Best Ski and Snowboard Goggles of 2024/25
The Best Snow Goggles for Skiing, Snowboarding, and Winter Sports
Last updated January 24, 2024
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Ski goggles might be one of the most undervalued pieces of snow sports gear. All it takes is one good powder shot to the face or skiing through a stinging ice storm to realize their importance. Over 5 years, we've reviewed dozens of snow goggles to find the best ski goggles for most snow sports enthusiasts.
Whether you're making your first investment in snow sports, dedicated to upping your game, a good pair of ski or snowboard goggles will serve you for many years.
Our reviewers and writers each ski over 50 days a year. One lives in Truckee, California, and skis primarily at Palisades Tahoe and in the surrounding backcountry of the Sierra. The other testers ski over 50 days a year and ski Breckenridge, Colorado and Mammoth Lakes, California. They all took advantage of their access to test and break down the top models to find the best ski goggles available for all levels of skiers at budgets.
We analyzed data from professional review sites, read hundreds of customer reviews, interviewed snow sports professionals, and considered our own personal experiences to compile a list of the best snow goggles for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. We also offer advice to help you choose the best ski goggles for your face size and shape, give tips for glasses wearers, and teach you how to select the right lens type and color to best suit your intended use.
We create reader-supported, objective gear reviews independently selected by our editors. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission — without costing you an extra cent. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Learn more.
Ski goggle comparison table
| SKI GOGGLES | TREELINE AWARD | HELMET COMPATIBLE? | FRAME SIZES | LENS TYPE | QUICK LENS CHANGE SYSTEM? | LENS TECH | FACE FOAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smith I/O Mag | Best Overall Read why |
Y | S - XL, Asian Fit | Spherical | Y | ChromaPop TLT | Triple layer |
| Oakley Flight Deck | Best Large Frame Read why |
Y | M, L, Asian Fit | Spherical | N | Plutonite | Triple layer |
| Giro Blok | Best Budget Read why |
Y | L | Cylindrical | N | Zeiss | Triple layer |
| Smith 4D Mag | Best Maximum Field of View Read why |
Y | M - L | Spherical | Y | ChromaPop | Triple layer |
| Julbo Lightyear | Best Photochromic Read why |
Y | L | Spherical | N | REACTIV Photochromic Spherical Double Lens | Double layer |
* Prices reflect MSRP and are subject to change. We note any discounts we see on our Deals page, which is updated daily.
See our most popular ski gear articles in our Snow Gear Guide:
The Best Ski Goggles
The Best Ski Goggles for Most People: Smith I/O Mag with Chromapop Lens
Helmet Compatible: Yes
Sizes Available: Small/Women's Sizing to XL, Low Bridge/Asian Fit (note: M and L sizes are listed as "I/O Mag." Other sizes are listed as different products e.g. "I/O Mag XL" or "I/O Mag S," but are the same model, just in a different size.
Lens Shape: Spherical
Quick Change Lens System: Yes, magnetic
Lens Tech: ChromaPop TLT
Face Foam: Triple layer
What we liked: Lots of sizes, easy magnetic lens swap, ChromaPop lenses enhance natural colors to aid depth perception
What we didn’t like: Pricey, but a fair value
The Smith I/O Mag, with its magnetic interchangeable lenses, ChromaPop technology, and effortlessly sleek design quickly became the gold standard of goggles for folks who ski more than 10-14 days every year.
The Smith I/O Mag features a spherical lens shape, comes with two differently tinted lenses, and is available in more sizes than any goggles we considered—making it the most size inclusive ski goggles.
The Smith I/O Mag is our overall winner for its price, versatility, ease of use in various snow conditions, and size availability.
Smith I/O Mag Ski Goggles
The Smith I/O is the gold standard for ski goggles. Here, the author (left) is testing ski goggles with three friends.
Update from the I/O Chromapop
The similar Smith I/O ChromaPop (see review below) was our winner three years in a row for its price, versatility, and ease of use in various snow conditions.
The Smith I/O Mag builds on the success of the I/O Chromapop. It adds a magnetic lens change system that has revolutionized an already industry-leading ski goggle. We found the magnetic system easy and a game changer. The newer Smith I/O Mag costs a little more, but it's an upgrade well worth it for those who want a quality goggle that will last many years on the snow. To be fair, Smith has an even “newer and greater” model, the 4D Mag, but we think for the price, the Smith I/O Mag hits that sweet spot balancing the features of a premium goggle and price, making it our overall winner.
Size availability
The Smith I/O Mag is available in the widest array of sizing. That's one reason why we think it's a good choice as a women's ski goggle because many other models are only available in size Large. However, one complication with the Smith I/O Mag is that each size is sold under a slightly different model name:
Small/Women's: I/O MAG S
Medium/Large: I/O MAG
Low Bridge/Asian: I/O MAG Low Bridge
Extra Large: I/O MAG XL
Smith offers the I/O Mag XL for those who prefer a larger-framed option. This product comes with me in bounds and in the backcountry.
Trying to decide between the Smith I/O Mag and our upgrade winner, the Oakley Flight Deck? See our section for that discussion below.
Smith I/O VS Smith I/O MAG
Our previous winner, the Smith I/O and the Smith I/O Mag, are great ski goggles that use Chromapop technology. But we prefer the newer I/O Mag because of its magnetic lens attachment technology. It adds to the cost, but we think it’s worth it for people who ski often.
In our experience, it’s time-consuming to switch out the regular I/O line lenses. We think it is worth paying a little extra for the fast lens change, especially since these goggles will last multiple seasons of use.
Chromapop lens technology
What sets Smith apart from the competition is its proprietary ChromaPop technology. ChromaPop lenses make colors pop, providing the kind of definition you'd see on a ski magazine cover. This lens technology filters specific light crossovers to allow natural color and clarity to shine rather than overwhelming and overblown light.
