Best Ski Goggles of 2023: Things to Consider & Where to Buy

Ski goggles are essential to enjoying a day on the slopes. They protect your eyes from wind and sun, and they have a wide field of vision.

If you haven’t been skiing in a while, you’ll be happy to discover that technology and design have evolved in recent years. It’s easy to find goggles that protect your eyes and help you ski the slopes in style. New options have solved many of the frustrating problems found in older models. 

Improvements in Ski Goggles

Ski goggles have been around for centuries. The earliest model of protective eyewear for snow conditions is over 2000 years old. 

Ancient Inuit people used slit-style goggles to protect their eyes from snow blindness. These snow goggles prevented eyes from being damaged by dangerous overexposure to sunlight. 

Today, modern ski goggles have taken features to new heights. It’s easier to find goggles that fit every budget. Some feature polarized lenses for sun protection, anti-glare coating, fog resistance, and scratch coating. 

Ski goggles are built for comfort and ease. Many models include magnetic systems for easy lens exchange. 

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Best Overall Ski Goggles With Interchangeable Lens

• Zeal Optics Portal RLS XL Goggles: These goggles have a magnetic system to easily change lenses from sunny to low light. The system is easy to use, so you can safely change lenses without a fuss.
  
  The durable lenses are polarized, anti-scratch, fog resistant, and have a broad field of vision. They have a two-year warranty and cost about $238 on Amazon.

Best Polarized Ski Goggles

• Anon M4 Toric MFI Goggles: These goggles have polarized lenses with a special Sonar filter that blocks reflective and horizontal rays.
  
  You’ll appreciate the magnetic clip-in face mask. It works to create a shield for wind and snow, and it protects against fogging. These cost $320 on Amazon.

Best Over-the-Glasses Ski Goggles

• Smith Optics I/O Mag Glasses: The I/O MAG is a high-end option for optical clarity, and there is plenty of room to wear your glasses underneath. This pair includes two lenses, so you have options to adapt to low light and bright conditions.
  
  The precision design makes switching lenses easy and hassle-free. The no-slip strap and magnetic locking system are often appreciated on the slopes. The lenses are large and offer an unobstructed field of vision. They cost about $165 on Amazon.

Best Budget Ski Goggles

• Zionor X Ski/Snowboard Goggles: These are oversize, wide-view goggles that can even fit over prescription glasses. It comes with one lens per goggle, but extra lenses are affordable.
  
  If you don’t ski too often or you want an effective budget option, these are a good choice at only $25 per pair. Check out these low-cost goggles that offer great fit and solid features on Amazon.

Best Comfort Ski Goggles

• Oakley Fall Line XM: These offer a wide frame and unrestricted vision as well as enough room to wear prescription glasses underneath. Enjoy clear vision with dual vents and anti-fog coated lenses. The cylindrical lenses offer 100% UV protection, and they have a one-year warranty. They cost about $160 on Amazon.

Best Large Frame Ski Goggles

• Oakley Flight Deck Prizm: If you have a larger face and want a maximum field of vision, check out the Oakley Flight Deck XM Goggles. With new Prizm lens technology, these goggles offer pristine clarity and contrast.
  
  The design was inspired by sun visors worn by fighter pilots. It features a triple-layer of comfortable Polar Fleece moisture-wicking lining. It comes with only one lens.
  
  The stylish lens and wide frame make these goggles a top choice for comfort and excellent peripheral vision, especially if you have a large face. They cost about $173 on Amazon.

Best Interchangeable Lens Ski Goggle

• Bollé Nevada Neo: These goggles feature a super easy lens interchange system. The magnetic points guide and hold the lens in place, making it easy to switch lenses, even with one hand.  
  
  The lens technology is superior for high-quality contrast and outstanding optical clarity. They cost about $300 on Amazon.

Best Affordable Easy Lens System

• Blenders Eyewear Nebular Snow Goggles: These goggles bring style and function in one package. They combine the best of both worlds: an easy switching lens system at a reasonable price. They are available in black as well as fun colors.
  
  They come with a bonus lens, so you can ski the slopes even in low-light conditions. They cost about $120.

Best Value Ski Goggle

• Giro Blok: These ski goggles offer high visibility, an excellent field of vision, and comfort at an attractive price. They feature a Zeiss lens and a triple layer lining of foam and fleece. The cylindrical lens shape gives you unobstructed vision even under a helmet or hat.
  
  The retro style does not have an interchangeable lens system. They cost about $130. 

Best Photochromic Ski Goggle

• Julbo First Class Cyrius: To deal with changing weather, low visibility, cloudy and sunny conditions, consider a high-end photochromic lens. These goggles are versatile and perform well in rapidly changing conditions. They cost about $220.

Best Backcountry Skiing Goggle

• Julbo Aerospace: The Aerospace is built for flexibility and venting, which is just what you need for backcountry skiing. The frame can be moved away from the lens, so you won’t struggle with goggles getting foggy as you sweat on the uphill treks. They cost about $250.

Factors to Consider

It can be tough to know which ski goggles will work best for you. Consider these factors:

• Fit: The best goggles are the ones that fit your face shape. Even superior technology won’t make up for poor fit. Check for a comfortable fit when you’re wearing all your gear, so you’ll be ready to hit the slopes.

• Polarized lenses: To protect your eyes from glare, you might want to consider getting goggles with polarized lenses. Skiing at higher elevation often means glare with the combination of snow, more sunshine, and brighter conditions. According to AAO, protecting your eyes with polarizing filters is smart for performance and your vision.

• Anti-fog features: Foggy lenses can ruin a great day on the slopes. With new and improved designs and ventilation, fogging isn’t the problem that it used to be in early designs. If you wear glasses under your ski goggles, opt for goggles with anti-fog coating.

• Long lasting: Look for durability, quality production, scratch-resistant materials, and anti-fog coating. Ski goggles are a piece of sports equipment that should be long-lasting and withstand damage. It can be worth it to invest in a high-quality pair that will last.

Ski Goggle FAQs

What color lens is best for ski goggles?

It depends on the conditions and your goals. For low-light and overcast days, amber, yellow, gold, green, or rose-colored lenses push up the contrast. For bright days, a darker lens can be more useful. Black, brown, and bronze lenses all work well for bright ski conditions.

For skiing at night, a lighter (almost clear) lens with a rose tint may help to provide clarity. This colored lens can also be useful in extreme conditions.

Are polarized ski goggles good?

Polarized lenses help to reduce glare, which can often be greater in snow, high elevation, and bright sunny conditions. As a result, polarized lenses can be a good choice for ski goggles.

Which ski goggles have the best lenses?

Many skiers like Zeiss lenses for clarity and quality. If you want a lens for various conditions, photochromatic lenses help you see clearly in different conditions without needing to switch lenses.

References

1. 9 Surprising Moments in the History of Sunglasses. Science Museum.

2. What Are Polarized Lenses For? American Academy of Ophthalmology.

3. Looking at the Science of Sunglasses. (May 2019). Office for Science and Society, McGill University.

4. Tips for Choosing the Best Sunglasses. American Academy of Ophthalmology.

5. Polarizing Filters. Science World.

6. Safety Glasses and Protective Eyewear. (May 2019) American Academy of Ophthalmology.

7. Winter UV Eye Safety: Prevent Snow Blindness and Other Conditions. (June 2021). American Academy of Ophthalmology.

8. The Best Ski Goggles of 2022-2023. (December 2022). Gear Junkie.