Skiing has been part of human culture since we discovered you could use skis to go over snow. There were fragments of ski-like tools found in Russia that have dated back to 6000BC. This is one sport that runs in our blood.
Luckily, today we have a lot of things that those Russian skiers in 6000 BC didn’t have. Snowsuits and ski lodges are some of the top options I bet those ancient skiers would love to have. But more than that, I imagine a good pair of ski goggles would have seemed like magic to them. In fact, the Inuit tribes of North America crafted their own version of snow goggles out of a solid piece of bone and ivory. They had narrow slits in them which cut down the amount of light that entered the eye and thus, allowing their eyes to squint less and have less strain with less light. That helped them see their environment even with pure white snow reflecting direct sunlight everywhere!
A pair of good ski goggles can protect your eyes from the wind and cold. They shield you from the damaging effects of UV rays. There are even ski goggles that can enhance the clarity of the snow and objects around you by filtering out certain spectra of light. It is pretty amazing how far goggles have come since those first bone pieces crafted by the Inuits.
Top Ski Goggles Comparison Chart
Buying Guide
What Goes Into A Ski Goggle?
Choosing a ski goggle can get a little confusing, there are a ton of options, and it can be overwhelming if you don’t know what those options mean. Here we are going to go over some of the most important options available in ski goggles and give you the ins and outs of each feature. You can also check out our snowboarding goggles since they’re pretty much the same thing, and you can see more options!
Clip-in lenses
Lenses on ski goggles that are interchangeable typically clip in and out of the lens. Clips can be stiff and hard to use, but they still allow you to swap out the lenses on the same frame of goggles. If you rarely swap lenses, then clip-in lenses should be just fine for your use.
Magnetic
A magnetic lens will snap into place with magnets instead of clips. This is really convenient if you like to swap lenses or if you ski in a lot of different ski conditions and need to swap out lenses frequently. If you don’t ever swap out your lenses, then you can probably skip the added expense of magnetic lenses.
Lens Tint
Ski goggles come in different light absorption categories. You can usually tell the light absorption rating of the lens by the tint on the lens
- .00-20% light absorption: Usually clear, or light yellow tint.
Used at night or in low light.
- .120-60% light absorption: Clear, yellow, or vermillion tint.
Used in overcast or flat light conditions.
- .260-80% light absorption: Orange, yellow, or vermilion tint.
Used in overcast and flat light conditions.
- .380-90% light absorption: Dark tint, reflective tint.
Used in bright light conditions.
- .492-97% light absorption: Very dark tint, reflective tint.
Used in white-out/bright conditions.
Coating Options
Skiing goggles are as advanced as some of the high-end visual glasses that are on the market today. Here are some of the coatings that may come on your skiing goggles.
1. Anti-fog
This functional coating will help prevent your ski goggles from fogging up. This is different than a vent because it is integrated into the lens itself.
2. Polarized
Polarized lenses help you make out the small differences in the snow. They work by filtering out light at different angles allowing you to see subtle differences that you would normally miss. Polarized lenses are a real asset on a bright day.
3. Mirrored
These highly reflective lenses are more of a fashion statement than anything else. While they look awesome, they offer little in the way of protection for your eyes. The mirror finish may help darken the lens providing some SPF protection, but they really aren’t going to enhance your sight.
4. Anti-scratch
Lenses with an anti-scratch coating will have fewer scratches from regular use than those without this coating. If you don’t take care of your skiing goggles, then you will still get scratches on your lenses. There is only so much a coating on the lens can do to protect the goggles.
Fit
Making sure that your ski goggles fit you well is important. If you have previously tried a certain model and know it will fit well, then you should have no problem ordering that model from the internet. However, if you have never tried on a pair of goggles in the particular style you are looking at, you will want to make sure that the online retailer has a very generous return policy.
Another aspect of fit to consider is whether or not they will fit with the gear you use when you ski. If you always ski with a helmet on, then having helmet-compatible goggles is crucial to your enjoyment of the goggles. Whatever gear you plan covering your head with (yes, I mean helmet), you should bring with you to try on at the store. If you are not trying them on in a ski shop, try them on out of the box with your other gear so that you will know if you need to return them or not.