The author skiing in the Smith I/O Chromapop at Palisades Tahoe, California. Photo courtesy Jill Sanford.
The ChromaPop lens technology found in both the I/O and I/O Mag with quick release is considered among the best across brands.
What does that mean for you when you're skiing? It means you won't just see a white sheet going down the mountain; you'll be able to pick out every contour (including those annoying little bumps and divets in the middle of your smooth run), every fall line, and every indent for safer skiing and riding.
Plus, the mountains will look brighter. As one of our testers, Treeline writer and ski professional Matt McDonald, said, "It's like Instagram for your face."
I usually always carry two extra lenses to swap on the chairlift if I need to, rather than check the weather report ahead of time. The Smith I/O goggles come standard with a bright light and a lowlight lens option, and on the mountain, your light conditions can change in a heartbeat.
Who else likes it
The Smith I/O Mag has generated a following of expert gear reviews and everyday users alike. This is unsurprising. After all, the previous non-magnetic version, the Smith I/O Chromapop, has by far the most reviews of any ski or snowboarding goggle on the popular online snowsports retailer Evo. This means that it's the model people spend a lot of time skiing and riding and are buying and talking about the most.
We aren’t alone in liking the Smith I/O Mag. It has plentiful glowing reviews on Evo, Backcountry, and REI and is consistently mentioned by publications such as Outside and Powder. It has the highest reviews of almost any goggle from Switchback Travel and Outdoor Gear Lab.
Value
While there are more premium goggles out there, we think the Smith I/O Mag, with quick-release lens change and Chromapop technology, does the best job of delivering the features you want and a touch of luxury, all for a reasonable price.
The Best Large Frame Ski Goggles: Oakley Flight Deck
Helmet Compatible: Yes
Sizes Available: Medium, Large, Asian Fit
Lens Shape: Spherical
Quick Change Lens System: No
Lens Tech: Plutonite
Face Foam: Triple layer
What we liked: Excellent peripheral vision, nice aesthetic, large lens acts as OTG, Prizm lens enhances natural colors
What we didn’t like: No quick change lens system
With its oversized (and what skiers and riders might call stylish or "steezy") lens, the Oakley Flight Deck will definitely turn heads and make you look like the best skier on the mountain. All jokes aside, this snow goggle doesn't just look good; it also performs.
Oakley Flight Deck Ski Goggles
Aside from offering one of the largest fields of view on the market, the oversized lens also accommodates an over-the-glasses (OTG) fit.
It's also considered to be the best snow goggle out there for folks who like seeing what's in their peripheral vision, all the more reason that we’re assigning it the Best Large Frame title.
The lens tint and technology are almost on par with Smith's Chromapop. Oakley uses specifically-engineered dyes that allow the lens to strategically manipulate the light to your eyes so you see only the best in each environment (snow, grass, water, etc.).
This goggle is rimless, giving it a seamless and futuristic look. Trying to decide between the Smith I/O Mag and our upgrade winner, the Oakley Flight Deck, see our section on that below.
The Oakley Flight Deck lens beat out other contenders because it comes highly recommended by ski patrollers and search and rescue team members out of the Tahoe area who ski over 100 days each season. It's also a favorite of customer reviewers and professional reviewers.
Best Budget Ski Goggles: Giro Blok
Helmet Compatible: Yes
Sizes Available: Large
Lens Shape: Cylindrical
Quick Change Lens System: No
Lens Tech: Zeiss
Face Foam: Triple layer
What we liked: Affordable price, durable, wide lens
What we didn’t like: Basic ventilation and lens technology
The Giro Blok is priced right for folks who are brand new to the sport and/or plan to ski about 3-7 times in a season. What we like about it is that you're saving about half of what you would spend on high-range goggles, but you're investing in something that will last for a few seasons. The Giro Blok is the best value ski goggles or the best goggles for beginners.
Giro Blok Ski Goggles
The Giro Blok has a cylindrical shape compared to the spherical shape found in more expensive goggles.
While it's tempting to cut corners financially in this really expensive sport, the Giro Blok will hold up and is worth the investment.
We recognize that there are other, more inexpensive goggles available in the $60-80 range that beginners might be tempted to buy. But for a little more money, the Giro gives users something that will last several seasons - which you won't find in less expensive goggles.
The Bloks are well-loved for their retro design, impressive expansion view (i.e., wide lenses), and anti-fogging coating. This design also comes in an Asian fit (although the lens color options are unfortunately limited).
The Giro's only cons are that it is relatively basic compared to higher-end models. It comes with just one cylindrical lens. It also has a less-sophisticated design regarding its ventilation, lens technology, tint, and anti-fog coating. Still, we think that the Giro Blok is a solid choice that beginners can grow into. This cylindrical goggle will continue to serve skiers well as they advance in the sport.
Best for Maximum Field of view: Smith 4D Mag
Helmet Compatible: Yes
Sizes Available: Medium, Large
Lens Shape: Spherical BirdsEye
Quick Change Lens System: Yes
Lens Tech: Chromapop
Face Foam: Triple layer
What we liked: downward visibility, magnetic quick change system, comes with bonus low light lens
What we didn't like: price
If you’re looking to maximize your field of vision, the Smith 4D Mag goggles are our winner for Best Maximum Field of View ski goggles. In earlier editions of this guide, they were an honorable mention due to price. But after two years with these goggles, we've fallen in love with the wide field of view. We think that price is worth it. We recommend the Smith 4D Mag to anyone who wants to be able to see more while skiing.
Smith 4D MAG
The Smith 4D MD Mag has a premium build and visibility, incorporating a special “BirdsEye” lens, which curves inward toward the bottom to enhance the downward visibility.
