When skiing, snowboarding and taking part in winter sports, having the right gear isn’t just about looking good—it’s about performance, safety, and comfort. Ski goggles are a crucial part of your kit, protecting your eyes from harsh weather, UV rays, and glare while enhancing visibility on the slopes. At Genuine Style, we pride ourselves on offering cutting-edge technology and designer styles, with ski goggles from renowned brands like Bolle, Adidas Sport, Smith, and Dragon. But how do you choose the perfect pair? Here’s our comprehensive guide to help you find ski goggles that balance form, function, and style.
Why Are Snow Goggles Important?
Ski goggles are not just an accessory; they are an essential piece of equipment for anyone hitting the slopes. Here’s why:
Protecting Your Eyes from UV Rays
You might not know, but Snow can reflect up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays. This means it increases your exposure to UV light. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to photokeratitis, commonly known as snow blindness, which is essentially a sunburn on your eyes. UV protection is critical even on overcast days as UV rays penetrate clouds. High-quality ski goggles, such as those from Bolle and Smith, provide protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes.
When choosing ski goggles, look for lenses that explicitly state UV protection. Many designer goggles also include advanced lens coatings to enhance UV filtration. This feature not only protects your eyes but also reduces glare, enhancing your vision and comfort. Opting for reputable brands ensures that you’re investing in the health of your eyes while skiing.
Enhancing Visibility in Various Weather Conditions
Skiing in low-light or flat-light conditions can make it difficult to see the contours of the snow, increasing the risk of accidents. Ski goggles with specialised lenses improve visibility by enhancing contrast and definition. For example, orange, yellow, and rose-tinted lenses are excellent for overcast or foggy conditions, while darker lenses like grey or brown work well in bright sunlight.
Interchangeable lens systems, available in goggles from brands like Dragon and Adidas Sport, allow you to adapt to changing weather conditions with ease. Polarised lenses further reduce glare, especially on sunny days, ensuring that you can see clearly and ski confidently. Investing in the right pair of goggles ensures you’re prepared for any weather the mountain throws your way.
Providing Physical Protection Against Debris
Skiing involves high speeds, and the last thing you want is to have snow, ice, or debris hitting your eyes. Goggles act as a physical barrier, protecting your eyes from these elements. High-quality ski goggles come with durable, impact-resistant lenses that can withstand the rigours of skiing.
This feature is especially important for advanced skiers who venture into challenging terrains where debris is more common. Goggles with anti-fog coatings and ventilation systems ensure unobstructed vision during intense physical activity. When paired with helmets, goggles create a seamless shield, keeping your face and eyes safe.
Enhancing Comfort and Fit Features
Well-fitted ski goggles improve your overall skiing experience by ensuring comfort throughout the day. A good fit prevents cold air and snow from entering, while foam padding adds an extra layer of insulation. Many goggles, including those from Smith and Bolle, are designed with adjustable straps and flexible frames, allowing for a custom fit.
For those who wear glasses, over-the-glasses (OTG) goggles are a game-changer. These goggles provide enough space to accommodate your eyewear without compromising fit or comfort. Choosing the right size and stylish essential for safety and comfort.
How To Choose Ski Goggles: 6 Key Areas
At Genuine Style, we’ve built a reputation for finding the best designer brands focusing on technological advancements. This is especially vital in ski goggles and winter sporting eyewear, where precise vision is vital for performance and safety. However, we know how vital style is to our customers, so it should be included in a guide on how to choose ski goggles too.
1. Consider Your Style
Ski goggles aren’t just a functional piece of equipment—they’re also a fashion statement. At Genuine Style, we stock a wide range of designs and frame colours, from classic black and white to bold shades like pink, green, and orange.
A designer brand
Designer brands like Bolle and Smith deliver sleek aesthetics, while Dragon and Adidas Sport add cutting-edge flair. Whether you want something understated or vibrant, there’s a pair for every taste.
When choosing, think about your overall ski outfit. Coordinating your goggles with your helmet, jacket, or other accessories can elevate your look. And if you like to mix things up, consider goggles with interchangeable lenses or a versatile frame colour like grey or cream.
Frame Colour
While the colour of your frame may not directly influence your performance on the slopes, it is a significant aspect of your personal style and can enhance your overall skiing experience. You have an extensive array of colour options to consider, from bold and vibrant shades such as fiery red, deep purple, and lively green to more subdued and timeless neutrals like crisp white, classic black, and serene blue.
