight and bulk. HUD goggles could be a great innovation, but we would wait until the next cycle of advancement can get them to a more manageable weight and size.
Anti-Fogging Fans
Fans have actually been built into ski goggles for a couple of decades now, most notably by Smith Optics. Much like the heated lenses technology explained above, the idea sounds nice but there have only been mixed results at best. We have heard both great acclaim and as well as criticism of this goggle technology, with the latter typically coming down to fan wiring quality. Common issues include either faulty wiring or delicate wires that eventually wear out, causing intermittent outages while using. That said, some manufacturers may have a better handle on this than others so just be sure to browse product reviews for any issues.
Adjustable Frame Vents
Slotted between fixed vented goggle frames and fan vented frames are adjustable vented frames. As the name implies, these goggles feature adjustable vents which provide more flexibility in fog control while in a variety of weather conditions. If you find yourself consistently skiing in a climate with frequent or rapid temperature changes, you may see added benefit from adjustable vents over fixed vent goggles.
Goggle Warranty & Return Policy Tips
Understanding Your Warranties
Most, if not all ski goggle manufacturers offer some sort of warranty on their products. We recommend you pay close attention to the language of the warranties to ensure you understand what exactly is covered and for how long. A common occurrence is to see the goggle frame and strap covered by a warranty but not the lens, which is usually much more expensive to replace.
Goggle Return policies
If you are unsure about a recent ski or snowboard goggle purchase, be sure to understand your manufacturers’ policy on returns. Most manufacturers allow a return if made 30 days of the original purchase date so long as the product is unused and in the original packaging.
Ski & Snowboard Goggle Care Maintenance
Replacement Parts
If you have damaged a part on your goggles, be sure to check with your manufacturer for replacement parts before purchasing another pair. Many manufacturers will offer discounted replacement parts for purchases which almost always better than generic or third party replacements. Plus, they will warranty their parts and any repairs they perform.
Cleaning Snow Goggles
It may sound silly, but a lot of people ruin their goggles simply by cleaning them incorrectly. The protective and anti-fog coatings are usually much less durable than those applied to sunglasses and can easily be scratched off while wiping. It is recommended to use only the manufacturer provided cleaning cloths or bags when cleaning lenses, as even a t-shirt can strip your lens of special coatings. We have outlined a few simple steps below to help protect and prolong the life of your goggles below.
Never use your shirt or your glove to wipe clean.
Dry your goggles thoroughly before storing to avoid mildew or mold issues.
Always store goggles in their protective hard or soft cases.
Don’t dry goggles with a blow dryer or intense direct heat. This could cause lens and frame distortion.
Don’t leave your goggles on your car dashboard. Again, this can cause the lens and frame to distort.
Always be careful and aware of how you set your goggles down to protect the lens from scratches.
Conclusion
We understand there is a lot of information above to digest and that is simply because ski and snowboard goggles are actually quite technical accessories. They are a feature rich item and knowing what options are most attractive to you can help to narrow your choice to the perfect pair. We have a few serious downhill skiers here at Eyewear Genius and I know a high performance, polarized goggle (preferably with an extra lens) is typically the only type of ski goggle they would ever consider. Of course, this may not be what’s best for you, so it’s time to start digging into what you want. If you aren’t sure where to start, you can head over to read our post on the best skiing & snowboarding goggles of 2018 or start by browsing our curated collections here (Coming Soon).
Still have questions? Do you feel we may have missed something? We would love to hear from you in the comments below! We always appreciate feedback as it continually helps us to create a better resource for our users.
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Ultimate Ski & Snowboard Goggles Buyers Guide 2021
Take it from us, wearing the correct goggles when hitting the slopes or launching into your local terrain park can make all of the difference in the world.
Choosing snow goggles with the most appropriate features for your specific needs and conditions can not only greatly improve your visibility but also ensure that your eyes are properly protected. With dozens of snow goggle styles and features available, our goal is to guide you to the best goggle and lens combination for your specific skiing or snowboarding styles.
