One piece of ski equipment that can go a long way towards aiding your ability to handle a wide range of different environments is goggles. Proper eyewear gives you the ability to see in various conditions and protects your eyes from harmful UV rays.
My name is Christine, I created this blog to provide my fellow skiers with all the information they need to know to find the best quality equipment possible. I know what to look for in the highest quality ski goggles, and I’ve worn or researched every pair found here.
The Smith I/O MAG is my top choice for the best ski goggles of the season. These will work wonders for all skiers and feature some of the best design and performance features you can find. They also come in many different colors to match your style of the slopes.
There are a lot of different ski goggles to choose from, and it can be challenging to select a pair when you don’t know where to start. That’s why I made this post – to give you a thorough guide that will point you in the right direction.
Let’s dive in.
Contents
Who Should Get This
In short, every skier needs goggles. They are an essential piece of equipment and should be with you on any snow trip.
It’s even a good idea to have a backup pair just in case you break or lose your primary ones out on the slopes. All of the options listed in this guide will help you see clearly while skiing.
Advanced skiers with lots of experience and plenty of ski days under their belt will know the style of goggles they prefer and the lenses they like to use for specific conditions. If you’re a beginner, you might be a little more lost. That’s fine.
You can’t go wrong with any of the goggles on this list. Remember, any goggle is far better than wearing none at all.
While every skier should wear goggles, they are especially useful for alpine, backcountry, racing, park, and other downhill skiers. If you’re exclusively a nordic skier, you can probably get away with just wearing sunglasses or ski-specific sunglasses.
Can I ski without goggles?
Yes, you can sometimes ski without goggles, but I wouldn’t recommend doing this often. This is especially true if the sun is blazing or it’s snowing really hard. Sunglasses can work on some days, but you always want some type of eye protection.
Are mirrored or non mirrored ski goggles better?
This depends on the conditions you are skiing in and any personal preferences you have. Mirrored ski goggles can be very dark, limiting your ability to see the terrain and conditions around you when you ski. But some skiers still like to use them.
What color lens is best for ski goggles?
The most versatile lens is the dark blue and grey options that you see frequently. But the best lens depends on what the light is like on the mountain. That’s why it’s a good idea to get a model with interchangeable lenses so that you can switch things up.
Should ski goggles be polarized?
You don’t need polarized ski goggles for them to be effective. I’ve only used polarized lenses a handful of times and have been skiing for many years. Some skiers like the added depth perception polarized lenses provide, but I don’t notice a big difference.
Do beginners need ski goggles?
Yes, every type of skier should use goggles. They are an essential piece of snow equipment that protects your eyes from harmful UV rays while giving you better vision and clarity while you ski. It doesn’t matter how good you are – you should still always wear them.
Are ski goggles one size fits all?
Most models come with an adjustable band that makes them close to one size fits all. However, you should always check the size to ensure you get a proper fit that works for your head. If you can, try them on before purchasing.
How do you know if ski goggles fit?
You don’t want goggles to be too tight or too loose. They should sit snugly on your face, without any gaps or space in between the foam lining and your skin. If they are too tight, they will be uncomfortable, and if they are too loose, they won’t work correctly.
What’s the difference between cheap and expensive ski goggles?
Typically the difference comes down to the quality of materials used in their construction. More expensive goggles will usually have better ventilation, and the lenses will be better for changing light conditions. There are still decent models available at a lower price.
How much should I spend on ski goggles?
There’s a pretty wide range in prices between low-end and high-end ski goggle options. Top-of-the-line models will cost you a couple of hundred dollars, and budget options can be found for under $50. It really just depends on your budget and preferences.
Top Picks of Best Ski Goggles
Here are all the top picks of the best ski goggles of the year. Each model you see here is built to be very effective in winter weather conditions and will hold up strong under regular use.
1. Smith I/O MAG