When selecting a frame colour, think about what best reflects your personality. Do you prefer to stand out with a bright, eye-catching hue, or do you lean towards the sophistication of a neutral tone? Additionally, consider how your frame colour will coordinate with your ski gear. A well-matched frame can create a cohesive look that not only boosts your confidence on the slopes but also expresses your unique style.
2. Pick the Right Size
Finding the perfect fit is crucial for comfort and performance. Ski goggles come in various sizes to suit different face shapes and helmet styles.
Goggle Sizes
Each brand and product will have its own sizing, so check the specifications first before choosing your pair. However, you will generally see ski goggles in three main size ranges:
- Small-fit goggles: Ideal for children or adults with smaller faces.
- Medium-fit goggles: These are the most common size and are suitable for most adults.
- Large-fit goggles: Best for those with broader faces or who prefer a more oversized look.
At Genuine Style, we offer goggles across all size ranges to ensure a snug fit without any uncomfortable pressure points. For those who wear glasses, over-the-glasses (OTG) goggles provide extra comfort and convenience on the slopes. So, whether you’re a seasoned skiing pro or a bit of a Jerry, make sure to choose the right size ski goggles for a truly enjoyable skiing experience.
Ski & Snowboard Goggles and Helmet Compatibility
When hitting the slopes for a day of skiing or snowboarding, ensuring that your goggles and helmet are compatible is essential for both safety and comfort. The right combination of goggles and helmet can provide a snug fit, prevent fogging, and offer maximum protection, allowing you to enjoy your winter sports experience fully. Make sure to choose goggles that have a helmet-compatible strap and a frame that fits seamlessly with your helmet to avoid any discomfort or gaps that could let in cold air or snow. With the right gear, you can carve up the mountain without any distractions.
Over-the-glasses (OTG) goggles
If you wear prescription glasses, you must consider whether the goggle frames will fit over your glasses comfortably. While contacts may be the best option for most, we understand it’s not always possible for everyone. So, we stock a wide range of OTG Goggles for those who need them.
3. Goggle Lens Technology
The lenses in your ski goggles are much more than a piece of tinted material—they are precision-engineered to optimise your vision in a variety of conditions. Choosing the right lenses can make a world of difference to your performance, comfort, and safety on the slopes. Genuine Style’s range includes advanced lens technologies designed to cater to diverse needs, ensuring you have the best possible experience in any weather or terrain.
Lens Colours and Lens Tints
The colour or tint of a lens does more than complement your ski outfit—it plays a critical role in how you perceive your surroundings. Lens tints filter specific wavelengths of light, enhancing contrast and reducing glare to improve visibility. Different tints are suited to specific weather conditions:
- Bright Light Conditions: Lenses with darker tints, such as black, grey, or brown, are ideal for sunny days. They minimise brightness while maintaining true colour perception, reducing eye strain during long sessions.
- Overcast or Flat Light: Yellow, orange, and pink tints are perfect for cloudy weather. These colours enhance contrast, making it easier to distinguish variations in the terrain when shadows are faint or nonexistent.
- Variable Weather: Gold, silver, or rose gold lenses combine versatility with style, balancing glare reduction and contrast enhancement. They perform well in changing light conditions.
- Night or Low-Light Skiing: Transparent or lightly tinted lenses are essential for skiing in very low light, such as night skiing or early mornings.
Genuine Style stocks a comprehensive selection of lens colours and tints, allowing you to find the ideal match for your sporting needs and aesthetic preferences.
Polarised Lenses: Cutting Through Glare
Polarised lenses are a must-have for skiers who frequently encounter reflective surfaces, such as icy slopes or wet snow. These lenses feature a special coating that blocks horizontal light waves, significantly reducing glare. By minimising reflections, polarised lenses improve visual clarity, helping you focus on your run without distractions.
While polarised lenses excel in bright, sunny conditions, they may not be the best choice for overcast or flat-light scenarios where shadows and contours are essential for gauging terrain. For these situations, consider goggles with interchangeable lenses to switch to a more suitable option when needed.