Another feature that we like about the 4D Mag is its magnetic quick change system, among the best available, which many reviewers tend to highlight.
As a bonus, Smith sends a second lens for lower light conditions, so you’ve got your bases covered once you get into the trees, or clouds pull over the mountain and the snow starts dumping.
The Smith 4D MD Mag is also a favorite at Outdoor Gear Lab, Switchback Travel, and Powder 7. It's a bestseller at REI, Evo, and Backcountry (in fact, it's out of stock at REI because it's so popular).
Some skiers may prefer going with the Smith I/O Mag, our overall winner, at a lower cost, but for those looking for the extra field of vision, it may be worth opting for the 4D Mag goggle.
See our most popular ski gear articles in our Snow Gear Guide:
Best Photochromic Goggles: Julbo Lightyear
Helmet Compatible: Yes
Sizes Available: Large
Lens Shape: Spherical
Quick Change Lens System: No
Lens Tech: REACTIV Photochromic Spheric Double Lens
Face Foam: Double Layer
What we liked:
What we didn't like:
The Julbo LightyearOTG Ski Goggles is our winner for best Photochromic goggles for its superior lens technology. We also like that it's a high-end goggle that is accessible to different types of skiers–including those who want OTG goggles. OTG refers to “Over the Glasses'' and makes skiing accessible to folks who use prescription glasses.
For 2023-2024, Julbo renamed their popular Aerospace model to the Lightyear with some updates. The Julbo Lightyear comes with a photochromic lens, so it adjusts to light conditions. We found that it transitions from nearly clear out of its storage bag to fully dark in typical mountain sunny conditions in about 30-45 seconds, and similar from dark to clear again tested while loading a gondola at a resort.
Julbo Lightyear
Writer Trey French skiing in low-light conditions at Mammoth Mountain ski resort in California wearing the Julbo Lightyear. Photo by Sasha Hashemipour.
The aim of a lens like this is to avoid carrying multiple lenses while skiing. This is ideal for folks like our tester who skis from noon to sunset in Mammoth–essentially from the brightest and sunniest part of the day to low light conditions. We found that the lens especially shined on storm days when light was flat and sometimes cleared up for brief periods of sun. There’s a few extra weatherproofing gear items that our tester carries on cold storm days, and he prefers to carry spare gloves or more snacks instead of fiddling with lenses.
Skiing in low-light conditions with the Julbo Lightyear’s photochromic lens technology. Photo by Sasha Hashemipour.
The biggest standout feature of the Julbo Lightyear is its ventilation system, which Julbo calls SuperFLow Pro. This is a lens feature that allows the skier to move the lens away from the frame, creating additional ventilation to further reduce fogging. The new for 2023-2024 SuperFlow Pro uses a magnetic closure on hinges that allows skiers to switch the lens open immediately to eliminate fog and then locks after you're done.
Julbo markets this feature towards uphill ski tourers to use when skinning uphill, but we found that wearing goggles going uphill is still too hot with the foam on our faces. And though the Lightyear goggles ventilate well, we prefer sunglasses for going up if for more than a few minutes.
We did find improvement over other goggles in keeping goggle fog down when going uphill with the goggles off of our face by putting them on our helmet with the SuperFlow system opened. This allowed us to avoid stowing the goggles in our backpack in between skiing laps on the same slope, switching to sunglasses out of our pocket for going up. We paired the goggles with a M/L Petzl Meteor Helmet and used an old ski racing trick, taping over the front venting holes on the helmet to prevent warm air from our head fogging the lenses. Check out our guide on How to Get Started Backcountry Skiing for more tips.
The goggles shine at the resort. Our tester prefers eye protection from the sun at all times on snow, but some days it’s hot standing in lift lines. On milder bluebird days, people start taking goggles off for some airflow. Our tester just pops open the SuperFlow and continues to wear them to cool off, and will even ski with them open if warm enough. One update on the Julbo Lightyear compared to the Aerospace is that it is now available in REACTIV 0-4 High Contrast lens. This has five lenses in one that will work in bright and high-altitude settings, as well as dark, overcast, and low light conditions.
The Julbo Lightyear is new and has yet to garner many reviews. However, its earlier version, the Aerospace, is a goggle that’s received high reviews from Switchback Travel, Outdoor Gear Lab, Powder, and Outside Magazine.
The Lightyear is sold with one lens and doesn’t have a quick change lens system, but so far we don’t think this is as big of an issue as it seems since photochromic lenses adjust with the light.
The Lightyear also comes in an OTG frame, making it appropriate for folks who are seeking to avoid paying extra for prescription snow goggles or inserts.
A couple of downsides is that the Julbo Lightyear is also only available in large, so it does not have the most inclusive sizing. These are not especially affordable glasses either, but we think that the price is merited for the features, notably photochromic lenses, which reduce the need for additional costly lenses.
Best Custom Fit Goggles: Smith Squad
Helmet Compatible: Yes
Sizes Available: Regular and XL
Lens Shape: Cylindrical
Lens Tech: ChromaPop
Face Foam: Imprint 3D DriW
What we liked: the best fitting goggle our tester has ever worn
What we didn’t like: expensive, no MAG lens change
For skiers or riders who have trouble finding the perfect fit in a pair of goggles, a custom fit can solve those issues. Smith uses 3D custom technology in order to design goggles exactly to your specs. We tested the Squad Imprint 3D custom goggles after going through the ordering and fit process and found them to be some of the best fitting goggles our tester has ever used.
Smith squad
Testing the Squad Imprint 3D at Arapahoe Basin in Colorado. By Stasia Stockwell
The Squad Imprint 3D custom goggles are based on the original Squad goggles which have a cylindrical shape. The Imprint 3D version takes the same shape and design, but sizes them to fit the size and shape of your individual face. Like the regular Squad, they include Smith’s Chromapop polarized lenses—one primary lens and one low light to swap.