With consideration given to weather conditions, lens types, frames styles, and much more, we dive headlong into every detail and feature you need to know about before spending your hard earned money on your next pair of goggles.
Featured Topics
Goggle Lens Shape: Spherical vs Cylindrical
Cylindrical Lenses
These lenses feature a single curve across the x-axis, left to right, resulting in a vertically flat surface. The flat surface creates more surface area when compared to a spherical lens, which can cause an increase in glare as well as lens distortion. This could be a minor inconvenience or a serious problem depending on your performance demand and skiing conditions.
Cylindrical lenses also tend to fog more easily than spherical lenses due to the fact that the lens remains closer to your face. This actually results in less overall air volume between your face and the lens which is the reason you may experience an increase in fogging. That said, goggles with cylindrical lenses almost always tend to be less expensive than their spherical counterparts. If you plan to hit the slopes just a few times a year, this may be a better cost-effective route for you to take.
Spherical Lenses
Unlike the single axis curve of cylindrical lenses, spherical lenses curve on both the x-axis and the y-axis to create a bubble-like look. This spherical shape offers many benefits that cylindrical lenses can’t really compete with like reductions in glare, fog and distortion all while increasing peripheral vision.
The reduction in glare and reflection is achieved from the diminished surface area the spherical shape creates at any point on the lens. This reduces the suns impact point to a single dot as opposed to across the distance of vertically flat (top to bottom) surfaces found on a cylindrical lens. Spherical lenses also provide truer optics for you, making your field of vision much less distorted. Finally, spherical construction typically allows the manufacturer to fit a much larger lens than a cylindrical snow goggle, which will dramatically increase your peripheral vision and help in reducing fog. The increased volume between your face and the lens makes for a larger thermal barrier and better ventilation all around to help fight any nagging fog issues.
We are big fans of spherical lenses because the increase in overall visual quality and experience is truly incredible. However, they are more expensive than cylindrical goggles and depending on how often you get out to the mountains, they might not be the most cost-effective choice for you. With this in mind, we usually only recommend spherical lens goggles for experienced skiers and snowboarders looking to gain a performance edge.
When searching for ski and snowboard goggles, you will find there are really only two lens shapes or curvatures to choose from. Every ski and snowboard goggle available today will have either a spherical or cylindrical shaped lens. Each has their own distinct advantages and disadvantages, which is why it’s important to understand their unique characteristics. Note, certain brands may have their own proprietary terms to describe these lens shapes, but the shape will be pretty obvious once you see them.
Goggle Lens Types & Features: Tint, VLT, Polarized, Mirrored, & Photochromic
Aside from shape, there should be a lot of thought that goes into selecting the proper lens for your needs. Manufacturers design special colors and coatings based on lighting conditions, temperatures, and UV protection. Knowing these features can help you avoid buyers remorse and is probably the most important part of choosing skiing and snowboarding goggles.
UV Protection Explained
If you have read any of our sunglasses guides, then you know that UV protection is typically the most important feature of any type of eyewear you are thinking of purchasing. The way tinted goggles and sunglasses inherently work is to either block or filter out sunlight and harsh UV rays. When you wear tinted lenses of any kind, your pupils will dilate, or open, to allow more light in naturally. Although your eyes will never dilate enough to offset tinted lenses, they will open larger which greatly increases the potential for eye damage if your lenses don’t block out harmful UV rays. It is important to choose goggles that feature 100% UV protection or what is known as UV400 protection in the eyewear industry. UVA, UVB, and UVC rays make up the three most common forms of UV radiation and it’s helpful to understand just how each can affect our skin and eyes if left unprotected.
UVA
This is the most common form of ultraviolet light and makes up nearly 95% of the UV rays that make it through the earth’s atmosphere. These are also the most harmful to your eyes over an extended period of time. UVA rays are the longest of the three common ultraviolet rays, and it is this characteristic that allows it to travel to the back of your eye. Unprotected long-term exposure can result in cataracts, macular degeneration, or even photokeratitis which is often referred to as “snow blindness”.
