Gear guide: the 11 best ski goggles for 2018
Souped up new lenses that make it easy to see lumps and bumps in the snow, or change from light to dark in a flash as conditions change, as well as a fresh crop of minimal frames to give wider field of view – with the latest innovations in ski googles, seeing really is believing.
Need some help? Read our guide for everything you need to know about buying goggles.
Best for an illuminating ride
Dragon NFX2 ￡150
Dragon’s new Lumalens enhances contrast and definition so snowy bumps ping out to ease the way down.
This Green Ion version is for all-round use // Swap in the included Amber Lumalens if light is extra flat // New, more durable anti-fog technology repels water drops from the lens when it’s snowing
dragonalliance.com
Best for sleek looks, expansive view
Scott Faze II ￡70
New version of Scott’s popular Faze, giving a wider view at a keen price.
Redesigned frame is thinner to maximise peripheral vision without extra bulk // Scott’s Light Sensitive lens gets lighter or darker as weather conditions change, whatever the temperature // This Bronze Chrome version works in very flat to bright light
scott-sports.com
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Best for massive field of vision
Smith Squad XL ￡145
Huge wraparound lens and semi-rimless frame combine to give an eye-expanding view.
Extra wide strap too, for solid helmet grip // This version styled by Canadian snowboarder Louif Paradis, with palm fronds printed on the strap // Two high-contrast lenses in the box, Green Mirror for sun, Rose Flash for storm
smithoptics.com
Best for the small faces
Salomon Trigger ￡55
Good-value new model in a range of colours sized to suit teens, women or finely-featured guys.
Low-profile frame gives wide field of view in a compact package // Tricked out with anti-fog and anti-scratch treatments like pricier models // All-round silver lens with mirror finish to cut glare // Spare lenses available
salomon.com
Best for elegant lines
?Giro Ella ￡180?
Clean-cut frameless looks are backed up by a top-end mogul defining lens.
Giro’s new Vivid lens ramps up contrast and definition // Swap this Vivid Pink for the Vivid Infrared spare on super dull days // Swift and secure new lens change system uses both magnets and snap-in pins // Women-specific design
giro.com
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Best for magnetic magic
Anon WM1 ￡225
Not only is the lens attached by magnets, enabling speedy switching, so is the bonus facemask.
Lens held tight by magnets at seven points // Just pull off full-sun Sonar Green lens to swap in Sonar Blue spare when clouds close in // Fog control helped by face fleece that holds and releases heat // Women-specific design
burton.com
Best for fitting over glasses
Bollé Supreme ￡129
As well as sitting neatly over glasses thanks to channels in the face foam, these have lens vents to combat speccy steam up.
New Modulator 2.0 lens takes Bollé’s photochromic tech up a notch, including a zippier change from light to dark // Vermilion Blue version works in flat to bright light // Enhances contrast too
bolle.com
Best for going for bold
?Roxy Popscreen ￡85
Make an eye-catching statement with bright and breezy colours that match in with Roxy’s Pop Snow outerwear.
Hawaiian vibe inspired by designs on Polynesian tapa cloth // Frameless to give a wide view while keeping overall size down // All-round Amber Rose lens has blue mirror finish to cut glare // Women-specific fit
roxy-uk.co.uk
Everything you need to know about buying ski goggles
Best for saving the planet
?Shred Simplify Natural ￡180?
Scraps recycled from making snowboards, as well as organic cotton and reclaimed rubber, go into this pleasingly eco-friendly pair.
Shred donates two per cent of sales to climate-change campaign Protect Our Winters too // Wide view // Contrast Boosting Lens heightens perception // Spare Stealth lens for ultra bright days
shredoptics.com
Best for grabbing a bargain
?Wed'zer G-view 600 ￡35?
This budget beating pair is Decathlon’s own brand, and packs an impressive punch for its low price.
Goggles with this spherical rather than flat (aka cylindrical) shape tend to give more realistic vision – and usually cost more // Anti-fog treatment backed up by vents on lens // Brown lens works best in bright conditions
Best for barely there feel
?Von Zipper Satellite ￡140?
Conspicuously inconspicuous thanks to an extra light frame and strap.
Semi-frameless design maximises peripheral vision // Lens has a varied curve to give crisp focus to the corners // Filters out a certain amount of blue light to improve colour perception and clarity, and stop eyes getting tired // Spare low light lens
vonzipper.com
The Telegraph Ski and Snowboard fashion team has teamed up with Snow + Rock to showcase the best kit for next season at The Telegraph Ski & Snowboard Show from October 26 – 29 in Battersea Park, with the chance to test, try and buy. Find out more and book tickets.