Testing the Squad Imprint 3D alongside other Smith goggles in Colorado. By Stasia Stockwell
The ordering and fit process is quick and easy: Download the Smith app, allow the camera to scan your face, and then the goggles take only a couple weeks to arrive at your door. We found delivery to be relatively quick for a piece of custom gear. Smith also includes nice small details, like the owner’s initials engraved on the goggle frame.
The custom Squad Imprint 3D goggles (left) are noticeably smaller for our tester’s small face and fit better than the non-custom Squad Mag goggles (right). By Stasia Stockwell
We tested the custom Squad goggles while resort skiing in Colorado in both stormy, low-light conditions and on bluebird days. The rose lens did well in all but the super high light conditions and the fit of the goggles proved considerably better than the non-custom Squad Mag goggles.
The Squad Imprint 3D custom fit goggles include initials engraved on the frame. By Stasia Stockwell
However, the Squad Imprint 3D goggles do not feature the quick magnetic lens change and we wish they did. For a premium, custom fit pair of goggles, we’d love to have a simpler lens change system, though Smith does offer the I/O Mag in the custom 3D version. Additionally, while the custom fit is great, these cost nearly double the price of the regular Squad goggles and are a similar price to the non-custom Squad Mag.
In order to get your custom fit, you have to download the Smith app to scan your face.
The Squad Imprint 3D goggles are customized with initials on the frame.
Ultimately, if a custom fit isn’t totally necessary for you, you’ll spend a similar amount on the Squad Mag and get the slick magnetic lens change system. But, though these goggles are expensive, if a perfect fit is what you’re after and budget is a low priority, we think these are a great pair of goggles.
The Smith app for measuring for a custom goggle fit is easy to use.
The Smith app shows your scan for review before your custom goggles are made.
Using the Smith app to scan for a custom fit.
After using the Smith app to scan for custom measurements, the custom goggles only take a couple weeks to arrive.
Contenders
Smith I/O Chromapop
Helmet Compatible: Yes
Sizes Available: Small to XL, Asian
Lens Shape: Spherical
Quick Change Lens System: Yes
Lens Tech: Chromapop TLT
Face Foam: Triple layer
The Smith I/O was our former Overall winner for the past three years. But with the release of the Smith I/O Mag, we think that you’re better off spending a little extra for the newer technology. The Smith I/O has all the same features we love about the Smith I/O Mag—without the magnetic quick release lens system. As a result, you can usually find it on sale, especially if you’re ok with last year’s colors. It’s still a good option if you are on a budget.
Smith I/O Chromapop
Giro Contact
Helmet Compatible: Yes
Sizes Available: Large
Lens Shape: Spherical
Quick Change Lens System: No
Lens Tech: Expansion View/Zeiss
Face Foam: Triple layer
Another of our gear testers tried out the Giro Contact Goggles last season after four years of the Smith I/O Chrompopo Goggles, and she swears that she'll never go back: "The clarity, ease of switching lenses, and the uber-comfy fit made me want to keep skiing even after the lifts stopped turning." While the price is higher than the Smith I/O Mag's ($260 MSRP), we think it's worth it if you're willing to drop the cash.
Both the Smith I/O Mag and Giro have quick lens release technology. The Giro uses SnapShot spherical lens technology (which is a mix of a shutter button, self-guiding magnets, and self-locking attachments) that is incredibly easy to change out, even with frozen fingers on a swinging chairlift.
The lenses are expanded for even wider views of the mountain, and each purchase comes with two premium VIVID lenses with super-sharp Zeiss Optics. You'll see the slopes like they were painted for you. They won't fog, even slogging uphill in a blizzard, and fit seamlessly with every helmet our tester tried. (It also fit smaller-faced humans well without fogging!) The Contacts earned an Editor's Choice from Freeskier Magazine for a reason.
GIRO CONTACT
Anon M4 Toric Mfi
Helmet Compatible: Yes
Sizes Available: Large
Lens Shape: Toric and Cylindrical
Quick Change Lens System: Yes
Lens Tech: Carbonic-X
Face Foam: Double layer
The Anon M4 Toric MFI has high ratings from Switchback Travel, Outdoor Gear Lab, and Powder Magazine and is a bestseller at Evo. This premium goggle is known for its fast Toric lens change and excellent field of vision. It also includes a magnetic face mask (magnetic facemask integration) for protection on bitterly cold days and to keep the goggles fog free. However, at $320, it's above the price range we set for this guide. Still, we think that if you are in the market for a premium goggle, the Anon M4 Toric is an excellent choice.
Anon M4 Toric Mfi
Julbo Cyrius
Helmet Compatible: Yes
Sizes Available: Medium
Lens Shape: Cylindrical
Quick Change Lens System: No
Lens Tech: REACTIV Photochromic Spheric
Face Foam: Double Layer
The Julbo Cyrius is a ski goggle that was liked by Powder and outdoor Gear Lab known for its excellent lens, medium fit, and flexible frame. However, it comes with a fixed lens (so no quick release, either). Although it's less expensive than some other snow goggles we considered, the Julbo Cyrius is still more than $250. We think you'd be better off paying a little extra for the Smith I/O Mag.
Julbo Cyrius
Smith Range
Helmet Compatible: Yes
Sizes Available: Large
Lens Shape: Spherical
Quick Change Lens System: No
Lens Tech: Carbonic - X
Face Foam: Double layer
The Smith Range is a widely available budget goggle in the $60-80 range, and one that has similar features to our budget winner, the Giro Blok goggles. We want to draw some attention to it here for its features and positive customer feedback for the google price.