UVB
The second most common form of ultraviolet light, UVB rays make up 5% of the UV rays to pass through the atmosphere. UVB rays feature medium length waves and are responsible for causing sunburn and skin cancers. Some of the most delicate and sensitive skin on the human body is found on your face, especially around your eyes, so adequate protection is a must.
UVC
This is the shortest length UV ray of the three most common forms and is almost entirely absorbed by the earth’s atmosphere. You will see a lot of manufacturers and brands advertise that their lenses block this specific UV ray despite the fact it isn’t present in sunlight by the time it reaches us. Additionally, UVC rays can also be found in a welding arc, but that is a different situation altogether.
Blue Light
The shortest wavelength or highest energy light (HEV) in our visible spectrum is blue light. Blue light specifically in the 380nm – 470nm range is said to cause our eyes the most damage and prolonged exposure may result in retinal damage. There have been no confirmed studies that have resulted with conclusive evidence that our eyes are indeed damaged by high energy visibility blue light. It’s far more likely that manufacturers and brands use blue light protection as marketing value.
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) Explained
VLT is simply a gauge showing how much light passes through a lens to the eye. This is a necessary feature of sunglasses/goggles as skiers and riders experience many different weather and lighting conditions. There are real benefits to choosing the correct lens for your specific needs as pairing proper lens tint and color can dramatically increase overall visibility and contrast. Most manufacturers now have their own proprietary lens color and VLT systems, but I find the majority of those generally fall under the select ranges specified below.
– Yellow, Yellow-Blue Chrome, Gold/Persimmon, Amber, Green
Goggles with high visible light transmission (VLT) simply let a larger amount of light pass through the lens to your eyes. There are a variety of colors that work well for this depending on your specific terrain and weather conditions. Generally, high VLT goggles are best worn on cloudy or stormy days where brightness and contrast are needed to fight flat light conditions. The most extreme examples of a high VLT lens would be clear which is great for night skiing.
Best Lens for Cloudy to Partly Cloudy Weather:
– Orange, Gold/Persimmon, Rose, Blue Chrome
This group of lenses is the most versatile as it sits between the extremes of the VLT range. The average skier or snowboarder could likely get away with purchasing goggles in this group as it covers a broad range of lighting and weather conditions. Of course, there are exceptions as mid or medium tinted goggles would, of course, be too dark for night skiing/riding. I also wouldn’t be surprised if you experienced some eye strain or fatigue at the end of a long day on the mountain during bright sky or bluebird days with a lens in the middle of the VLT range.
Best Lens for Partly Cloudy to Sunny/Blue-Bird Weather:
– Gray, Black, Brown, Copper, Red Chrome
Low VLT goggles perform exactly how you would expect, by blocking or filtering out the most sunlight. Best visual performance can be experienced on partly cloudy or bright days where sunlight and reflection are at their most intense. That said, low VLT goggles can sometimes make it hard to see terrain changes as dark tints typically hurt contrast. As stated before, most goggle companies have mitigated this effect by implementing different low VLT lens colors, polarization, and other exterior finishes.
*NOTE: Generalizations on colors are made as many brands have proprietary lenses with a wide variety of VLT ranges and suggested best conditions.
Differences Between Polarized, Mirrored, & Photochromic lenses
Polarized Lenses
When sunlight enters our atmosphere, it becomes scattered until it collects on a flat surface, reflects or becomes polarized. Common surfaces like roads, lakes, ice, and snow can give off harsh glare with the latter two becoming potentially dangerous depending on your skiing or snowboarding style.
Polarized lenses feature elements that vastly improve vision clarity and contrast by filtering out horizontal glare while allowing vertical light through. It is this vertical light that brings true color and optical clarity from the field of vision around us. We love polarized lenses at Eyewear Genius as the protection from glare and increase visual sharpness are quite amazing.
