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Bad ones fog up and distort your vision.
Original photos by SELF writer Kristin Canning / Laneen Wells
So we did the research for you and put a bunch of goggles to the test on the mountain.
Shop our winners below.
Lens throw in
Youll also want to decide between interchangeable lenses or photochromic ones.
Original photo by SELF writer Kristin Canning
Interchangeable lenses are tinted to allow for different amounts of VLT (visible light transmission).
This is the percentage of light that passes through the lenses.
Lower VLT lenses have a darker tint and will provide better visibility on sunny days.
Which key in you choose comes down to personal preference.
Photochromic lenses can be more convenient, but force you to stick with one VLT range.
One last thing to note: VLT doesnt impact UV protectionallof your lenses should provide that.
Original photo by SELF writer Kristin Canning
Helmet compatibility
How your goggles fit with your helmet is more important than you might think.
Most ski goggle brands also make ski helmets, and their products should fit correctly together.
Sizing
Some goggles only come in one size, while others offer small, medium, and large fits.
you might also look for OTG goggles, which can be worn over the glasses.
Meet the tester
Im Kristin Canning, a journalist and gear tester based outside Denver.
I learned to snowboard two years ago, and I absolutely love it.
Im a resort snowboarder, and I want to venture into the backcountry in the next few years.
In fact, I almost forgot I was wearing them.
They also get Smiths highest level of anti-fog coating, so blurry lenses shouldnt even be a possibility.
Original photo by SELF writer Kristin Canning
you’re free to get the I/O Mags in tons of fun colors and strap patterns too.
Goggles can sometimes look a bit ridiculous, but these made me feel cool.
This is useful for a number of reasons.
These offered a wide field of vision, felt comfortable, and didnt fog, either.
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.
These goggles also fit fantastically.
I wore them with a Smith helmet and didnt have any gaper gap or fogging.
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.
This is something I could do even with gloves on.
The large frames cover some of the cheeks, offering extra protection for your face.
These are most compatible with Poc helmets, but will work with others too.
Original photo by SELF writer Kristin Canning
Original photo by SELF writer Kristin Canning
Original photo by SELF writer Kristin Canning