Not everyone wants to rent goggles when they travel to ski, and often neither do they want to spend over $100 when gas, lift tickets, lodging, and other expenses are already eating up the budget for the occasional snow resort experience. We get it. Goggles are right up on your face. And even though most goggle rental places go out of their way to sterilize, that may not be enough for some skiers.
What the budget price means it that the lens do not come with the color-enhancing Chromapop we find in higher-end Smith glasses. But the lens do the job of protecting your eyes with basic lens tech.
The Range also incorporates airflow vents to prevent fogging. Customers also noted that the goggles fit securely whether they were wearing a helmet or not (we’re a fan of helmets).
Smith Range
Why you need ski goggles
Protection from the elements
One of the main functions of ski goggles is to protect you from the elements. At the core, protective eyewear creates a barrier against the cold temperatures, falling snowflakes, and brisk mountain winds. This shield is not just about physical comfort—you need visibility to stay safe when making decisions to avoid obstacles and choose the safest routes. Wind, snow, and cold can interrupt your focus while skiing and snowboarding. Ski goggles (along with comfortable and well-fitting ski gloves, ski pants, and ski jackets) ensure you can concentrate on where you're going.
UV protection
Many ski resorts and backcountry ski and snowboard destinations are at altitude. The higher the elevation, the closer you are to the sun and its harmful ultraviolet rays. The lenses of ski goggles are crafted to function as a shield against UV rays. Like sunglasses, they're designed to reduce eye damage as well as the need to squint.
Reduced glare
Snow-covered landscapes reflect more sunlight than looking at dirt or trees. This can cause a glare that can be both disorienting and blinding. Ski goggles equipped with anti-glare or polarized lenses may help reduce glare. This is important because better visibility means you can read the nuances of the terrain better.
Enhanced visibility in different light conditions
Ski goggles often come equipped with interchangeable lenses or specialized tints to help with the variability of light conditions. This adaptability ensures that your vision remains optimized so you can ski at different times of day, in different regions, in different seasons, and in different weather – whether you're tackling a sun-drenched mountainside, navigating through overcast skies, or braving a snowstorm.
Prevention of eye injuries
While soft, fluffy snowflakes are unlikely to cause an eye injury, stray ice particles or parts of trees may cause damage. Goggles are a barrier safeguarding your eyes from ice and debris. Goggles are constructed to withstand some foreign objects from breaking through.
Oakley Flight Deck Vs. Smith I/O Mag: Which Should I Get?
There's a lot to love in the Oakley Flight Deck and the Smith Mag I/O - that's why they both won awards and are highly recommended by our testers and writers.
Still, if you're choosing between the two, here are a few questions you can ask yourself that may help make the choice easier.
Do you wear glasses?
Most skiers who wear prescription glasses seem to enjoy the fit of the OTL goggle Oakley Flight Deck better than the Smith I/O Mag, according to customer reviews. It provides more space for glasses of all sizes and shapes, whereas some Smith users found their frames wouldn't fit over their glasses. If you prefer prescription ski goggles, several brands worked with optometrists to create a prescription lens. Our overall winner, the Smith I/O Mag, is available as prescription ski goggles. Additionally, Smith, Bolle, and Julbo Aerospace OTG Snow Goggles.
How often will you be changing lenses?
Most Smith users like how easy it is to change lenses--whether they're going night skiing or adjusting for a cloudy or super sunny day. Many skiing goggles don't come with a spare lens, so if you plan to switch out often, you'll have to buy an additional lens, too.
How wide of a field of vision do you like?
Of all the snow goggles we researched, the Oakley Flight Decks offer one of the widest fields of vision available. This means they provide better peripheral vision, which won't make you feel like you're wearing blinders. This is important if you'll be skiing in busy resorts or are watching out for backcountry obstacles.
What are the best snowboard goggles?
For snowboarders, peripheral vision is a feature to prioritize in a snow goggle.
We use the term "snow goggles" in this review to include skiers and snowboarders. Similarly, REI uses the term ski/snowboarding goggles to encompass the overlap. Other outdoor media outlets that we consulted treat them the same.
We would add that for snowboarding, peripheral vision should be a feature to prioritize. The best snowboarding goggles are the ones that fit snugly and stay in place, with a good anti-fog coating and protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Those criteria were the same as we used to judge all of our recommended snow goggles.
What color snow goggle lens should I get?
Evo put together this guide to help you decide which goggle lens to get for your skiing conditions. While this guide is tailored towards Smith goggles, as a rule of thumb, it applies to all brands.
Remember: It's not just the color of your lens that matters, but the technology.
Here's a quick rule of thumb:
Sunny/bright light
Platinum mirrored lens or black-out lens are the best for bright conditions. Look for low VLT (visible light transmission) percentage; less than 10% is best for bluebird days.
Partly cloudy
Everyday red or green lenses are good for these intermediate conditions. VLT percentages between 10% and 20% are great.
Night skiing
Clear or yellow lenses are the only choices you want for dark skiing! You need all the light you can possibly get while night skiing, so these filter out very little.
Cloudy/low light
30%-40% VLT lenses are key for this kind of light. Amber lenses and the most contrast (Chromapop, Prizm, etc.) boost available will help you with definition on the slopes.
How we researched and tested
The author skiing with friends on a foggier day in Palisades Tahoe, California. Photo courtesy Jill Sanford.
Our winning selections are goggles that perform well, excel compared to goggles in a similar price range, and offer the right technology to hold up on the mountain in various light conditions.
To narrow it down to top contenders from a list of over a dozen, we looked at the general reputation of the product, customer reviews, and top gear publications. We then factored in that information with our own personal experience on the mountain to narrow it down.
Because skiing and snowboarding are such expensive sports and each piece of gear is so important, we tried to steer clear from the most expensive models marketed as "premium goggles," although they perform great.
After your ski helmet and soft goods like ski gloves, ski socks, your goggles will be the least expensive piece of gear you purchase when you first get into snow sports.