Despite all the great qualities of polarized lenses, there are instances where caution should be exercised. Depending on specific weather conditions polarized lens can hinder depth perception, and you could experience flat light while skiing or snowboarding. Polarized lenses can also filter out glare from ice which could be a negative if you find yourself needing to adjust for terrain changes often. Additionally, they are almost always more expensive than regular lenses, so this option should be reserved for those who frequent their local hill or mountain more often.
A final note, Some manufacturers have branded their polarized lenses with proprietary names for marketing reasons. Proprietary names mean that it may not always be obvious which goggles feature polarized or contrast/clarity enhanced lenses. For instance, major brands like Oakley and Smith Optics refer to their lens technology as Prizm™ and Chromapop respectively.
Mirrored Lenses
Aside from winning you style points on the slopes, mirrored lenses offer some unique benefits not found in other lenses. Regular tint lenses actually absorb sunlight as opposed to mirrored lenses which reflect sunlight. Therefore, you can expect mirrored lenses to reflect anywhere from 10-60% more sunlight than regular lenses.
Other than this distinguishing feature, most mirrored snow goggles will behave just like any other goggle. They can cover a wide range of VLT options and can even be polarized for added glare reduction. As we mentioned above, mirrored goggles usually provide a nice fashion statement and can be found on most of the top alpine skiers and snowboarders in the world.
Photochromic Lenses
If you can’t decide which lens color or tint is right for you, photochromic goggles may be your best choice. These lenses feature unique elements that will actually react to UV ray exposure and automatically transition to lighter or darker tints depending on current lighting conditions. The great benefit of photochromic lenses is they will save you from needing to carry a second lens to swap in during variable weather which makes them incredibly versatile. Drawbacks can include lens transition lag time for some brands (up to 30 seconds or more) and a bigger hit to your wallet upon checkout. The good news is you may be able to get away with one pair of photochromic goggles as opposed to purchasing multiple goggles or swappable lenses to cover additional skiing or riding conditions.
Additional Important Snow Goggle Lens Features
Lens Material / Construction
The most important characteristic here is strong, shatter-resistant lenses that can withstand big impacts. A nightmare scenario would involve shards of the lens severely cutting your face and eyes upon impact, causing terrible scarring or even blindness. Now that we have your attention, make sure you are buying goggles from a reputable brand that stands by their quality. Polycarbonate is the most common lens material and provides ample protection during falls and impacts. Note again, that certain brands have proprietary names for their lens materials but they should have comparable performance to polycarbonate lenses.
Dual lenses
Think of dual lenses as behaving like insulated storm windows. The thermal barrier created between the two lenses greatly reduces fogging and can even add a little more resistance upon impacts. Most, if not all, higher end ski and snowboard goggles will have dual lenses as standard, as they are a must for cutting down fog issues.
Anti-Fog Properties
This is typically a coating that is added to the inside lens surface and acts as an absorbent to reduce fogging. Special caution should be used when cleaning goggles with this coating as it can easily be damaged or removed by using the wrong material or technique when cleaning. It’s best to closely follow the manufacturers’ recommendations to avoid any damage and to also stay within any warranty guidelines. Note, anti-fog works great but is not a perfect cure-all for fogging. Big frame vents and a proper fit are also important features to help with fog prevention.
Hydrophobic Coatings
This is a special coating applied to the exterior of the lens to deter water drops from staying on your lenses. Hydrophobic coatings are a great feature for skiing or snowboarding in snowy conditions and can keep you from having to constantly wipe your lenses clean. This helps to prolong lens life as less wiping drastically reduces the odds you will scratch your lens by cleaning them.
Scratch Resistant Coatings
Exactly as it sounds, this is a special coating usually applied to the exterior surface of higher-end lenses especially mirrored lenses. If you are going to spend the extra money on mirrored or specially colored lenses, make sure the manufacturer has a solution to protect them against premature wear. There is nothing more frustrating when it comes to snow goggles than seeing your mirrored coating start to wear off weeks or even days after you purchased your goggles!