Best Ski Goggle Reviews
Here we have a rundown of this year’s best ski goggles.
1. Oakley Flight Deck
Oakley uses its own lens technology to create these Flight Deck ski goggles. Their Plutonized lenses protect your eyes against UVA, UVB and UVC rays. These special lenses designed by Oakley also prevent damage from blue UV light rays. They have a sub-lens attachment for easy lens changing. Although some users found that even with this design it was difficult to change the lens.
These are a wide frameless ski goggle. The frameless ski goggle gives you an excellent peripheral view. Many people enjoy the peripheral view, though some skiers have a difficult time adjusting to this increased frame of view.
This particular style of Oakley goggle may not fit with all helmets.
Pros
- Made with Oakley’s Platonized Lens Material: UVA, UVB UVC, and Blue Light Protective
- Sub Lens Attachment For Easy Lens Change
- Wide Frameless View
Cons
- May Not Fit all Helmets
- Peripheral View May Take Adjustment
- May have a hard Time Changing Lens
2. Oakley Canopy Ski Goggles
Oakley Canopy ski goggles come with a unique flexible frame that is designed to conform to your face. The flexible frame has discrete notches that the temples to allow for prescription eyewear to enter the lens. This is perfect for glasses wearers as it will not interfere with the function of the goggle.
Oakley has put their patented lens technology on these goggles. They have high definition optics as well as 100% protection against UVA, UVB, UVC and blue light rays. The prison lenses are designed to maximize contrast and enhance visibility on the slopes.
These are men’s goggles and they run very big. If you are are a smaller framed person they will not fit your face. Also, the anti-fog coating is on the inside of the lens. If you get a lot of wetness or moisture inside the lens it can affect the antifog coating. If you know you are extra sweaty these may not be the goggles for you.
Pros
- Flexible Frame
- Compatible with Eyeglasses
- High Definition Optics
- 100% Protection against UVA, UVB, UVC, and Blue Light
Cons
- Will Not Fit Small Framed People
- Antifog Coating May Wash off
3. Oakley Splice
The Oakley Splice ski goggles are in another masterpiece of skiing equipment brought to you by Oakley. These goggles feature their patented lens technology that filter out UVA, UVB, UVC, and blue light rays. The way have the F3 antifog coating and plenty of ventilation to make sure that your lenses never fog. Another feature of these goggles that insurers they will not fog is the moisture-wicking phone fleece that lines the goggles.
These goggles do feature a wide peripheral view. They are very comfortable and have a lot of padding. That being said some people found that the padding around the nose was a little cumbersome and got in the way. Aside from that issue, these are very comfortable and highly functional goggles.
Pros
- Made with Oakley’s Platonized Lens Material: UVA, UVB, UVC and Blue Light Protective
- Moisture Wicking Foam Fleece
- Flexible Frame
- Thorough Ventilation
Cons
- A Lot of Foam and around the Nose
4. Nike Command
Nike Command ski goggles take the extra step to make sure that your goggles don’t fog up. Not only do these goggles have an antifog coating on them but they also include mesh venting on the side to make sure you’re getting proper ventilation and your goggles don’t fog up.
The goggles are 100% UV protection on both lenses. The nice thing about this set of goggles is that it does come with two lenses one for bright light and one for low light. Some people found that the low light lens was the best for providing high contrast vision in the low light so you may want to try it around the ski lodge before you hit the slopes.
Nike Command ski goggles may be too big to wear with your helmet. If you’re planning on wearing a helmet make sure to double-check that these fit before you take them on a ski trip.
Pros
- Anti-fog Coating
- Mesh Venting
- 100% UV Protection
Cons
- May Be Too Big to Wear with a Helmet
- Low Light Lens Is Not the Best
5. Cloud 9 Frameless Goggles
Cloud 9 has made an awesome budget alternative ski or snowboard goggle. Just because you’re shopping on a budget doesn’t mean you’re going to sacrifice the function. These ski goggles include an anti-fog double lens and venting. The lenses are shatterproof and have UVA UVB and ultraviolet protection.
