The 9 Best Ski Goggles of 2024, as Tested by Gear Experts

The best ski goggles help you see contrasts as you make your way down the slope. On the mountain, everything can be a blur of white, and obstacles or bumps may not stand out. Ski goggles help you see the whole field as it is, without blurring together. Besides, part of the fun in skiing and snowboarding is taking in the views, right?

What to Consider

Fit

Above all else, the key to your personal best pair of ski goggles is finding the right fit. If they aren’t comfortable, you’re unlikely to wear them past that first run. That’s why we recommend trying on a few at your local sporting goods store and getting a good sense of your fit before buying—and make sure to try them on with your helmet (or a beanie), if that’s how you typically take runs. You’re looking for a close fit with no gaps and the strap to be comfy while not putting undue pressure on you. The last thing you want is annoyance at your goggles on the slopes.

Lens Shape

Lens shape is closely tied to fit in that they impact how the goggle sits on your face. As such, there is no one best shape but rather more a personal preference. We could write an entire guide on the virtues of each lens shape, but here’s the short version.

Cylindrical

Of the three most common lens shapes, cylindrical lenses are designed to curve horizontally or «wrap around» your face, but not vertically. Most entry-level goggles rely on this shape as it’s cheaper to manufacture. It does result in limited peripheral vision and minor distortion at the top and bottom, however.

Spherical

Many premium brand-name ski goggles use high-quality spherical lenses. The term refers to a lens that curves both horizontally and vertically. This results in a wider field of view that’s typically crisper, clearer, and less distorted than its cylindrical competition. Some skiers prefer this despite the oversized «bug eye» effect that comes from having to create more ventilation by bubbling off the face. The end result though is more accurate optics.

Toric

Toric lenses are like the middle ground between cylindrical and spherical. They curve horizontally and vertically, but not as dramatically as either alternative. Most toric-style lenses perform similarly to a spherical lens. Honestly, the difference here is more aesthetic than anything else.

Lens Type

Finding the right lens type or technology depends on the conditions where you’re most likely to ski. Whichever lens type you choose, make sure to prioritize UV protection to shield your eyes from the sun’s rays. And for those who want an added touch, some ski goggles even have anti-fogging features that keep you seeing clearer for longer.

Mirrored

Mirrored lenses work best in harsh or variable conditions where you’re susceptible to extreme glare and snow blindness. These lenses sport a reflective coating on the exterior surface that creates the «mirrored» effect.

Polarized

Polarized lenses work almost as well as mirrored alternatives but are best for conditions where you might experience momentary bursts of glare. Just like when it comes to choosing sunglasses, the polarized versions tend to be a little more expensive but come with the benefit of protecting your eyes better.

Photochromic

The third and final most common type of lens is photochromic. Like transition-style eyeglasses, these lenses automatically adapt to changing conditions, so they’re always tinting to the exact right level of the surrounding conditions. That’s in an ideal world, however. Realistically, some models work better than others.

Lens Color/Tint

Lens color works hand-in-hand with visible light transmission (VLT) to determine the lighting conditions a particular pair of goggles is best suited for. You want just the right VLT for your trip on the mountain. If you’re wondering what the best tint of ski goggles is, know this: It depends on the day. So, as you choose what works best for you, keep in mind that a low VLT (e.g., around 20) means less eye fatigue for you during brighter days—a high VLT like 80 (or even 90 for night skiing) means deeper, more vivid colors during darker trips.

Interchangeable Lenses

Interchangeable lenses aren’t a necessity, but they certainly make life easier in changing conditions—especially when it comes to accounting for those wide array of VLT days. Old-school and entry-level ski goggles rely on tearing away the existing lens and clipping the new one into place. It sounds easier than it is in most cases, though. The process can be frustrating with lower-quality goggles and, in some cases, can slightly tear the frame. Premium goggles often use a «quick-change» system. As the name implies, it allows for lightning-fast lens changes on the fly via integrated rails, clips, magnets, or some combination of the three.

Frame Type

Every ski goggle features either a framed or frameless design. The difference is mostly aesthetic. Although, some argue that frameless goggles provide a wider, more unobstructed field of view. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference, so just choose the style you like.

Frame Size

As with apparel, ski goggles are available in a wide array of sizes. There is no universal standard, however, so one brand’s medium might be another brand’s large. The only way to know for sure which size is right for you is to try them on in person before buying online or simply shop vendors who offer a generous return/exchange policy.

How We Selected

Our Men’s Health team has collectively tested dozens of goggles over the past few seasons. For this story, we combed through our extensive testing notes and considered the best ski goggles that were ideal for skiers of all regions, budgets, styles, and skill levels. We looked for goggles with the right balance of comfort, breathability, optical quality, and price. But our picks aren’t all about function. Our team also considered goggles that look as great as they performed. Ultimately, the below selection of the best ski goggles represents our winters of on-mountain experience that can help you finding the right pair for your own ski runs.

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