WHICH SKI GOGGLE TO CHOOSE?
An essential accessory for successful days on the slopes: the goggle. But faced with the diversity of choices available, it’s not always easy to know where to start. Here are all the key factors to consider when choosing a ski goggle.
The different levels of ski goggle protection
Like sunglasses, the lenses in ski goggles are classified into 4 categories. To find which ski goggle to choose, you'll need to select the category that matches the weather conditions you'll be skiing in:
| Weather conditions | Category | Visible Light Transmission (VLT) | UVA Absorption (280 to 380 nm) | UVB Absorption (280 to 315 nm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low light | 1 | 80% to 43% | ||
| Moderate brightness | 2 | 43% to 18% | 82% and more | 98.2% and more |
| High brightness | 3 | 18% to 8% | 96% and more | 99.2% and more |
| Intense brightness | 4 | 8% to 3% | 98.5% and more | 99.7% and more |
In practice, this means that in snowy weather, fog, or rain, you should choose a category 1 ski goggle. When it's partly cloudy, it's best to go for a category 2. Reserve category 3 for sunny days, and category 4 for bright sunshine and high-altitude conditions.
The good news with ski goggles is that there are many frames that allow you to fit different lenses. So even if you don’t choose a photochromic ski goggle, you can still handle all weather conditions on your trip, and even on a single day, by bringing extra lenses in your backpack. Then you just swap in the right one as needed.
Choosing your ski goggle: photochromic or polarized?
To increase comfort, ski goggle lenses may have two types of treatments:
- Photochromic lenses: these adapt to the light and protect you in cloudy as well as sunny conditions. They can shift from category 2 to category 4 in seconds. You can ski all day without needing to bring extra lenses with you. It is recommended to choose a photochromic ski goggle if you ski frequently.
- Polarized lenses: you’ll find these on some ski goggle lenses. Their technical feature is ideal for winter sports since they reduce sunlight reflections on the snow. Contrast in the terrain remains clear, as do patches of ice, so you won't mistake them for snow.
Benefits of different lens colors
Like sunglasses, ski goggles can come with lenses in various colors. Each has its advantages:
- Yellow lenses: they improve brightness and enhance terrain contours, ideal for fog but difficult to manage when the sun comes out.
- Pink or orange lenses: great for foggy and overcast days, but also effective in higher light.
- Brown or grey lenses: perfect for sunny days.
What lens shape to choose for your ski goggles?
To know which ski goggle to choose, you also need to consider the shape of the lens that will be most comfortable for you:
- Spherical lenses: domed, they mimic the shape of the retina. This provides a very wide field of vision, ideal for freeriders. Those who love speed will also appreciate how well these lenses render depth perception and snow shapes.
- Cylindrical lenses: these fit the shape of the face. Flatter, they do not distort the landscape view. While they offer a smaller field of view, they are still ideal for on-piste skiing.
Finding the right ski goggle: a question of comfort
Your ski goggle should clearly protect your eyes, but it should also be perfectly comfortable. Here are the criteria to consider when figuring out which ski goggle to choose.
The frame
To ensure optimal comfort on the slopes, you need to find a frame that fits your face. Lens shape will guide you, but so will personal needs. For example, if you wear glasses, look for OTG (Over The Glasses) ski goggles. These are deeper and wider to accommodate your glasses without fogging or discomfort from the arms of your glasses. Off-piste enthusiasts will also find frameless goggles—these actually do have frames but are designed to be as discreet as possible to increase your field of view.
The foam
The foam will be in direct contact with your skin, so choose carefully! For maximum comfort, look for double- or triple-density foam that will mold to your face and better absorb impacts. Make sure the inner foam of your ski goggle is covered with fabric to limit the risk of skin irritation. Advanced skiers can choose a ski goggle with thermoformed foam, which will perfectly fit facial curves and offer added comfort for glasses wearers.
Ventilation
Fog can quickly ruin your runs, so to enjoy every moment, look for ski goggles with good ventilation to ensure proper airflow. Some models even include electronic micro-fans for custom ventilation depending on weather conditions and effort intensity.
Anti-fog treatment
Most ski goggle lenses are equipped with anti-fog treatment. Some brands have developed proprietary technology, so you can find models that absorb moisture up to 5 times faster than usual or disperse water molecules to prevent fogging. Never rub the inside of the lens when it’s wet, as this can damage the anti-fog coating.
Single or dual lens
It’s rare to find single-lens models nowadays. Choosing a dual-lens ski goggle helps limit condensation thanks to the insulation provided inside the goggle. However, be cautious, as if the seal joining the two lenses breaks, your goggle will no longer be effective.
Good to know: Don’t forget your helmet!
To ensure your ski goggle is comfortable, it’s important to try it on with your helmet. Ensure that, even with your head covered, you don’t feel any discomfort around your nose or upper face when it’s on. Uncomfortable pressure or a frame that rubs against the helmet’s edges? Try a different model.
Protection, lens treatment, tint, and options: choosing the right ski goggle involves many details. But with all this information, you can now make your choice with (almost) closed eyes!
THE THREE KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER WHEN CHOOSING A SKI GOGGLE:
- Ski goggle lenses are classified into 4 categories based on their UVA and UVB protection and light absorption capacity.
- To choose your ski goggle, you also need to select the lens tint and treatment suited to the weather conditions.
- Ventilation, dual lens, and anti-fog treatment will help limit condensation inside your ski goggle.