Choosing the right goggles

When choosing the right ski goggles, you can read a lot about ventilation and other technical stuff, but here's some advice off the beaten path...

When it comes to ski gear, goggles are a more important aspect of your daily kit (regular ski wear). They protect your eyes from sun, wind, snow, and debris, and they also enhance your vision so you can react quickly on the mountain. Picking the right pair means understanding type, style, fit, and the features that matter most for your skiing. This is a very personal decision. 

Types and Styles
Goggles generally fall into two categories: spherical and cylindrical lenses. Spherical lenses curve both horizontally and vertically, giving you a wider field of vision and less distortion, though they come at a higher price. Cylindrical lenses are flatter across the face, more affordable, and often lighter, but they may slightly reduce peripheral clarity. Often, it's worth the investment in a good pair that will last you years. 

Fit
Comfort is critical. People often advise goggles should seal snugly to your face without creating pressure points. The idea is to ensure debris doesn't make it in your eyes. However, this is mainly a concern on a heavy snow day. I have days where you will find me wearing lenses that attach to my helmet and give me clearance away from my face, resulting in more comfort and a wider field of view. If this interests you, we have tested and recommend the Smith Survey Mips. The drawback is it lets snow fall infront of my eyes on days when the snow is dumping from Ullr, the Norse god of snow.  This is why if you go with the helemet attached goggles, it is prudent to keep a screw driver in your car, and a back up pair of goggles ready for the heavy pow days! 

Many brands now offer different frame sizes (small, medium, large) and even OTG (over-the-glasses) designs for those who wear prescription eyewear. Comfort should be your number 1 consideration when picking goggles.

Lens Options
Swappable lenses are popular since light conditions change quickly on the mountain. The pro is flexibility: you can switch from a dark lens for bluebird days to a low-light lens for storm and ice skiing. The con is the hassle of carrying extras and the risk of losing them. If you choose to go with a swapable lens, especially magnetic ones, you must ensure you do not store them wet. If you put your goggles away wet, they are likely to lose their anti-fog coating and you will quickly find yourself in the market for a new pair of lenses. Fixed-lens goggles are simpler but less versatile, giving you a one size fits all lens. If you choose to go with a  fixed lens, make sure you pick one that is honed to your environment. You should consider where you ski (east coast vs west coast), the average light conditions (sunny vs low light) and what kind of snow conditions you will be putting them through (powder vs ice). You should also be ensuring they provide UV400 or 100% UV protection, essential for your eye health during long days on the slopes. 

Plus you should never forget style is everything on the mountain! Get the fun colors cause YOLO! Nobody wants to see you wearing the generic black goggles they hand out at ski school. 

Tech vs. Old School
Tech-heavy goggles can include built-in heads-up displays, GPS tracking, or even music integration. They are futuristic and fun but can be pricey and more maintenance. These goggles also give you the added benefit of full control over your ski experience, tracking your friends so nobody gets lost in the woods, and full access to your surround sound for that Spotify playlist you spent all night dialing in. Old-school goggles are durable, simple, and reliable, making them a great choice for skiers who don't want to remember to charge their gadgets overnight. If you are leaning towards the new-gadget loaded options, we recommend you check out REKKIE AR ski goggles (with our exclusive discount code).

The Bottom Line
Choose goggles based on your skiing style, conditions, and comfort. If you ski often and in variable weather, invest in swappable lenses. If you value simplicity and durability, stick to old school. Above all, find a fit that feels natural with your helmet, because clear vision and comfort are what truly keep you safe on the slopes all day long. 

PS. If you plan on going night skiing or ski-touring in bad conditions, invest in a cheap pair of CLEAR lens goggles. And never touch the lenses with your fingers unless you want to take off the anti-fog coating.