Goggle Buying Guide

Skiing and snowboarding expose you to a range of challenging weather conditions, from bright sunshine and reflective snow to gusty winds, blowing snow, and freezing temperatures. Goggles are specifically engineered to shield your eyes from these elements. They provide a barrier against wind and snow, preventing irritation and discomfort, while also offering crucial protection from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are significantly stronger at higher altitudes. The reflective nature of snow can amplify UV exposure, making quality goggles an absolute necessity for eye health.

Beyond protection, goggles are designed to improve your vision. They reduce glare from the sun, help you see contours and obstacles on the slopes, and maintain visibility in changing weather. Advanced lens technologies ensure you can spot changes in terrain and react quickly, which is essential for both safety and performance.

A well-fitting goggle should sit comfortably on your face, creating a secure seal without causing pressure points or discomfort. The foam padding around the frame should be soft and plush, providing insulation and cushioning against your skin. The strap needs to be adjustable so you can find the perfect tension—too tight, and you’ll feel discomfort; too loose, and the goggles may shift or let in cold air and snow.

Different brands and models are shaped to accommodate various face types. If you have a smaller or larger face, or if you wear prescription glasses, it’s especially important to try on multiple options to find the best fit. Many brands now offer “Asian fit” or “low-bridge” models designed for those with flatter nose bridges, ensuring a snug fit and preventing gaps that can let in cold air.

Tip: Always try goggles on with your helmet before purchasing. The best goggles will sit flush against your helmet, eliminating gaps and ensuring a seamless transition between the two pieces of gear.

The shape of your goggle lens plays a significant role in your field of vision, optical clarity, and overall comfort.

Cylindrical lenses feature a horizontal curve but are flat vertically. This traditional design is cost-effective and provides good performance for most recreational skiers and snowboarders. However, because the vertical surface is flat, there can be more glare and less peripheral vision compared to spherical lenses.

Spherical lenses curve both horizontally and vertically, closely mimicking the shape of the human eye. This design offers a wider field of view, less distortion, and improved optical clarity. Spherical lenses are particularly favoured by advanced skiers and snowboarders who demand the best performance and comfort from their gear. While they are generally more expensive, the investment is often worth it for those who spend a lot of time on the mountain.

Toric lenses are a relatively new innovation, blending elements of both cylindrical and spherical designs. They offer excellent optics and improved peripheral vision, making them a versatile choice for a wide range of conditions and preferences.

Goggle lenses come in a variety of tints and technologies, each designed to optimise visibility for different weather and lighting scenarios.

Different lens tints filter light in unique ways, each suited to specific conditions:

• Yellow and Rose Tints: These are best for overcast, snowy, or low-light conditions. They enhance contrast, making it easier to see contours and changes in terrain.
• Orange, Gold, Blue, and Grey Tints: These are ideal for sunny days. They reduce glare and provide excellent colour definition.
• Amber and Rose Tints: These are versatile all-rounders, performing well in a range of light conditions.
• Clear Lenses: These are best for night skiing or extremely low-light situations.

Photochromic lenses automatically adjust their tint based on the amount of available light. This makes them an excellent choice for skiers and snowboarders who encounter changing conditions throughout the day. With photochromic lenses, you don’t need to swap lenses—the goggles adapt to the environment for you.

Magnetised lenses use a magnetic system for quick and easy lens swaps, allowing you to change lenses in seconds—even while wearing gloves. This feature is especially useful if you frequently encounter changing weather conditions or want to carry spare lenses for different light scenarios. Magnetised systems are praised for their convenience and are available from many leading brands. They are considered a worthwhile investment for those who value adaptability and ease of use on the mountain.

Interchangeable lenses are a game-changer for skiers and snowboarders who face a variety of weather conditions throughout the day. With most modern goggles, you can swap out lenses quickly and easily, thanks to clip-in or magnetic systems. This means you can carry a spare lens for bright conditions and another for overcast or low-light situations, all without needing to bring an extra pair of goggles.

Many top brands now offer goggles with interchangeable lenses as standard, often including two lenses in the box—one for sunny days and another for cloudy or snowy weather. Some advanced models even feature photochromic or electrochromic lenses, which automatically adjust their tint based on the available light. This innovation means you can enjoy optimal visibility from sunrise to sunset, regardless of how the weather changes.

Check out some of our top brands for variable lens technologies:

Here are a few tips to keep you from fogging up on the mountain: 

• Keep moving: movement creates airflow in the goggles, preventing the lenses from fogging up
• If your goggles become snowy, shake off the excess - don’t wipe it off as this may damage the film on the lenses
• Keep the vents free of snow
• Avoid putting goggles on your head as your body heat will cause them to fog faster 
• If your goggles become damp, dry them out before your next session

If you’re still undecided, visit us in-store and our snowsports experts will get you geared up for this season with a wide range of goggles and lenses.

Use these simple tips to keep your goggles in tip-top condition:

• When taking your goggles off, never place them face down on a hard surface. Rest them on the foam side with the lens facing up to prevent scratching
• When cleaning your goggles, always use the lens cloth provided to prevent scratching and removing the anti-fog coating  
• Allow your goggles to dry before storing them in your pack
• Keep your goggles stored in a soft bag when you’re not using them
• Do not leave your goggles to dry in direct sunlight 

Goggles should be replaced if the foam becomes worn, the lens is scratched or damaged, or if you notice persistent fogging despite proper care. High-quality goggles can last several seasons with proper maintenance, but it’s important to inspect them regularly for signs of wear and tear. Investing in a reputable brand and following the manufacturer’s care instructions will help extend the life of your goggles.