The cloud nine goggles do fit with most, so you shouldn’t have any problem if you use a helmet with these goggles. Some people who have smaller frame faces or women found that these goggles fit a little low and interfered with their breathing because they pinched the nose. It if you have a very small frame these may not be the goggles for you because they are fairly large.
Pros
- Anti-Fog Double Lens
- Shatterproof Lens
- Helmet Compatible
- UVA, UVB, Ultraviolet Protection
Cons
- May Require Strap Extender
- May Be Too Big for Smaller Frame Faces
6. Dragon Alliance DX
Dragon Alliance offers a great option for beginner skiers or those who have allergies to some of the rubber linings on most goggles. These lower price ski goggles feature hypoallergenic lining made up of microfiber fleece. This perfect for anyone who ends up with irritation from the rubber that is traditionally associated with ski goggles.
The goggles are helmet compatible. The lenses are 100% UV protected. They do feature an anti-fog coating as well so you can be sure you that you will be able to see on the slopes.
The only downside to these goggles is that they do run a little bit small. If you have a larger frame face, they may not fit you as well.
Pros
- hypoallergenic lining
- helmet compatible
- 100% UV protection
Cons
- Runs Small
7. Nike Fade
The great thing about the Nike Fade snow goggles is that they come with two lenses one designed for bright lighting conditions and one for low light conditions. The two lenses really up the value of these ski goggles. Both lenses have 100% UV protection and a great anti-fogging system.
These ski goggles should fit with any standard helmet. Some users did find that if they were not wearing a helmet or a beanie and they took the goggles off and rested them on their four head they would fog up. But most people found that when used in the traditional way they had no problems with these lenses fogging.
The Nike Fade lenses are easy to swap out so you should have no problem skiing all day long no matter what lighting conditions you encounter.
Pros
- Comes with Two Lenses
- 100% UV Protection
- Great Antifog System
Cons
- May Fog When Rested on Your Forehead
8. Wildhorn Roca Snowboard & Ski Goggles
These goggles by WildHorn area great deal!. The first thing I noticed when heading over to Amazon to purchase, was the fact that over 1300 people who bought these goggles gave it a 4.5/5 rating! That’s very good for any product with over 100 reviews! That is very rare in the world of Amazon ratings since the only people who typically bother to offer feedback are usually those with a bad experience who are venting their frustrations by giving it a bad review! We like this pair so much we may consider moving it higher on our list soon!
The second thing I noticed was the total lack of a visible exterior frame. Normal ski and snowboarding goggles that I had in the past had the barriers on the side that restricted the peripheral view. These did none of that. It really opened up the view and made the whole skiing experience more enjoyable. Well, there is a bit of an internal frame, but it’s very lightweight TPU, and we were able to confirm that it does as advertised, which is to maintain flexibility while changing temperatures. Officially, the Rocas are “semi-frameless”.
As you might expect, they do have a scratch-resistant coating which also provides 100% UV protection. But wait, there’s more! It also features anti-fog qualities and a whole host of other enviable features like shatterproof lenses, rare earth N45 magnets (6 of them) as part of the lens locking system, and a WIDE VIEW panoramic spherical dual-lens design.
And of course, it has a wide array of changeable lenses for your pleasure! It was nice when the weather changed to be able to snap on a different lens and keep going. The only thing I didn’t like about the lenses is that they aren’t polarized. They worked, but polarized lenses work better in my experience. Also, the wonderful array of lenses for this goggle are only available as a separate purchase and not included, so that’s a bit of a hassle though the price is right!
If it matters, it might be worth it to mention that Wildhorn Outfitters is a (for real) supplier to the ACTUAL U.S. Ski and Snowboard teams (yes, the Olympic competitors!) so that has to be worth something right?