Interchangeable/Multiple Lens Systems
Many manufacturers now feature interchangeable lens systems which can greatly increase the versatility of your goggles. This option allows you to carry lenses for multiple conditions to ensure you never have the wrong lens on any given day. The most important feature to note here is the locking system each manufacturer uses to hold the lenses in place. Some use magnets while others have developed proprietary locking systems. Do your homework here as it could be costly, and even dangerous, to have a lens fly off during a fall.
Ski & Snowboard Goggle Frame Features
Frame Materials:
The most important element to frame construction is a durable and flexible material, especially in bitterly cold conditions. Polyurethane is primarily the material of choice for manufacturers, as it curves to an individual’s face and maintains flexibility in the most extreme conditions. Again, you will find most major manufacturers using proprietary names for their frame materials (Oakley O Matter, Smith Responsive™ Fit) for marketing purposes.
Frame Ventilation/Anti-Fog
To ensure that your goggles aren’t more susceptible to fogging, make sure there is adequate venting all around the perimeter of the frames. Some frames feature adjustable venting and even battery powered fans to aid in rapid defogging. There are mixed reviews on fan vents as poorly constructed examples may only work intermittently or even fail prematurely. Aesthetics of goggles often dominate the list of features consumers use when making a purchase, but good-looking goggles will be useless without adequate venting.
Ski & Snowboard Goggle Fit Features
Frame Size
Frame size can easily be overlooked by consumers because most of us are just interested in choosing the best looking pair of goggles. However, frame size is very important to get correct as a poorly fitting pair of goggles can cause painful pressure points or leave gaps around the face, which will only cause your lenses to fog. Annoyingly, no manufacturers will provide you with any actual measurements of their goggles and simply categorize their sizes from small to oversized. A good tip is to start with your helmet size and find a pair of goggles that fits your helmet opening well.
Strap Adjustment & Grip
A simple feature but again, often overlooked, is ensuring that the goggle strap has some sort of gripping feature built in. Most manufacturers create a silicon-based design for the interior of the strap to help it grip the back of your head or helmet. You may have a tough time getting your goggles to stay on your helmet without this feature especially when riding or skiing on rough terrain.
Frame Foam & Padding
Most manufacturers line the face side of their frames with a double or triple layer of hypoallergenic moisture wicking foam material. This foam helps to keep goggle lenses free from fog as well as provide maximum comfort while skiing or riding. Double and triple layered foam padding is typically a standard feature on mid to higher-end snow goggles and should be an easy feature to track down.
Compatibility With Helmets
We touched on this a bit above, but you will want to make sure a new pair of goggles will fit your helmet before you commit to the purchase. Take your helmet with you when you go shop or try them on with your helmet at home before removing the tags. This will ensure the goggles fit how you want them to and are compatible with your helmet. A poorly compatible goggle and helmet combo could leave you with helmet gap or an open space between the top of the lens and bottom of your helmet opening. The not only looks a bit goofy, but will leave your forehead exposed to the elements.
Over The Glasses (OTG) Fit
If you are someone who doesn’t or can’t wear contacts, you will be very interested to find a nice pair of ski or snowboard goggles to fit over your prescription glasses. Nearly all major manufacturers offer a great variety of OTG goggles for you to choose from. Just remember that you will have more room for your glasses if you go with a spherical lens mentioned above.
Bridge Shape and Size
We are all blessed with having different DNA which means we are also blessed with having different nose shapes and sizes. What we mean is don’t be shocked if not every pair of goggles fits your face perfectly. Choosing a pair of snow goggles with a poorly fitting nose or bridge design can dramatically increase the likelihood of fogging. We recommend you try on a variety of brands, styles, and sizes to make sure you achieve the best fit possible for your face shape.
Asian Fit Goggles
This is a more specific example to correct bridge/nose size as mentioned in the previous paragraph. Asian fit snow goggles are designed to provide fit for those with higher cheekbones and flatter nose/bridge shapes. If we just described you, make sure you try on both Asian and regular fitting goggles to see if one fits better than the other.
