Ski Goggles

Buyer’s guide for ski goggles

Choosing ski or snowboard goggles is a matter of taste, but not only. So to help you order the right model, here are a few useful tips.

How to choose the right goggle lens?

Polarised goggles prevent glare and reflection by filtering light, which can be very useful on snow. They also boost contrast and colours. Miror lenses reflect sun light, just like a mirror would, and reduce glare as well.

Photochromic lenses react to the amount of light (and UV) that goes through them by darkening (or lightening) in a few seconds. You can go from low-light conditions (category 2) to sunny conditions (category 3 or 4) without changing lenses, thus improving visual comfort. The best of the best being 1-3 photochromic goggles that cover all the possible light levels you can encounter. They offer appropriate protection and the best visual comfort no matter the weather.

Understanding lens categories

Sunglasses and goggle lenses are both classified the same way.

Category 1: bad weather, foggy conditions, flat light.

Category 2: cloudy weather with a touch of sun here and there.

Category 3: sunny days.

Category 4: very bright light conditions, glacier and high-altitude mountaineering.

Google lenses for flat light

Tips: on white out days or foggy weather, lenses with a yellow, orange or pink tint will increase contrast and optimise visual acuity.

Category 4 snow goggles

Ski goggles that offer the highest level of protection belong to the category 4 but they are very dark and not so versatile in variable light conditions. As soon as light declines (late afternoon, shadow in the woods) you cannot see very well through them, unless you have photochromic lenses (read below).

Spherical lenses

Many manufacturers offer goggles with spherical lenses. They enhance your peripheral vision thanks to a wider lens allowing a 180° panoramic view and more vision above and below. It is very useful for snowboarders who ride sideways but also very appreciated by skiers.

OTG goggles for Over The Glasses

OTG goggles are dedicated to people you wear prescription glasses. This design offers more room to let you wear your glasses underneath. This improves your comfort and allows you to fully enjoy your session.

A few tips and how to clean your goggles:

To prevent fogging: on the chair lift, avoid putting your goggles on your beanie or helmet, rather keep it on your face. Never wipe the inside of a wet lens, this could damage the anti-fogging coating, wait for it to air dry.

How to choose the right size of goggles for your face?

Even though there is properly speaking no sizes when it comes to snow goggles, you will find 3 distinct fits on the market: small face, medium face, wide face. They allow everyone to find the ideal goggles that will fit their face and provide great comfort.

Oakley, Bollé, Julbo, Salomon...: how to choose among the various ski goggle brands?

Find the leading snow goggle brands

Glisshop offers the biggest choice of ski goggles on the market with over 400 models in stock all year round from brands such as Poc, Redbull, Superdry, Anon, Roxy, Smith, and Electric, Rossignol, Scott, Head, Salomon, Atomic and Marker, Bolle and Oakley, Diezz, Cairn, Aphex Alpina, GiroUvex, Bliz, and Winter Your Life. With such an incredible choice you are certain to find the right snow goggles.