A Beginners Guide to Ski & Snowboard Goggles

Good vision is important everywhere. Skiing and snowboarding are no exception. The speed, sun or shadow, and light reflection from snow are all factors that impact the quality of your vision and also the quality of your skiing and snowboarding experience. Good goggles for skiing and snowboarding are important also for safety reasons. Therefore we prepared a guide for beginners about Ski and Snowboard Goggles about what is really important.

The purpose of wearing goggles when you ski or snowboard is to enhance your vision and reduce the risk of having your vision hindered. Therefore you need to consider a few factors before buying ski goggles.

Technical features improving vision

Anti-Fog Technology

Fog can be a big problem if it appears on your lens during your ride. The reason for this is the difference between the temperature of your face and the temperature of outer space. Ski goggle lenses are the places where a “thermal” difference causes fog creation. Most of the goggles for skiing and snowboarding have embedded some kind of anti-fog system. It is usually a slight layer on the lens that should restrict fog creation. Additionally, there are a few ventilation gaps in the goggles frame that optimize airflow and help reduce fog.

UV Protection

UV protection should save your eyes from dangerous UV lighting. 100 per cent UV400 protection is standard in all sunglasses and also in almost all ski and snowboard goggles.

Lens types

There are different types of lenses to consider when buying goggles and other eyewear:

• Interchangeable – Most interchangeable lenses come with two lenses upon purchase, allowing you to easily switch lenses upon the desire
• Photochromic – these lenses change the tint of the landscape for more sensitive eyes
• Polarized – these lenses do the trick when it comes to eliminating sun glares. Keep in mind however that they are often much more expensive than the others

Ski goggles are usually customized for wearing on your prescription goggles. However, if you use prescription goggles and do not like wearing ski goggles over your prescription goggles, there are prescription ski goggles available.

Frame or Semi-Frame or FrameLess

Ski goggles can be with Frame, Semi-Frame or FrameLess. The difference lies in how big the are lenses and how obstructed views you have on the sides because of the frame. Frame goggles are the standard of the past and they are the cheapest. Semi-Frame and Frameless goggles are the trends of the present and future. They are a little bit more expensive but offer a better (wider) view.

Wide View

Frameless ski and snowboard goggles have lenses attached to the inner frame (often with a magnetic locking system). There is no frame on the side and users get 180 degrees view, called wide-view.

Helmet compatibility

Helmet compatibility is assured by an adjustable goggle strap. Nowadays, ski goggles are universal for any possible ski helmet. A new trend is to make ski helmets with lenses directly on it.

For more about ski helmets and their features go here.

Style & Fit

When all the above parameters are set and you still can not decide which goggles to buy, the style will decide. Technically the less important factor but in reality the most important factor.

OutdoorMaster OTG Ski Goggles	ACURE SG01 Ski Goggles
Ski goggles that fit over glasses Dual-layer lens technology Anti-fog coated inner lens Soft TPU frame 100% UV400 protection Universal helmet compatibility 16 color alternatives	Frameless with 180-degree panoramic view Double lenses Anti-fog technology 100% UV400 protection Scratch resistance performance Universal Helmet Compatibility 4 color alternatives
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON	CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON