The 12 Best Ski and Snowboard Goggles of 2023
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Skiers and riders are bound to love Smith’s 4D MAG goggles.
Amazon/Oakley
Nothing can ruin a day on the mountain like your goggles fogging up, irritating your face, or being a poor match for light conditions. But with more innovation than ever in the goggle industry, you can now take to the slopes with incredibly enhanced vision, even in whiteout conditions. Features like extended fields of view, improved ventilation, and custom fit can be game-changers.
There are plenty of options on the goggle market, from lofty investments die-hards won’t want to ski without to wise value picks for the one-weekend-a-year warriors. Before committing to any pair, be sure to understand how to care for them — you'll find do’s and don’ts on goggle care below.
For an all-around excellent pair of goggles you can rely on in a host of different conditions, get a pair of Smith’s 4D MAG. With sharp visuals, crucial accessories included, tried-and-true eye protection, and a variety of fits available, these goggles are a favorite among slope-dwellers for a reason. But there are plenty of other great options out there to consider, from 3D-printed frames to innovative anti-fog technology.
Smith 4D MAG Snow Goggle
Best Overall
Why We Love It: Magnets make it easy to swap lenses, every pair comes with a well-designed hard case, and they provide better vision than the naked eye.
What to Consider: The case is fairly large but highly protective.
Things have never looked better than they do with a pair of 4D MAG goggles on. Smith’s proprietary ChromaPop lens technology filters the crossovers between blue and green and red and green light. This offers greater definition, color, and clarity than the naked eye, so the details of landscapes, moguls, and other skiers are incredibly clear. Thanks to magnetic contact points, 12 different ChromaPop lenses ranging from VLT 9 to 65 percent can be interchanged quickly when light conditions change.
Most goggles are sold without cases, especially those meant for kids. But hard cases protect goggles from getting scratched up in your backpack, which can seriously hinder your vision. Smith’s hard case is not only ventilated, but it has a built-in protective cloth and elastic bands that hold extra lenses in the top half of the case. The goggles even come with socks.
Smith eyewear is a go-to for T+L commerce writer Anna Popp. "I grew up ski racing and always wore Smith goggles, but these are by far my favorite," she says of the 4D MAG. "I love being able to change out the lenses for day or night skiing, and they provide superior visual clarity in weather conditions like rain, snow, or fog where it can be difficult to see."
Smith aimed to increase field of view by 25 percent with the BirdsEye Vision included in the 4D MAG line. Using a downward curve in the bottom of the lens, the design increases visibility straight down and in the corners of your view. A variety of skiers can take advantage of the enhanced optics: if you have a smaller face, opt for the 4D MAG S. Smith also added a low-bridge fit option this year.
Price at time of publish: $320
Number of lenses included: 2 | Lens shape: Spherical | VLT range: 9 percent to 65 percent
Lydia Price
Smith I/O MAG Imprint 3D Goggle
Best Custom
Why We Love It: Smith uses a unique scan of your face to create a pair of goggles guaranteed to be the perfect fit, coupled with its industry-leading optic specs.
What to Consider: It takes two weeks to produce your 3D-printed goggles, so don't wait until the last minute.
T+L commerce editor Lydia Price also swears by Smith eyewear. She recommends anyone who expects to log serious vertical mileage this season and tends to struggle with goggle fit consider a custom pair from the brand. The process works by using your phone’s camera to take a detailed scan of your face and then 3D-printing a frame and extra-thin foam that fit your contours perfectly. “To say the least, I’ve had goggle issues in the past,” the lifelong skier says. “For one thing, my particular face shape has never been able to find its match in a traditional pair, so I’ve dealt with gaps that cause fogging and tight spots that leave excessive indents in my face. Couple that with sensitive skin, a photic sneeze reflex, and the fact that I can’t see much more than a foot in front of me if I lose a contact on the mountain, and you have a bit of a high-maintenance situation. I jumped at the chance to get a pair that were literally made to deal with whatever nonsense is going on with my face, and I haven’t been disappointed.”
MAG Imprint 3Ds have the same lens technology that’s helped Smith earn a devoted following. “I love the clarity you get with ChromaPop — I have a pair of sunglasses with it too,” Lydia Price shares. “I live on the East Coast, which, as close as our mountains are to our hearts, often means dealing with some gnarly patches — and swaths — of ice. I really appreciate the clarity this lens delivers.”
Keep in mind that it takes about two weeks from submitting your scan to have goggles in hand. And the custom fit’s price point is a splurge compared to other Smith goggles, which may not be worth it for the once-a-year skier.
Price at time of publish: $450
Number of lenses included: 2 | Lens shape: Spherical | VLT range: 12 to 55 percent
100% Snowcraft Goggle
Best Field of View
Why We Love It: They have a beautiful look and provide beautiful sight.
What to Consider: The oversized look is a statement-maker that might not be for everyone.
A long-trusted manufacturer of performance goggles, 100% made an excellent entrance into the winter sport game this year with spacious lenses .“A group of skiers and I tested these with a bunch of other goggles on a ski tip, and everyone was fighting over using the Snowcraft,” says Lydia Price. “The field of view is just incredible — if you hate seeing a frame in your periphery, these are for you. And the clarity is near-perfect without any color distortion. It’s also super easy to change the lenses out, and I love the lavender color in the lens and strap.”
The Snowcraft may also be one of the most stylish pairs of goggles we've seen that has the ability to fit over glasses with shatter-resistant lenses to keep your eyes and face safe. The host of technologies that went into the lenses provide premium clarity, detail enhancement, and prevention of lens distortion. As if that weren't enough to keep your vision clear on the slopes, these goggles also feature dual-pane lenses that regulate temperature to prevent fog.
Price at time of publish: $180
Number of lenses included: 2 | Lens shape: Not listed | VLT range: 3 to 38 percent
Lydia Price
100% NORG Goggle
Easiest Lens Swap
Why We Love It: It has the same expanded field of view as the brand’s Snowcraft goggle and is even easier to use.
What to Consider: Because these have such a wide field of view, it's an oversized style.
The Norg was built for skiers and snowboarders who love exploring various terrains in every weather condition there is, and even veterans of the mountains have been impressed by its attributes. "A fantastic feature is the magnetic lens. It’s the easiest one to change that I’ve ever seen. It’s no bother at all," says Bill Price, an avid skier of almost 50 years. Eight built-in magnetic touch points ensure you can make slope-side lens changes without missing a beat. Plus, "they have the widest area of vision I can remember in a goggle," he adds.
The frames feature a soft, flexible fit, and the lenses were injection-molded for maximum structural integrity and employ contrast technology so your visuals remain sharp no matter where your days take you.
Price at time of publish: $250
Number of lenses included: 2 | Lens shape: Not listed | VLT range: 3 to 38 percent
Dragon DX3 OTG Spyder Collab
Best Budget
Why We Love It: We were impressed with how well these glasses-compatible goggles performed in low light.
What to Consider: We noticed some glaring on the lens at times.
Yes, you can ski on a budget. The Lumalens color optimization proves as much by improving depth perception, reducing eye fatigue, and enhancing contrast in a variety of weather conditions. The frame is even combined with a hypoallergenic triple-layer face foam with a micro-fleece lining that makes it comfortable enough for all-day wear. We were impressed by how well the lens handled low light given the price point. Additionally, you can wear your prescription glasses underneath these goggles without limiting any field of vision. The frame is flexible enough that you can bend these to your specific face shape for the perfect fit.
Price at time of publish: $70
Number of lenses included: 1 | Lens shape: Not listed | VLT range: Not listed
Related:
Revo No. 5 Bode Miller
Best Photochromic
Why We Love It: They help you see as sharply as possible in all light conditions.
What to Consider: They're on the smaller side.
From fog to sunshine, these super comfortable goggles from Revo will make sure you see everything in perfect clarity when you're on the slopes. They feature anti-fog technology and automatically adjust to changing light to give you a comfortable view even without swapping lenses.
“I wore these in super crappy weather, and they worked in fog and I could see through ice pellet build-up. My vision was good in flat light," says Bill Price. "They also perform well in bright light." However, he does note that the goggles run on the smaller side.
Still, these goggles are an excellent choice that will help keep you seeing clearly. They also have an adjustable strap and a ventilation system that helps them fit comfortably throughout your day.
Price at time of publish: $299
Number of lenses included: 2 | Lens shape: Not listed | VLT range: Not listed
Bill Price
Related:
Smith Rascal
Best for Kids
Why We Love It: They're designed to fit comfortably without needing too many adjustments.
What to Consider: There’s no ability to change lenses for different light conditions, so pay attention to the goggle color because they're paired with the lens's VLT.
These Smith Rascal children's goggles will help keep even the youngest skiers and snowboarders comfortable as they tackle a day on the slopes. The lenses are designed with fog-free technology to keep the view clear even in snowy weather and effectively block out wind and cold They're designed to have the best fit possible when paired with Smith helmets for maximum comfort and venting. With seven fun colors to choose from and a hypoallergenic face foam for low-profiles, these goggles are so comfortable that little skiers and snowboarders alike will want to keep them on all day.
Price at time of publish: $30
Number of lenses included: 1 | Lens shape: Cylindrical | VLT range: 36 to 89 percent, depending on your selection
Anon M4S Goggles
Most Versatile
Why We Love It: It has the sharpest and widest field of view in a frame designed for smaller faces.
What to Consider: Without a locking mechanism for the magnetic lens, lenses have been known to pop out upon impact.
The Anon M4S frame for smaller faces can handle both cylindrical and toric lenses. The toric lens shape is Anon’s version of a spherical lens. Its shape matches a human eyeball, which is how it can reduce distortion and provide “wall-to-wall vision,” meaning the broadest field of view. Polarized lenses block horizontal light and glare while enhancing clarity and contrast. Glare protection is important in highly reflective snow, but it’s also necessary to allow a bit of glare to distinguish ice from snow. Anon uses high-strength, rare-earth magnets with up to eight points of connection. You can change the lens with one hand. There are nine lenses with varying VLT percentages, all scratch-, smudge-, and water-resistant.
Price at time of publish: $380
Number of lenses included: 2 | Lens shape: Polarized toric | VLT range: 8 to 34 percent
Zeal Optics Lookout Polarized Goggles
Best Polarizing Technology
Why We Love It: They’re great at reducing reflected light and glare while highlighting ice and hardpack.
What to Consider: There isn’t a hard case provided.
Zeal has invested a lot of resources into developing snow-specific polarized lens technologies. Their line of Zeal Optimum Polarized goggles reduce reflected light and glare but highlight ice and hardpack. There block 95 percent of blue light, increase color contrast, and protect your eyes from fatigue.
Lenses are swapped with a dual-sliding rail system and magnets. You’ll need to use two hands, place your thumb on either side of the goggle, and push upwards to break that magnetic connection. Zeal also has a prescription insert for contact lens and glasses wearers.
Price at time of publish: $179
Number of lenses included: 2 | Lens shape: Not listed | VLT range: 10 to 38 percent
Julbo Aerospace OTG Goggles
Best Ventilation
Why We Love It: Julbo guarantees no fogging in the lift line or during uphill ascents.
What to Consider: There’s only one lens and no case included.
For 125 years, Julbo has been making performance eyewear for the outdoors. Aerospace OTG is their response to riders on approach routes who wanted no fogging or misting on ascents. Their patented SuperFlow Anti-fog Ventilation System involves pulling the lens about a centimeter away from the goggle frame, allowing for an increase in air flow. On ascents, pull the lens away. On descents, push the lens back into the frame.
The goggles come with one out of three Reactiv photochromic lenses that get lighter or darker depending on light conditions. The lens also eliminates 50 percent of glare but allows visibility of sheets of ice.
Price at time of publish: $280
Number of lenses included: 1 | Lens shape: Spherical | VLT range: 15 to 30 percent
Oakley Flight Deck M Mikaela Shiffrin Signature Series Goggles
Best Women's-specific
Why We Love It: This is from a dependable line that has been recommended for women for many years.
What to Consider: It only comes with one lens, changing lenses is not easy, and there is no case included.
Inspired by fighter pilot helmet visors, Oakley’s Flight Deck is a rimless design with a spherical lens that offers wide peripheral view and maximizes your field of view. Slalom Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin chose the colors of the Northern Lights as the theme for her signature pair. The goggles are outfitted with Oakley’s Prizm Snow Jade Iridium lens. Prizm enhances and filters colors and increases visibility and contrast. We love seeing the side-to-side comparison of what the world looks like with or without Prizm. Do note that you can change lenses, but it’s not easy.
Other features include triple-layer antimicrobial foam, dual-pane lenses, F3 anti-fog coating, and improved helmet compatibility.
Price at time of publish: $216
Number of lenses included: 1 | Lens shape: Spherical | VLT range: 13 percent
Wildhorn Pipeline Ski Goggles
Best in Flat Light
Why We Love It: They’re adaptable to weather conditions.