Pros
- Strong lens
- Flexible Frame
- Helmet Compatible
- Great Price for quality (AKA “great value”)
Cons
- Might be too large for some ladies’ heads (might consider ordering a large youth size)
- While lenses are easy to change, they need to be purchased separately
9. Odoland S2
The Odoland S2 goggles are perfect for skiers who don’t want to spend a ton of cash on ski goggles. These ski goggles are helmet compatible. Though they may not fit on a large adult helmet and are better suited for smaller adults or teens. The lenses are shatterproof windproof and offer anti-glare protection.
There is no anti-fog coating on the lenses but the goggles to feature multiple vents. Some who run especially hot may find that there is a little bit of fogging because of the lack of an anti-fog coating. If you are looking for a functional helmet compatible low-budget ski goggles these are perfect for you.
Pros
- helmet compatible
- multiple vents
Cons
- not designed for larger adults
- may have some fogging
10. Bolle Mojo
These red lensed ski goggles by Bolle are perfect for low light conditions. They feature a double lens thermal barrier and an anti-a fog layer. In addition to that, they have an excellent venting system. Bolle really does not want these goggles fogging up on anyone who uses them.
The goggles are designed for helmet use which makes them perfect for anyone who skis with a helmet. That being said, smaller frame people may find that these goggles are a little too large for their face. They run a large and would be perfect for men or large framed people. Bolle Mojo makes a great budget low light ski goggle.
Pros
- Double Lens Thermal Barrier
- Anti-Fog Layer
- Excellent Vents
- Designed for Helmet Use
Cons
- Not for Fulbright Days
- Not for Small Framed People
Which Ski Goggles Are Best for You?
Purchasing ski goggles is just like anything else. You want to purchase something that is in your budget as well as something that is going to have the features that you want.
Beginner Skiers:
Beginner skiers may not want to spend a lot of money on their ski goggles when there is a lot of other necessary ski equipment that must be purchased first. That’s understandable because you don’t know whether or not you are going to be staying in the sport. Because you are new to it is recommended that you get goggles that have interchangeable lenses so that way you can see best in all lighting conditions. A beginner skier is going to get the most out of either the Nike Command or the Dragon Alliance goggle. Either of these is going to give you all of the functions that you need and at a price that’s probably comfortable for you.
Elite Skiiers:
If you’ve been skiing since the dawn of time you have probably seen your fair share of cheap ski goggles come and go. At this point in your skiing career, you want a pair of goggles that are going to last and not wear out on you. Any of the Oakley models of ski goggles are going to give you everything that you want in a high-performance ski goggle.
The patented lens design of the Oakley ski goggles makes them superior in many ways as they protect from the most spectrum of harmful rays for your eyes. As you any old pro knows a day on a bright slope can leave your eyes feeling tired and even sunburned. These Oakley lenses are going to make sure that there is no damage to your eyes at the end of a full day skiing.
Also, the fixable frame technology that Oakley has incorporated into their ski goggles makes them ideal. Flexible frames are going to increase your comfort and also allow you to wear prescription glasses underneath the goggle.
While you will spend a little bit more on the Oakley ski goggles. You won’t have to buy another pair of ski goggles for quite a while. Since you ski every season as an elite skier these are going to be the best goggles for you to buy.
Occasional Skiier:
You enjoy skiing but probably don’t go every season or if you do you only go once or twice. If this describes you, then there’s no point in investing a ton of money on high-performance pair ski goggles like the Oakley’s. At the same time, you want something that’s going to give you a little more performance than a basic pair of goggles.
Nike Fade, Oakley splice, and Cloud 9 are all moderate performance levels ski goggles that are perfect for the occasional skier. They all have adequate venting and anti-fog technology so that you are going to enjoy your run every time you hit the slopes.
No matter what type of skier you are there is a pair of ski goggles that are sure to suit your needs. Remember to shop for your ski goggles based on your needs and your budget. Also, it’s important to remember the fit. If you’re going to be wearing a helmet that it fits with that helmet.
Tell us what you found and which ski goggles worked best for you!
