Snow Goggle Guide: Choosing the Right Pair

When browsing for new ski goggles, there are a lot of options out there to choose from, and it can be hard to know exactly what to look for, especially when new to the sport. In this article, we’ll break down a few key features to look for when making your next investment in snow gear.  

Lens Guide

UV Protection

Ultraviolet protection in snow goggle lenses has become the industry standard, and most, if not all, snow goggles sold today will offer this feature. High altitudes, bright conditions, and long days call for necessary protection against the sun. Snow goggles are an excellent barrier of defense against UV rays, as they provide large amounts of coverage over the high points of your face, and their lenses have multiple layers that filter out UV rays. 

VIsible Light Transmission 

Visible Light Transmission (VLT) measures how much light reaches your eyes through a lens. A high VLT means more light passes through, while a low VLT means less light gets through. Each has its advantages depending on the conditions you’re facing.

On a bright, sunny day in a higher altitude environment, it’s better to wear a lens with a very low VLT. Lenses with a lower VLT will let in less light, providing a darker tint and more comfortable skiing experience in bright environments. Snow has a high albedo, meaning it reflects a lot of sunlight and can create intense glare, particularly at higher altitudes. Without the correct lenses, skiing in sunny conditions can be uncomfortable and painful on the eyes.

On a cloudy, overcast day, a lens with a higher VLT will allow you to see terrain changes and details more clearly. Flat light can create some of the most challenging skiing conditions, as sudden terrain changes can become invisible, and depth perception becomes skewed. In these low-light conditions, a higher VLT lets in more light, helping you navigate safely and spot those hidden bumps and dips. 

Lens Colors

When choosing ski goggle lenses, color isn’t just a fashion statement—it plays a key role in how well you’ll see on the slopes. Different colors filter light in various ways, enhancing contrast, reducing glare, or brightening low-light conditions, so it's important to match your lens color to the environment.

For sunny, bluebird days, darker lens tints like gray, black, or dark brown reduce brightness and protect your eyes from harsh sunlight. Mirrored lenses are also a popular choice for bright conditions, as they help to further deflect intense light and reduce glare. On the other hand, for overcast days or late afternoon skiing, you'll want a lighter lens, such as yellow, rose, or gold. These colors enhance contrast, making it easier to spot changes in the terrain under flat light conditions. If you're skiing in varying conditions, a versatile lens color like amber or copper can provide a nice balance, offering decent contrast in both bright and low-light environments.

Interchangeable Magnetic Lenses 

For skiers who frequently face changing light conditions, interchangeable magnetic lenses are a game-changer. Magnetic lenses allow you to swap out lenses quickly and easily, right on the slopes, without needing to fumble with clips or frames. 

These lenses often come with several VLT options, so whether you start your day in bright sunlight and finish in low-light, overcast weather, you’ll be covered. With a simple click, the magnetic system secures the lens in place, ensuring a snug fit that won’t pop off, even in rough skiing conditions. For those who want ultimate flexibility, goggles with magnetic lens systems are an investment in both convenience and optimal visibility.

Fit 

Snow goggles are designed to fit over your eyes, beneath your helmet and above the tip of your nose. A well-fitting pair of goggles should sit snugly against your helmet with minimal gap at the top, and have a strap long enough to wrap securely around the back.

A quality pair of goggles will not only look good and feel comfortable, it will also help keep your face warm against the elements by minimizing gaps and skin exposure.

Ventilation

Most ski goggles feature a layer of padded foam between your face and the goggles. This foam is not just for comfort—it also plays a key role in ventilation and fog prevention. It helps manage moisture, insulates against the cold, and improves airflow to keep the interior of your goggles clear. 

Over the Glasses (OTG)

For those who wear prescription glasses, many retailers offer an over the glasses (OTG) fit, which leaves room for prescription glasses underneath your snow goggles. OTG snow goggles are made with a deeper frame and a slightly wider cut to allow you to wear your prescription frames beneath them. A quality pair of OTG goggles will fit comfortably and seamlessly over prescription glasses without any intense fogging.

Warranty

Like any outdoor gear, having a warranty on your product is necessary for longevity and protection. Without a warranty, any breaks or damages to your snow goggles will leave you down a pair. 

Look for a brand that offers an included protection plan with your snow goggles, covering their product on manufacturing errors, breaks, or unusual damage. When out on the slopes, the last thing on your mind should be babying your goggles.