These Ski Goggles Are the Real Deal

Protect Your Peepers with the Best Snow Goggles for Winter

Lots of things can put a damper on a gorgeous day on the mountain: nasty weather, bad layering, a confidence-crushing wipeout—but if you pack the best pair of ski goggles, snow blindness doesn’t have to be one of them.

For anyone who’s been lucky enough not to experience it, snow blindness—technically called ultraviolet (UV) keratitis—happens when your corneas are exposed to too much ultraviolet light, which reflects off snow. It can cause eye pain and can affect your vision for hours afterwards—not to mention that it’s a serious safety hazard when you’re on the slopes.

Our top picks

1. Best Overall: Smith I/O Mag
2. Best Photochromic: Glade Adapt 2
3. Best Cylindrical: Oakley Line Miner Pro M Snow Goggles
4. Best Budget Pick: Flylow Perform Photochromic
5. Smartest Design: Anon M4 Toric MFI
6. Best Lens Change System: Zeal Lookout
7. Best Toric: POC VITRAE

I/O Mag Goggles Review

I was highly impressed with these goggles. I’m new to the photochromic lens world, and I was a bit skeptical that they’d change quickly enough or dramatically enough to truly work in all conditions. The day I tested them was sunny, but massive clouds were regularly passing through and darkening the sky. I could see well, and felt protected from the too-bright snow, the whole day.

M4 Toric MFI Review

These goggles are one of few options on the market that utilizes toric lenses, which mean they’re a combo of cylindrical and spherical in shape. Toric goggles provide the most optically accurate view, with a wide, non-distorted field of vision.

The Anon M4 Torics come with two lens options and the Magna-Tech quick lens change system is incredibly intuitive. You can swap out the magnetic lenses by simply pulling them off the frame and snapping new ones in place—this system makes it easy to change your lenses without getting finger smudges all over them.

Another big bonus: These goggles come with MFI (magnetic facemask integration), or a face mask that magnetically attaches to the bottom of the goggles to cover your whole face. I typically wear a buff when I snowboard, but my nose always peeks out at the top and gets windburnt as a result. This goggle/face mask combo, which has a breathable vent near the mouth, is truly a game changer for staying warm.

Conclusion

In conclusion, investing in the best snow goggles can make all the difference between having a safe and enjoyable snow day and an eye-paining experience. We recommend considering factors like lens shape, number of lenses included, sizing, and low bridge fit when choosing your new goggles. Additionally, taking advantage of innovative features like lens-change systems and facemasks can enhance your overall snow-sports experience.

FAQs

1. What is snow blindness?
2. Why do I need photochromic lenses?
3. Are these goggles only for snowboarders?
4. How do I take care of my snow goggles?