Ski goggles should be one of the first items you decide to purchase instead of rent. The reason is because goggles are right against your face. No matter how much spray alcohol a rental place uses, it's much nicer to not have other people's sweat so close to your eyes.
Interchangeable lens allow you to adjust the same pair of google to light conditions.
While we believe you should buy goggles that will last, we also think there's no reason for beginners or folks who ski fewer than ten days every season to empty their wallets on the highest-end goggles.
We consulted numerous third-party gear reviewers from leading outdoor publications like Outside Magazine, Powder Magazine, Outdoor Gear Lab, Switchback Travel, Gear Junkie, and many others. These expert opinions helped me define what technology and features are state-of-the-art in this category. Where these reviews focus primarily on higher-end products, our recommended winners at Treeline reflect a broader overview of what each goggle manufacturer has on the market.
We also factored in customer reviews and considered major retailers like Evo, REI, Backcountry, and Amazon.
There’s no such thing as the best pair of goggles, just the best pair for you.
The most influential reviews, however, were informal, word-of-mouth recommendations from ski professionals. Outdoor retail sales associates, ski guides, ski patrollers, and search and rescue team members weighed in on the three models below.
Aside from my own experience on the hill, I consulted snow sports retailers and ski instructors to survey the most popular goggle options for skiers and riders. I compiled a list of a dozen popular options and whittled it down from there to select the best options for three types of skiers and riders.
For more information on the models we considered, see our comparison chart. Additional testers used their expertise in the snowsports industry, as well as their own experience in both ski resorts and backcountry skiing, to provide a real-time review of their favorite goggles.
This review features middle- and budget-option models as well, so that folks newer to the sport or who spend fewer than 10 days on the mountain each winter can also find an affordable yet functional product that works best for them.
Whether your use is downhill or backcountry, ski goggles are essential to protecting your eyes.
Buying advice
When it comes to snow sports, goggles might be one of the most undervalued pieces of gear. Folks new to the sport might not realize just how important they are.
Not only do goggles protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and snowblindness just like sunglasses would, but they also come with various lens shades and treatments to make it easier to see bumps in the snow or other features that might trip you up and lead to injury.
Plus, zooming downhill means the wind will cause you to tear up if you're only wearing sunglasses; goggles will also protect your face from the sun, wind, and other extreme alpine conditions. Whether you are a downhill skier or snowboarder, you will need goggles to stay safe and comfortable on the mountain.
A lot of research goes into finding the perfect goggle - including how to fit them to your face and ski helmet, and matching a lens to your skiing or riding conditions.
Here's a list of all the features we considered when selecting our winners.
Lens tint is arguably the most important feature of a goggle—and that doesn’t necessarily mean color.
Lens tint and visible light transmission
Arguably the most important feature of a goggle outside of a proper seal, lens technology is also one of the determining factors in the price for any given pair of goggles. The basics of lens tints are pretty obvious: dark lenses are better for sunny days. Lighter tints will serve skiers and riders better on stormy days, or when it's cloudy. But lens tint also helps with UV protection. As with sunglasses, look for a skiing goggle with UV protection.
Thanks to modern technology, ski goggles can get pretty sophisticated regarding visible light transmission or VLT. VLT refers to how much light a lens will allow through a lens. The lower the reported percentage, the less light that will come through the lens. So, the lowest VLT of 3-8% might be reserved for the brightest conditions. For example, if you like skiing on sunny, bluebird days at altitude, or on glaciers, you would be best served by a lens of around 3-8%. Most people prefer something below 25% VLT for sunny days in general. 18-43% might be your “do-it-all good enough lens.” If you are a powder hound or don't mind getting after it in a storm, you might prefer something closer to 50-65% VLT. Does your local resort offer night skiing? It might be worth investing in a 100% VLT lens so that you retain your eye protection from the elements, but let all of the artificial light in around you.
Interchangeable lenses
While it's all well and good to know your ideal light condition, the reality is that most of us who like sliding around on the snow take what we can get. Your answer to these questions likely is "all the above." If so, you're not alone. Most goggles on the market above the $100 range offer interchangeable lenses, letting you swap out the lens depending on the day's light conditions. Unless you only ski or snowboard a few times a year, it's definitely worth investing a little more in an interchangeable system so you can swap out your lenses throughout the day or season to match the light condition. Not only will this make you safer on the mountain, but it will also improve your skiing or riding immeasurably.
Lower end interchangeable lenses pop in and out, whereas the more premium goggles on the market feature magnetic lens technology. Changing lens with magnetic technology, like that found on the Smith I/O Mag, means you can swap lenses fast, efficiently, and without even removing your ski gloves.
What does quick-change lens mean in goggles ?
Just because ski goggles have interchangeable lenses, it doesn’t mean that the process of changing the lens is fast or easy. Quick release systems like those found in the Smith I/O Mag are revolutionary. Having a quick release makes it more convenient to switch lenses depending on the light and conditions and as they change throughout the day, often without even removing the goggles. Some goggles use a button or lever to unlock the lens. Then it’s just a matter of popping out the lens and popping another into the frame.
Lens technology allows you to stay focused on your activity instead of worrying about your eyes.
Lens technology (mirrored, polarized and photochromic lens)
Anyone who has spent hours staring at snow, either in bright or flat light, can attest that the sea of white can play tricks on the eyes regardless if you're looking through tinted ski goggles. If you ski or ride more than 10 days in a season, it's also worth investing in lenses that are photochromic (alters the tint of the lenses in response to changes in ambient light) or polarized (divides light so it enters the eye through just one axis). A third feature of many goggles, that along with polarized lenses can work well in bright conditions, is mirrored lenses. Mirrored lenses work to reflect harsh glare. This mirror is a reflective coating on the outer most layer of the goggle lens.
