Skiing is a tough sport, and nobody wants foggy goggles making it more challenging. Most standard eyewear, even high-end options, tend to fog or steam up during a long day on the slopes. To prevent that, there are fog-resistant goggles that help keep your eyesight clear.
I’m a passionate skier who likes to get on the slopes as much as possible every season. I also tend to run hot, which means I often struggle with foggy goggles. I’ve searched far and wide to find the best anti-fog options here.
The Smith I/O MAG is my pick for the best anti-fog ski goggles of the season. This is one of the top goggle models you can find, and it has a 5X anti-fog inner lens that does a great job of keeping the windows clean.
There are a few other excellent anti-fog ski goggles available, and I’ll show you all of the best options in this post. These goggles will have you covered whether you run hot like me or just want extra protection against potential fogging.
Let’s get right to it.
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Who Should Get This
Anti-fog goggles are the perfect accessory for skiers who often find themselves unable to see while on the mountain. If your eyewear fogs up in a way that limits visibility, either from the weather, body heat, or heavy breathing, it’s best to get yourself some extra protection.
Some skiers (like me) just run hot most of the time. If that sounds like you, you will benefit from getting a pair of goggles that have highly effective anti-fog properties.
The harder you breathe, the more likely your goggles are to fog. As such, the models in this guide are best suited for skiers who exert a lot of energy during their trips. Cross country skiers, thrill-seekers, and those who brave the most challenging runs all fall into that category.
Best Anti-Fog Ski Goggles: Top Picks
Here are all of my top picks for the best anti-fog ski goggles of the season. Each model below will give you outstanding anti-fog capabilities.
1. Smith I/O MAG
- Best for: Overall
- Key features: 5X anti-fog inner lens, AirEvac venting, QuickFit strap, Responsive Fit frame
- Lenses: Spherical Carbonic-X
- Venting: AirEvac
- Cost: $$$
The Smith I/O Mag (review) is a top contender for the best ski goggles around, but they also deliver exceptional anti-fog capabilities, thanks to a 5X anti-fog coating on the inner lens.
These also have a Responsive Fit frame that naturally molds to the shape of your face, which can help reduce moisture and allow the venting system to work properly.
AirEvac venting also helps reduce fog by keeping a steady stream flowing at all times, whether you deal with fog or not.
These are pretty expensive, but that’s really their only downside.
2. Julbo Aerospace
- Best for: Backcountry
- Key features: Durable, lightweight, anti-fog coating, excellent ventilation
- Lenses: REACTIV Spherical with Anti-Fog
- Venting: SuperFlow System
- Cost: $$$
If you want to help reduce the chances of fog in the backcountry, the Julbo Aerospace goggles are worth looking into.
These come with REACTIV photochromic spherical lenses that are treated with a highly effective anti-fog coating.
The SuperFlow ventilation system allows you to lift the lens to increase airflow in the chance that they do fog up. This is a great feature that works even without taking off your gloves.
The Aerospace isn’t going to win any style awards, but looks aren’t everything when you get effective performance in the backcountry.
3. Anon M4 Toric Polarized
- Best for: High-End Option
- Key features: Polarized, effective anti-fog treatment, lightweight, wide field of view
- Lenses: Polarized Toric with ICT Anti-Fog
- Venting: Full Perimeter Channel Vents
- Cost: $$$$
The Anon M4 Toric Polarized (review) is a high-end anti-fog goggle that will help you see clearly no matter what conditions you like to ski in.
These come with a polarized Toric lens that is treated with Anon’s ICT anti-fog treatment. The combination of all the tech makes them highly effective at reducing fog.
Other features include a lightweight frame, wall-to-wall vision design, and a Magna-Tech quick lens change system that lets you swap lenses in seconds.
The downside is that these are some of the most expensive ski goggles I have ever seen.