Additional Ski & Snowboard Goggle Tech
As with anything these days, manufacturers are continuing to push the limits of current snow goggle design and technology to provide the end consumer with anything they could desire. There are some seriously cool innovations available today as well as some that may need a bit more work before we would buy.
Heated Lens Systems
A recent goggle lens technology to emerge has been battery powered heated lenses. Some manufacturers have released snow goggles that feature an external element that can be used to heat the lens for a variety of intervals. The innovation sounds simple enough, but battery packs can be clunky and annoying at times. The added cost means this technology really needs to work well in order for it to be worth it.
Heads Up Display (HUD) Goggles
There was a push for this technology a few years ago, but demand has appeared to subside lately. The idea is very cool as the goggles use GPS to display things like speed, acceleration, and weather conditions directly on the lens like a tv screen. However, many users reported being distracted by the HUD outputs to the point where they nearly hit trees and snow guns. Not good. Another big detractor for these goggles was the weight and bulk. HUD goggles could be a great innovation, but we would wait until the next cycle of advancement can get them to a more manageable weight and size.
Anti-Fogging Fans
Fans have actually been built into ski goggles for a couple of decades now, most notably by Smith Optics. Much like the heated lenses technology explained above, the idea sounds nice but there have only been mixed results at best. We have heard both great acclaim and as well as criticism of this goggle technology, with the latter typically coming down to fan wiring quality. Common issues include either faulty wiring or delicate wires that eventually wear out, causing intermittent outages while using. That said, some manufacturers may have a better handle on this than others so just be sure to browse product reviews for any issues.
Adjustable Frame Vents
Slotted between fixed vented goggle frames and fan vented frames are adjustable vented frames. As the name implies, these goggles feature adjustable vents which provide more flexibility in fog control while in a variety of weather conditions. If you find yourself consistently skiing in a climate with frequent or rapid temperature changes, you may see added benefit from adjustable vents over fixed vent goggles.
Goggle Warranty & Return Policy Tips
Understanding Your Warranties
Most, if not all ski goggle manufacturers offer some sort of warranty on their products. We recommend you pay close attention to the language of the warranties to ensure you understand what exactly is covered and for how long. A common occurrence is to see the goggle frame and strap covered by a warranty but not the lens, which is usually much more expensive to replace.
Goggle Return policies
If you are unsure about a recent ski or snowboard goggle purchase, be sure to understand your manufacturers’ policy on returns. Most manufacturers allow a return if made 30 days of the original purchase date so long as the product is unused and in the original packaging.
Ski & Snowboard Goggle Care Maintenance
Replacement Parts
If you have damaged a part on your goggles, be sure to check with your manufacturer for replacement parts before purchasing another pair. Many manufacturers will offer discounted replacement parts for purchases which almost always better than generic or third party replacements. Plus, they will warranty their parts and any repairs they perform.
Cleaning Snow Goggles
It may sound silly, but a lot of people ruin their goggles simply by cleaning them incorrectly. The protective and anti-fog coatings are usually much less durable than those applied to sunglasses and can easily be scratched off while wiping. It is recommended to use only the manufacturer provided cleaning cloths or bags when cleaning lenses, as even a t-shirt can strip your lens of special coatings. We have outlined a few simple steps below to help protect and prolong the life of your goggles below.
Conclusion
We understand there is a lot of information above to digest and that is simply because ski and snowboard goggles are actually quite technical accessories. They are a feature rich item and knowing what options are most attractive to you can help to narrow your choice to the perfect pair. We have a few serious downhill skiers here at Eyewear Genius and I know a high performance, polarized goggle (preferably with an extra lens) is typically the only type of ski goggle they would ever consider. Of course, this may not be what’s best for you, so it’s time to start digging into what you want. If you aren’t sure where to start, you can head over to read our post on the best skiing & snowboarding goggles of 2018 or start by browsing our curated collections here (Coming Soon).
Still have questions? Do you feel we may have missed something? We would love to hear from you in the comments below! We always appreciate feedback as it continually helps us to create a better resource for our users.
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