That first powder. The exhilarating feeling at the top of the mountain. The rush heading down. Having the right goggles is essential for being present from start to finish on your next slope day. Snow goggles can range in price anywhere from $10 to over $700. Price is a consideration when selecting goggles, but their performance is what makes them truly effective.

Features to consider when purchasing goggles

Higher altitudes decrease the UV protection. Snow reflects these ultraviolet rays making it difficult to see, and even damaging to your eyes without proper protection. Ski and snowboard goggles can significantly improve your performance and experience on the slope, but not all goggles are made the same. Snowboard and ski goggles are almost universally comprised of similar components for the slopes. Price variations will boil down to the complexities of these features.

Lens

Dual-layered lenses are found on nearly all goggles. Having the extra layer of lens on a goggle prevents them from fogging up as quickly as their single lens cohorts. These dual lenses and anti-fog coatings work to stop your goggles from fogging up as you move quickly down the mountain. Without anti fogging components, a goggle is rendered almost entirely useless. Losing the ability to see halfway down the slope is not only frustrating and scary, but it’s also dangerous. Anti-fog technology creates a thermal layer within the lens that keeps your view clear. Vents are also apparent on most goggles to further reduce the amount of fogging that occurs while on the slopes.

Lens Tint

To combat light, most goggles are available with lenses with varying degrees of tints for different conditions. Visible light transmission (VLT) defines the amount of light that reaches your eyes through a lens. Using goggles that are too dark or too light for the specific weather conditions you’re in can severely damage your performance while on the slopes. Think about the lighting conditions you’ll typically be venturing out in, and then go from there to pick which lens color you want your goggles to have. Unsurprisingly, lighter lens tints pass larger amounts of light and work best on cloudy days. While darker or mirrored tints, on the other hand, help to reduce glare on cloudless sunny days. The hue of a lens is mostly reliant on personal preference, however, the varying colors can also make a difference to the amount of VLT allowed in from the lenses. Lastly, clear lenses will almost exclusively be used for night skiing.

Some goggles are designed with interchangeable lenses, so you can avoid ever having the wrong goggle lens for the conditions (even if you only have one pair of goggles). Typically, goggle models with interchangeable lenses come with one lens for bright days and one lens for darker conditions. Most brands provide lenses sold separately so skiers and snowboarders can build their ideal combination.

Frame 

The frame design of ski and snowboard goggles contributes more than just aesthetics. Your frame should give way for some flexibility to withstand colder temperatures. Flexible frames are typically made with thermoplastic polyurethane to be ready for any type of condition the mountains hand you.

Making your decision

Ultimately, finding the right pair of ski goggles comes down to a handful of factors. Frequency, conditions, and budget. Beginners might prefer to start with lower-cost gear to determine what features they need and if it is worth investing in a more expensive design.

Skiing and snowboarding gear can get expensive, and fast. Retrospec is committed to providing quality goods to seasoned and new outdoor enthusiasts alike. We know that a lot of people are quickly priced out of snow sports because of the hefty price tags. We strive to provide an alternative and affordable option for people looking to get outside without breaking the bank. Our snow gear has been rigorously safety-tested for the slopes and approved by avid skiers for a fraction of the cost of comparable products.

Zenith was built to optimize your optics. With the most optically-true shape, Zenith’s toric lens gives you the best of both worlds: It’s got extended peripheral vision and anti-fogging properties (like with a spherical lens) and a sleek, stylish look (like with cylindrical). With interchangeable magnetic lenses able to swap out in a snap to suit the weather conditions, all with 100% UV blocking protection, your eyes will stay protected and focused on the descent no matter the forecast.

Lens Tints:

Selecting the right tint is crucial when it comes to a successful day on the mountain, which is why Zenith has goggle lenses available in four different tints to prepare you for whatever weather condition you may be facing.

Lens:

Zenith’s toric lens was designed to be one of the most durable lenses on the market and is offered in a variety of tints to suit any riding condition. The 100% UV400 protected toric lens is curved both horizontally and vertically to provide pristine peripheral vision and protection from the sun. All goggle lenses are scratch-resistant and have triple-layer padding to keep your view free of goggle fogging obstructions while preventing lens damage. It’s offered in four different lens colors.

Frame:

Zenith’s frame is made from a durable yet flexible thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) that’s built to last through many years of snow seasons. Zenith seamlessly integrates with any helmet, but for optimal ventilation, it is best to pair with our Zephyr or Comstock snow helmets. Zenith’s frame also has an OTG design and triple-layer padding to comfortably fit your face (even when you’re wearing glasses) and prevent fogging as you make your way through the snow and down the slopes.

Start the journey

Be the person that says "yes" to every adventure, just don't forget the gear to get you there.

Zenith Ski & Snowboard Goggles 

It’s all downhill from here (in a good way)! Zenith’s toric lens combines the cool, retro design of cylindrical goggles with the periphery-enhancing effect of a spherical lens, giving you the best of both worlds. These durable goggles also offer 100% UV protection and interchangeable magnetic lenses to suit varying conditions, so you’ll be ready for alpine adventures in any kind of weather.

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Flume Ski & Snowboard Goggles 

Hit the slopes with gear that’s cooler than cool. Flume boasts a cylindrical lens that offers a wide field of view, 100% UV protection, and a classic, retro design. Add on interchangeable lenses to suit various weather conditions, and preparing your goggles for any forecast will be a snap!

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Traverse Ski & Snowboard Goggles

You should snow better. These snow goggles were designed to optimize your optics: In addition to being fog-resistant and 100% UV protectant, Traverse’s spherical lens offers more defense against glare and widens your peripheral vision so you can take in more views.

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Dipper Kids’ Ski & Snowboard Goggles

Before they hit the bunny slopes, make sure your mini mountaineer is protected. These kids’ ski goggles will enhance their peripheral vision and allow them to see every detail of the path ahead, thanks to a spherical lens that offers 100% UV protection with fogging resistance and defense against glare.

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