4. Smith Range
- Best for: Budget Option
- Key features: Affordable, Responsive Fit frame, effective anti-fog treatment, comfortable
- Lenses: Fog-X anti-fog inner lens
- Venting: Airflow Vents
- Cost: $$
Sometimes budget ski goggles don’t provide the greatest anti-fog capabilities, but that’s far from the case with the Smith Range.
These feature a Fog-X anti-fog inner lens that uses a hydrophilic coating to soak up moisture before it has the chance to condense and turn into fog.
The goggles also have an effective Airflow ventilation system that does a solid job of keeping hot air away from your eyes.
These don’t have the high-end features of more expensive Smith goggles, but they are a great value for the money.
5. POC Fovea Clarity
- Best for: Durability
- Key features: Rugged construction, lightweight, Clarity lenses, triple-layer face foam
- Lenses: POC Clarity with Anti-Fog Treatment
- Venting: Padding Vents
- Cost: $$$
The POC Fovea Clarity is a durable set of ski goggles that have highly effective anti-fog capabilities as well.
The POC Clarity lenses are engineered to give you excellent clarity and contrast in many different lightings. They are treated with an anti-fog and anti-scratch coating that makes this performance last for the long haul.
You also get a soft PU frame that makes the goggles very comfortable and helps reduce the risk of injury if you get hit in the face.
These have a somewhat bulky/bug-eyed appearance, but I still like how they fit and feel.
How to Choose Best Anti-Fog Ski Goggles
Here are some essential things to keep in mind when shopping around for the best anti-fog ski goggles.
Ventilation
Anti-fog goggles run off of good ventilation. Those systems allow moisture to escape from inside the eyewear, which then cuts down on condensation. However, every goggle does that in a different way.
Some utilize ventilation at the top of the frame, some have ventilation across all sides, and some even come with small fans. Always check what type of ventilation your goggles use, and then see how well that will work for your needs.
Anti-Fog Technology
While venting is an essential aspect of anti-fog capabilities, specific treatments and coatings also come into play. Always look for goggles that have some sort of anti-fog treatment on the lenses.
While there is no way to really compare anti-fog tech except in the field, if a goggle doesn’t list any anti-fog capabilities, they will probably fog up. It’s something to always look for before you purchase.
Comfort
All skiing goggles need to be comfortable. Though anti-fog models do an excellent job of keeping out moisture, that doesn’t always mean they’ll sit comfortably on your face. When picking out your goggles, foam lining, soft fleece, and padding are all aspects to look for.
In addition, look for models with adjustable straps or a snug fit. That will decrease slippage and prevent any extra discomfort. I like options with extra long straps to wrap around a helmet and a no-slip grip so the strap doesn’t slide around.
Durability
It is vital to get goggles that will last. No matter how experienced you are or what type of elements you brave on the slopes, you need clothing that can stand up to run after run. Your goggles will get hit with all sorts of ice, snow, and sleet.
As such, check to see if they come with premium materials. That not only ensures you’re buying a high-quality product, but it also prevents you from having to go out and buy new goggles each year. Every option here is made with quality construction and built to last.
Useful Tips & Resources
It’s important to understand that while every goggle option listed here is recommended as an anti-fog model, that doesn’t mean they won’t fog up. Unfortunately, there is no way to eliminate fog completely. Believe me, I have tried to figure that out, to no avail.
If you struggle with foggy goggles, then getting yourself a high-quality option that is made to reduce moisture and stay fog (mostly) free is important. After that, there are some other tips and tricks you can try to keep the fog away. Check out this post for more information.
One trick that I utilize is always having a spare lens or pair of goggles in my car or jacket. That way, I can switch out my goggles when needed. If your goggles fog up, they won’t stay clear until they completely dry off.
Final Verdict
The Smith I/O MAG is my pick for the best anti-fog ski goggles of the year. This is one of the top ski goggles you can find in general, but their anti-fog treatment is highly effective in various situations. They are expensive but totally worth it.
Every model that you see on this list is built with excellent anti-fog capabilities. Fog happens. That’s just a part of skiing hard. But you can limit the chance of it ruining your day by purchasing any of the options here.
