With cold winter weather in *almost*ss full-swing, you may have the desire to get back to snow sports. Two fun winter activities that are totally socially distant and safe — without a doubt — are skiing and snowboarding.
However, before hitting the slopes, you’ll need to make sure you have all the proper gear. After upgrading your ski jacket, snow boots, helmets and skis, you may be in need of a snow goggle shopping trip.
“When looking for a pair of ski/snow goggles, there are a few factors to consider,” Ava Sunshine, professional alpine skiier for Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team, told the New York Post. “The shape and lens are important, but it’s equally important to find a pair that comfortably fits your helmet without leaving any gaps. Then you’re protected from wind and cold and your eyes are protected from the sun.”
It’s also crucial to make sure there’s an anti-fog coating or ventilation system, according to Sunshine, to prevent fogging on the slopes.
In an effort to help you find the perfect pair of goggles, New York Post Shopping chatted with a handful of experts and asked a few key questions.
Click to jump to the best ski and snowboard goggles:
Why should I invest in a good pair of snow goggles?
The most important reason to invest in a solid pair of goggles is for eye protection, from both the sun and weather conditions. Jeanne Buck — an instructor and trainer for the Ski Schools of Aspen, who has more than 50 years of skiing experience (32 of which she’s spent teaching) — said you need to make it a priority to protect your eyes.
“Make sure you get the proper UV protection [and] the correct tinting for the weather [you’ll likely be experiencing],” Buck told The Post. “Most goggles come with more than one lens to help accommodate the range from sun to clouds.”
While it may seem obvious, you should also invest in your snow goggles to make sure you’re skiing or snowboarding your best.
“If you can’t see the terrain well, you won’t be able to ski it confidently. If your goggles are constantly fogging or you don’t have the right lenses for the conditions, it can make life very difficult on the mountain,” added Thomas Barron, Ski Shop employee at Alta Lodge in Utah.
What do I look for when shopping for snow goggles?
“The most important thing when shopping for a new pair of goggles is proper fit. Always bring your helmet so you know it integrates well,” said Buck. “Many manufacturers have goggles and helmets designed to fit together, but don’t be afraid to mix and match, it always comes down to getting the best fit for your face.”
“Goggle technology has come a long way over the years,” said Austin Smith, who has been a professional snowboarder for more than 15 years. “[I look for] good ventilation to eliminate fogging [and] increased field of view for better visibility.”
What do I look for when shopping for kids’ snow goggles?
“When it comes to kids’ ski and snow goggles, they usually differ in size and fit to accommodate smaller faces,” Sunshine said. “They may also have adjustable straps which helps extend the use of wear for them.”
Top recommendations include the Rngeo Ski Goggles 2-Pack ($14) and the findway Kids’ Ski Goggles ($26), both available on Amazon.
Does frame size and lens tint matter?
“Appropriate frame size to fit your face is key and having a goggle with interchangeable lenses allows you to have the best-tinted lens for the weather that day,” Smith said. “Goggle technology has made big improvements making changing lenses much easier with magnet integration.”
“Choose wisely. Your vision is a critical factor in staying safe on the mountain. There are dozens of lens colors from multiple vendors, and although one color might match your jacket better, each color will filter light differently and has its own unique benefits depending on the weather conditions,” Buck added. “Lens tint is also a preference, but typically light tints are for dark conditions versus dark tints are for bright conditions.”
Do you have to spend a lot of money to get a great pair of goggles?
While Buck recommends you always shop around for the best deal, “fit and UV protection are way too important to let cost get in the way because you are worth it.”
That being said, she added that investing in a protective goggle cover (she likes Gogglesocs) is never a bad idea to help keep your investment in good shape.
Smith mentioned that while can spend upwards of $500 on a pair of goggles, you don’t necessarily have to! “You don’t need the most expensive goggles to have a good time on the mountain,” Smith said.
On the contrary, Ashley Thomas, Assistant Manager of 44 Board/Pedigree Ski Shop in White Plains, New York, mentioned the quality you will receive for a cheaper option.
“Always keep in mind that a $30 goggle isn’t going to perform on the same level as a $300 pair,” said Thomas. “I would recommend that you always get the pair that fits the best first, followed by performance, as your budget allows.”
The best ski and snowboarding goggle brands
Ahead, read all about the best snow goggle brands on the market, according to experts and reviews.
Smith Optics
Smith Optics offers a wide variety of goggles for adults and kids at different price points. Many are scratch-resistant and anti-fog, which comes in handy when you break up a sweat on the mountain.
Smith, who has a few collaborated goggles with the brand shared with The Post, that he’s a fan of the Proxy model and Cariboo OTG model.
Oakley
Oakley, which is arguably the most famous snow goggle brand in the industry, can definitely supply you with a quality option for the slopes. Whether you’re shopping for men, women or kids, they’ve got you covered.
The brand offers a wide variety of goggles for as cheap as $52 and luxuriously as $227.
Amazon
If you’re new to snowsports and don’t want to shell out a ton of cash for a pair of ski goggles, then consider Amazon’s picks. The Zionor Lagopus Snow Goggles, for example, has more than 17,500 positive reviews on Amazon and has earned a 4.6-star rating over the years. They come in almost 30 different color combinations and cost less than $30! They also have 100% UV protection to protect your eyes when skiing and snowboarding.
Anon Optics by Burton
Burton’s very own snow goggles brand, Anon, is another great option. They offer a wide variety for all terrains and needs. Most have a fantastic magnetic latch system to secure and guide lenses into place. Plus, ideal full-perimeter vision with clear, fog-free view in all conditions.
Giro
Giro is a name you’ll often see on the slopes. They offer picks for men, women and kids to help everyone see clearly on their descent — no matter how big or small the mountain may be. Choose from a variety of styles and lenses on Evo and even enjoy top picks at discounted prices. Giro Contour Goggles ($270) are a popular pair that may be a good fit!
“It’s important to try on different goggles to find the right fit for your face shape and ensure they are compatible with your helmet if you wear one,” Sunshine notes. “Investing in good brand names will pretty much always be worth it, even if you’re looking for affordable options. Giro goggles have been around for ages, and are really good quality with many different options.”
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