Each brand usually calls its own lens technology by a trademarked name, such as Smith Optic's Chromapop. And most skiers prefer photochromic lenses over polarized lenses, which often aren't the best for seeing the difference between soft and icy snow. Polarized lenses are designed to reduce intensely reflected light, but when you are looking at snow, you might lose certain details that you can see better with photochromic technology.
Fog fighting technology provides ventilation even when the weather is not cooperating.
Optical quality such as chromapop, prizm, & vivid
These terms are branded names for color and general vision-enhancing optics. Though it’s not a requirement to have these special technologies, they can be worth it for avid skiers, especially those who ski on variable snow, in trees, or in other technical terrain. Chromapop may be the most well known lens optics technology, and it’s no surprise that it’s in the Smith I/O Mag, our pick for best goggles for most people. Prizm is Oakley’s take on vision-enhancing optics, and Vivid is from Giro.
UV Protection
As with sunglasses, it's not enough for a goggle lens to be tinted or darkened. Darkened lenses could be harmful as they dilate your pupils to allow even more UV rays into your eyes. This can lead to sunburn inside your eyeballs - if the lens doesn't already come with UV400 protection.
We can't see ultraviolet wavelengths, but they can damage eyes and lead to cataracts, cancer, and structural damage to the retina.
Whichever goggle lens you choose, look for labeling that says 100% UV ray protection (also labeled as "UV400"). This means the sunglasses can block light rays with 400 nanometers or less in wavelengths (anything bigger than 400 nanometers is no longer UV light). You want a guarantee it will block the three kinds of UV rays and won't actually cause more damage to the eyes than if you wore nothing at all.
Lens shape
Spherical
We prefer a ski or snowboard goggle with a spherical lens shape to flat lenses because they mirror how the eyeball receives information. But, like everything else on this list, spherical lenses bump up the price tag on a pair of goggles because they are a little harder to make.
Cylindrical
The most common lens shape is cylindrical, found on many more affordable goggles, but lately also on some mid and high end goggles, too. You may identify this lens shape with old school ski aesthetics. It curves left to right, but vertically, it’s straight. Some of the drawbacks of the cylindrical lens is often a slight distortion at the far upper and lower part of the lens as well as some potential loss of peripheral vision when comparing it to a spherical lens. All considered, cylindrical isn’t a bad choice, and some may opt for it for the aesthetic alone.
Toric
The Toric lens is a toned down spherical lens. It’s curved both horizontally and vertically, offering similar optical benefits as a spherical lens, but it’s a little less visually striking. In other other words, it’s a spherical lens for those who don’t like the look of spherical lenses but similar optics benefits.
Ventilation anti-fogging technology
Fogged goggles are the worst, but ventilation and anti fog coating technology greatly help. (As does care and maintenance of your goggles, which should always be stored in a dry, room-temperature location.)
Vents on goggles are usually present on all sides of the perimeter of the frame. These vents encourage enough air flow that the warm air from your body can dissipate enough to prevent fogging from occurring. This is why you may have seen ski tourers, or those traveling uphill on skis wearing sunglasses for the uphill, and goggles for the downhill. Julbo has sought to balance protection and increased ventilation with their SuperFLow system on their Aerospace goggles, which allows the lenses to subtly lift away from the lens and encourage more ventilation.
Helmet compatibility
Most modern goggles on the market are helmet-compatible, but as you purchase your goggles, check out the corresponding brand's helmet designs. When you purchase goggles, you are marrying into a system, so to speak. While you may find some helmets and some goggles of different brands match up decently along the forehead and at the temples, if you purchase the same brand of each, this is almost guaranteed. You may also want to consider how this system works with your ski jacket hood. While it’s important to avoid the dreaded Gaper's Gap, a seamless fit also helps prevent fogging lenses and exposure to the elements.
Frame and frameless
Similar to eyeglasses, removing the frame from goggles reduces the barrier to peripheral vision, but also, like eyeglasses, you don’t notice a difference either way after wearing them for a while. That said, most of our winners are frameless, which suggests that it may be a finishing touch on a pair of quality goggles that already shine with a spherical lens, vision-enhancing tech like Chromapop or Prizm, or a photochromic lens. Sometimes, it’s just about the way the goggles look.
Comfort and padding
Like the layers of a mattress, sometimes more layers mean more nuanced comfort. Quality goggles typically have 2 and 3-layer foam, which works to mold to your face, and creates a firm but comfortable seal. Single layer foam is often reserved for more affordable goggles, but may also not provide the same level of comfort as 2 and 3-layer models. If you’re going to ski often, you’ll want to prioritize comfort in your goggles, because it’s something that you’ll wear every time you ski, and the more comfortable you can make yourself in the challenging conditions of winter, the less likely you’ll be to stay home on a powder day.
Fit—both with your face and helmet—are an important aspect of choosing a ski goggle.
Fit
Consider your face size and features when selecting a goggle. Lenses usually come in small, medium, or large sizes. When in doubt, size up because your goggle's second objective after improving your sight is to protect your face from snow, wind, and sun.
The only difference between men's ski goggles, women's ski goggles, and most kids' ski goggles is size. So when you pick out a goggle that fits your face, it may come with a label that doesn't match how you identify.
What does asian fit mean in goggles?
Most major goggle brands offer an Asian fit for all their leading models, like the Oakley Flight Deck.
This video from SportRx on why this is an important consideration for certain face shapes. The video describes it as fitting people with a "flat nose bridge or no nose bridge."
Fit is important to create a full seal around your nose. With Asian fit goggles, there's more foam around the nose area to prevent snow from coming through the gap.
