Tips for Buying the Best Ski Goggles or Snowboard Goggles 2020

 

The best time of the year is almost here – Ski season! Or Snowboard season. Whether you are a snowboarder or a skier, you are most likely dreaming about fluffy powder and Blue Bird days.

 

You already have your boots and jacket and hopefully your helmet, but don’t overlook one of the most important pieces of equipment – your goggles. Your ski goggles or snowboarding goggles protect your eyes from flying snow or ice when zipping down the slope, from branches hitting your eyes when going off piste, and protects them in the event of a wipe-out.

 

What color lens is best for ski goggles?

 

The color of lens you choose will depend on what conditions you typically ski in. You will see a category rating of 0-4 on the packaging. The category indicates what percentage of light is allowed in – known as VLT (Visible Light Transmission). Different brands of goggles offer their own variety of lens colors, but the basic idea is the same.

 

For Night Skiing: Category 0 (VLT 80-100%)

 

The lens is clear or almost clear, which allows almost all visible light to enter. Even though there is very little tint, a polycarbonate lens will provide 100% UV Protection when worn during the day.

 

For Storm Riding: Category 1 (VLT 46-79%)

 

These are typically yellow-based lenses to improve a skier's visibility in whiteout conditions. The yellow base provides excellent contrast to easily highlight jumps, moguls, and any other terrain obstacles.

 

For Mixed/Overcast Days: Category 2 (VLT 18-45%)

 

Lenses in this category tend to be pink/rose, orange, or amber. These colors will be best for your average day of skiing. If you only have one lens, look for a Category 2 lens for the most versatility. Any of these colors will provide nice contrast on the slopes.

 

For Sunny Blue Bird Days: Category 3 (VLT 8-17%)

 

We all dream of sunny, clear blue skies with mountain views that go on forever. You may be able to get by wearing sunglasses, but a good quality ski goggle will protect your eyes from the sun above, the glare below coming off the snow, and the wind which can dry out your eyes. An amber, brown, or grey based lens with Visible Light Transmission (VLT) of around 15% will feel like a nice pair of sunglasses. A mirror coating can help reflect even more light without adding any additional darkness.

 

For High Mountain Conditions: Category 4 (VLT 3-8%)

 

Sking or hiking on high mountains, such as Everest or McKinley, requires an extra protection not required on ski resorts. The higher up you go, the higher the concentration of Ultraviolet rays. For these extreme conditions, look for a Category 4 lens with a dark grey or dark brown tint. Please note that it is illegal to drive with a Category 4 lens in the United States.

 

What lens is best if you ski in all types of weather?

 

If you just want one lens that you can use in a variety of conditions, Photochromic/Light Changing Lenses may be for you. Just like many daily wear glasses can go from clear to dark when you move from indoors to outdoors, many ski and snowboard goggles do the same – becoming lighter or darker outside as needed. Photochromic goggles are best used when skiing in overcast to sunny days (Categories 1 - 3). They don’t typically start at clear, so they would not work for night skiing.

 

Some ski or snowboard goggles allow you to easily swap out interchangable lenses for different conditions. On other goggles, the lens is fixed, so make sure you have an idea of what your needs will be before buying.

 

Do I need Polarized Ski Goggles?

 

Glare coming off snow or water can sometimes be so bright that regular sunglasses or goggles are not strong enough. Polarized lenses absorb 98% of glare and can provide a more comfortable skiing experience on sunny days. The only drawback is that sometimes you may not be able to see an icy spot as the glare has been absorbed by the lens.

 

Can I wear ski goggles if I wear glasses?

 

There are several options available if you wear daily glasses but still want to wear a ski or snowboard goggle. The first option is to get a pair of goggles specifically designed to be worn over glasses called OTG goggles (Over The Glasses). They have cutouts in the side of the foam that allows your glasses to be worn. It’s always a good idea to try on the goggles with your glasses to make sure they fit comfortably.

 

 

The second option is to buy an Rx Insert with your exact prescription. The removable insert sits inside the goggles and can be made as a single vision (distance only) or you can add your reading prescription to the lens so you can look at the Trail Map. They do tend to fog, so it’s a good idea to get a fog coating on the insert.

 

 

 

 

A Sight for Sport Eyes has a huge selection of ski and snowboard goggles. See our picks for the best goggles for 2020.

 

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Best Ski Goggles for Kids

 

Best Ski Goggles for Over the Glasses (OTG)