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.
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
Helmet compatibility:
Pro tip: Ask in-store experts at any Christy Sports shop for help choosing the right fit.
Lens shape is a key differentiator in goggle design.
Cylindrical lenses:
Spherical lenses:
Modern tech: Advanced cylindrical lenses now rival spherical performance.
New options: Innovative shapes like the Smith 4D Mag's “bird’s-eye view” lens expand choices further.
Problem: Fogging makes it hard to see and enjoy skiing/riding.
Cause: Warm air from your face meets cold outside air.
Fog prevention methods:
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.
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:
Flexibility: Many premium goggles include interchangeable lenses for varying conditions.