Here are a few more resources on how to choose the right goggle for you that you might find helpful:
REI: How to Choose Snow Goggles
Evo : How to Choose the Right Size and Fit for Snow Goggles
Over the glasses (otg ski goggles) and prescription inserts
Many brands offer OTG ski goggles (meaning "over the glasses"). OTG ski goggles fit folks who wear glasses while skiing. If you fall in that category, it's an important feature to look for so your glasses won't be squished against your face. Our upgrade winner, the Oakley Flight Deck, is compatible with eyeglasses.
Prescription inserts are an alternative to OTG goggles. They look similar to a pair of glasses without sidearms. They’ll be designed to take up most of the lens of the goggle to help match the window that goggles provide. Reasons that some skiers might avoid OTG goggles, and seek out prescription inserts are that some larger frames may not pair well with OTG goggles, either leaving the glasses feeling uncomfortably pressed against one’s face, or the goggle may not seal as well with a pair of glasses as they otherwise would without the glasses, resulting in fogging. For other skiers, running the risk of breaking their glasses under a pair of goggles in a fall might also be a concern. Though they come with an added cost, prescription inserts may be what bring comfort, clear vision, and safety to those who have already tried OTG goggles or wearing contacts.
How to choose the best ski goggles for you
Goggles are one of the first pieces of gear skiers should invest in because they touch your face.
Before you hit the purchase button on any of the goggles listed below, consider what kind of skier or rider you are and your needs.
Follow the links to each brand’s site and play around with their interactive lens graphics to find the right one for you and where you ride.
Also, consider how many days a year you ski and how important it is for you to have the best technology on the market. If you only get out every so often or like to stick to groomers (where you are less likely to come across variations in the snow that are hard to see), you might not need state of the art goggles.
If you are interested in stepping up your skills, skiing all the time, and/or are really into the sport, it’s definitely worth it to buy nice rather than buy twice. Remember, too, that with certain models with interchangeable lenses, you can always start with less expensive lenses and then purchase the more technical lenses down the line.
Another pro tip is to shop around for sales. At the end of the season (spring), many retailers and brands will put the last year’s color choices on sale to move inventory. Even during peak season, you might be able to find a last season’s model. Treeline Review’s Deal Finder Page scans sales at outdoor retailers for the items we recommend in our guides and alerts you when they are on sale.
Ski goggle care and maintenance
Storage
Goggles can be temperamental, especially when it comes to fogging up. To reduce the fogging, I bring mine inside every night and store them at room temperature. I ensure the face foam dries out but doesn’t get too warm. I know some folks who drive with the goggles on the dash to get warm on their way to the resort — just be careful they don’t heat up to the point where the plastic is in danger of melting.
Prevent scratches
It’s also easy to scratch goggles. When you aren’t skiing, take them off your helmet and store them in the soft cloth bag they came in, which usually doubles as a cleaning cloth. Some folks invest in hard plastic goggle cases that function like hard plastic glasses cases.
Use appropriate cleaning cloths
To clean the outer lens, use a microfiber cleaning cloth. Never use paper towels or rags.
Inner lens
Avoid cleaning the inner lens if possible. Most manufacturers apply an anti-fog coating which can be damaged by cleaning or wiping.
These small steps will preserve the longevity of your goggles, making your investment last longer. Skiing and snowboarding are expensive sports but most of the gear you purchase, including goggles, should last for several years. For more on how to care for your goggles, check out a few helpful tips from EyeRim.
FAQ
What features should I look for in goggles for low-light or night skiing conditions?
Look for goggles with high-contrast lenses or specific tints designed for low-light conditions. Yellow, rose, or clear lenses are often recommended for enhancing visibility in the dark. Additionally, consider goggles with a wide field of view to maximize your perception of the surrounding terrain.
How do I prevent my goggles from fogging up during intense physical activity?
To prevent fogging, choose goggles with effective anti-fog coatings or dual-pane lenses that create a thermal barrier. Ensure proper ventilation by selecting goggles with well-designed venting systems. Before you hit the slopes, make sure your goggles fit correctly so you can reduce the likelihood of fogging.
Can I use ski goggles for other winter activities, like snowmobiling or snowshoeing?
Yes, ski goggles are versatile and can be used for various winter activities, including snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Look for goggles with features like durable frames, UV protection, and appropriate lens tints for specific conditions. Ensure a snug fit to prevent snow and wind from entering, and consider compatibility with helmets if you'll be using one.
How often should I replace my ski goggles, and what signs indicate the need for a replacement?
The lifespan of ski goggles depends on how often you ski and how well you care for them. As a general rule of thumb, consider replacing your goggles every 2-3 years. Signs that indicate the need for replacement include scratches on the lenses that affect visibility, worn-out or damaged straps, deteriorating foam, or compromised frame integrity. You may be able to replace straps. However, foam or any damage to the frame is much more difficult to repair.
The author, Jill Sanford, enjoying a great day on the mountain.
About the author & why you should trust us
As an avid skier both in bounds and at the resort, I ski well over 40 days a year and write about the experience and gear I take with me on the slopes for outdoor publications, including Outside, SNEWS, and Outdoor Project.
I live in Truckee, California, and ski primarily at Squaw Alpine and in the surrounding backcountry of the Sierra.
I've tried my fair share of faulty goggles-some where fogging is an issue, others that were too dark or too light for the harsh lighting skiers and riders often encounter in the mountains. Not only do the wrong lenses or faulty goggles put a dent in the fun snow sports bring, but they can also be dangerous. Hitting an uneven patch of snow or an unseen feature can have huge consequences for everyone from beginners to advanced.
I also learned to ski (well, ski well, that is) as an adult, which means I remember well the transition from friends' hand-me-downs or cheaper gear to equipment that can actually keep up with me as I transitioned from a beginning intermediate to an advanced skier.
You can follow me on Instagram, Twitter @jillcsanford, or on my website.