What to Consider: There’s no case included, and the lens does fog up after some time.
As a supplier to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team, Wildhorn Outfitters produces goggles that are optimized around performance and value. The Pipeline offers cylindrical dual-lens, peripheral vision, straps with a sticky adhesive, anti-fog, a lens-changing system, adaptability to numerous weather conditions, anti-scratch and anti-fog features, and 100 percent ultraviolet protection, but we're most impressed with the 70 lens options.
Price at time of publish: $100
Number of lenses included: 1 | Lens shape: Cylindrical | VLT range: 8 to 82 percent
Tips for Buying Ski and Snowboard Goggles
Understand VLT
Visible Light Transmission is a measurement of how much light can travel through a lens before hitting the eye. Therefore, the higher the VLT, the lighter the tint of the lens and the more your eye will be exposed to light. The lower the VLT, the darker the tint of the lens and the more light will be blocked from your eye. Below, a guide to what VLT percentage is best for different scenarios:
80 to 100 percent: extremely low light or during nighttime.
43 to 80 percent: weak levels of sunlight.
18 to 43 percent: average to low levels of sunlight.
8 to 18 percent: strong sunlight, including intensified light which is reflected off water or snow.
3 to 8 percent: exceptional levels of strong sunlight.
Anticipate your specific environment
Study the weather forecast and decide what conditions you might be riding or skiing in. Dr. Alice Oh, an optometrist in Virginia, says, “The right tint on your goggles can help you in bright light with reflections from the sun and snow or feel safer in dim light when you’re going for that last run during a night ski session. Gray tints tend to be darker and great for people who are very light sensitive. Green lenses have better contrast than gray lenses and can be good on both bright and foggy days, decreasing glare and brightening shadows. Yellow and red lenses are blue-blocking and are good for low and artificial light.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dos and don'ts of goggle care?
<p><strong>1. Do not touch the inner lens. </strong></p><p>Most brands spray the inner lens with anti-fog. It is delicate, especially when wet, and will get damaged if you touch it with your fingers or wipe it with any material, even the microfiber cloth that is sold with your goggles.</p><p><br/></p><p><strong>2. Do not spray your lens with any cleaning solution, even if a ski and snowboard shop tries to sell you an anti-fog spray.</strong></p><p>Many goggles have been ruined by anti-fog spray. Some people say it works (if you use it, please make sure you spray only on the outer lens, but based upon our experiences, even very popular brands of anti-fog spray can ruin goggles because it changes the chemistry of the surface coating). Since most ski and snowboard goggles are hydrophobic and oleophobic (meaning that they repel water, oil, and dirt), you don’t need to spray the lens with any cleaning solution. Use only mild soap and water.</p><p><br/></p><p><strong>3. Do not rest your goggles on your forehead, hat, or helmet. </strong></p><p>Temperature change between the outer and inner lens of the goggles will cause fogging. I wish I had learned this fact years ago. When you are not on snow, the goggles should be inside your jacket. Once you put them on, you really shouldn’t take them off until you’re done shredding. Resting the goggles on your helmet also impacts the efficiency of your ventilation ports. The space between the outer and inner lens will be exposed to vapor from melting snow and sweat. </p><p><br/></p><p><strong>4. Do bring your goggles into the house for the night.</strong> </p><p>Never store your goggles wet or leave them overnight on the dashboard.</p><p><br/><strong>5. Don’t rip ice away from the vents.</strong><br/>If snow clogs up your vent, brush it off or tap on your leg. When skiing or riding in Utah, we get the occasionally frequent face shots when making turns in low-density powder. That snow can pile up and clog your vents, causing your goggles to fog. Now, it's okay to brush that snow off or carefully tap it on your leg, but be careful when your vents ice up. If you pull the ice away it can tear the foam vents. If that happens, snow will pour into your goggles, getting the lens wet and causing fogging and forcing you to buy a new frame. </p>
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Leslie Hsu Oh has decades of experience testing and reviewing outdoor accessories, apparel, culture, water and snowsports, technology, and travel gear. Her reviews have been published in Backpacker Magazine, Outside Magazine, Popular Mechanics, REI, Runner’s World, Sierra Magazine, and Travel+Leisure. Taylor Fox is a commerce writer for Travel + Leisure and she used her extensive product knowledge and travel experience along with input from editor Lydia Price to recommend the best ski and snowboard goggles.
Related:
For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
