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Christy Sports – Skiing & Snowboarding Goggles
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT GOGGLES FOR SKIING & SNOWBOARDING
Spending time on the slopes on a clear and sunny day is everyone’s dream, but the sun’s glare off the snow is bright and intense. A stormy powder day is even better, but it’s hard to ski with snow in your eyes! A great pair of goggles is essential to shield your eyes from the sun, wind and snow. High quality goggle lenses can help you better see the terrain and improve your skiing or riding. With so many goggle options for both adults and children, it can be confusing to pick out the right pair. This guide will help you understand the different options and features available and decide what pair of goggles will work best for you.
FRAMES & FIT
Fit: Goggles should be snug (enough to keep snow out and stay in place) but not too tight.
Face size: Some models are sized for small, medium, or large faces (e.g., Smith I/O MAG line which comes in a small, normal, or x-large version).
Helmet compatibility:
- Avoid “helmet gap” with a snug goggle-helmet interface.
- Best to pair goggles + helmet from the same brand (e.g., Smith with Smith, Giro with Giro).
- If shopping in-store, bring your helmet to test fit.
Pro tip: Ask in-store experts at any Christy Sports shop for help choosing the right fit.
LENS SHAPE
Lens shape is a key differentiator in goggle design.
Cylindrical lenses:
- Curve side-to-side only.
- Flat vertically (from forehead to nose).
- Sit closer to the face.
- Examples: Atomic 4Q HD or Smith Squad Mag
Spherical lenses:
- Curve both side-to-side and top-to-bottom.
- Traditionally offered wider vision and less glare.
Examples: Smith I/O Mag or Oakley Flight Deck
Modern tech: Advanced cylindrical lenses (e.g., Giro Contour) now rival spherical performance.
New options: Innovative shapes like the Smith 4D Mag’s “bird’s-eye view” lens expand choices further.
VENTILATION
Problem: Fogging makes it hard to see and enjoy skiing/riding.
Cause: Warm air from your face meets cold outside air.
Fog prevention methods:
- Vents: Circulate air, often with foam to block snow.
- Anti-fog coating: Chemical barrier on inner lens prevents condensation.
Solution: Quality goggles from brands like Giro, Smith, or Oakley combine good ventilation + anti-fog tech.
Care tip: Never wipe inside of lens—let goggles air dry to protect the coating.
Visible Light Transmission and Lens Color
Goggle lens function: Lenses filter light/colors to optimize vision.
VLT (Visible Light Transmission) percentage = the % of light passing through lens.
Lens tints by condition:
- 40–70% VLT (lighter tints) → cloudy/snowy days (more light allowed).
- 5–30% VLT (darker tints) → sunny days (less light, sunglasses effect).
Flexibility: Many premium goggles such as the Sweet Protection Connor or Spy Marauder include interchangeable lenses for varying conditions.