Photochromic Lenses: Adapting to Changing Light
Photochromic lenses automatically adjust their tint based on the intensity of sunlight, transitioning seamlessly between lighter and darker shades. This technology is particularly useful for skiers who move between shaded and sunlit areas or experience rapidly changing weather. With photochromic lenses, you won’t need to stop and switch lenses manually, ensuring uninterrupted skiing and optimal visibility at all times.
Genuine Style’s selection includes advanced photochromic options from leading brands like Bolle and Smith, ensuring you stay prepared for any conditions the mountain throws your way.
Lens Shape: Cylindrical vs. Spherical Lenses
The shape of your ski goggle lenses affects your field of vision and how light is refracted:
- Cylindrical Lenses: These lenses curve horizontally but remain flat vertically, offering a classic look and a budget-friendly choice. While functional, they can sometimes cause minor distortion and a slightly reduced peripheral view.
- Spherical Lenses: Designed to mimic the natural curvature of your eyes, spherical lenses curve both horizontally and vertically. This shape provides a wider field of vision, less distortion, and better glare reduction.
Both lens shapes are available at Genuine Style, catering to skiers with varying preferences and budgets.
Interchangeable Lenses
Weather on the slopes can change quickly, so having the right lens is important. Goggles with interchangeable lens systems let you easily switch lenses to match sunny, cloudy, or snowy conditions. Genuine Style offers goggles with quick-change features, allowing you to swap lenses on the go without missing a moment.
4. Consider the Weather and Terrain
Different weather conditions call for different features:
Sunny days
On sunny days, choose sunglasses with darker lenses, like grey or black, or ones with a mirrored finish. These lenses reduce brightness and glare, offering better eye protection. They also improve contrast and clarity, making it easier to see clearly in different weather. Buying goggles with these features can greatly enhance your visibility and enjoyment during outdoor activities.
Overcast or snowy days
When it’s cloudy or snowy, choose snow goggles with yellow, orange, or pink lenses. These colours help you see better and spot obstacles on the slopes. Yellow lenses are especially good in low light because they improve depth perception. Orange lenses work well on overcast days by providing clear visibility. Pink lenses also enhance contrast and are popular for skiing in flat light. Picking the right lens colour for your snow goggles can help you see clearly and ski safely in tough weather.
Flat light
For flat light, choose goggles with polarised or photochromic lenses. Polarised lenses reduce glare and improve visibility. Photochromic lenses automatically adjust to different light conditions, giving you the best vision possible. These features help you see clearly in tough lighting situations on the slopes.
Terrain
The type of terrain you ski or snowboard on is key when choosing the right goggles. On wooded trails or shaded slopes, choose lighter lenses with high contrast. They help you see obstacles more easily. For open, sunny slopes, darker lenses protect your eyes from bright sunlight. It’s important to match the lens colour to the terrain you’ll be on. Good visibility is vital for protecting your eyes and enjoying your ride down the hill.
5. Set Your Budget
Ski goggles vary in cost depending on whether they are a designer brand, the features included, and the materials used in their construction. Genuine Style offers a diverse range of options to suit different budgets, ranging from premium designer choices to more budget-friendly but still dependable models.
It is important to remember that spending a bit more on quality goggles can result in better durability, improved performance on the slopes, and enhanced comfort during long days on the mountain. Buying a good quality pair of ski goggles can make all the difference in your winter sports experience.
6. Where to Buy
When purchasing ski goggles, it’s essential to choose a reputable retailer. Genuine Style offers a curated selection of premium ski goggles, ensuring you’ll find top-tier products with the latest advancements in technology and design. Our easy-to-use website makes it simple to find goggles by brand, colour, size, and features, so you can find the right pair for you without hassle.
Tips for First-Time Buyers
If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, here are some extra tips:
- Check the warranty: High-quality brands often offer warranties for added peace of mind.
- Read reviews: Legitimate customer feedback can provide valuable insights into fit, comfort, and performance. We have a 4.9 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot!
- Consult experts: Genuine Style’s team is here to help you choose the right pair for your needs.
Finding the perfect ski goggles can be easy if you keep a few things in mind. Think about what style you like, how they fit, the colour of the lenses, and what you plan to use them for. The right pair can help you ski better and look good while doing it!
We have a wide selection of popular brands like Bolle, Adidas Sport, Smith, and Dragon, so you can find something that suits your needs. Check out our collection today, and get ready to hit the slopes with confidence!
