Words: Josh Lee
Though the common image of the mountains usually involves clear skies and consistently cool, sharp conditions, the high-altitude climate has an ability to shift in myriad directions with only an instant’s notice.
Indeed, an insulated, padded jacket is an essential in order to block out the breeze, and a snow suit will protect you from wet weather – but, as visibility, too, can vary from minute to minute, we suggest that you invest in the right eyewear before hitting Austria or Switzerland this month. A pair of good sunglasses might do the trick on bright days and for the après ski – but to fully face the mercurial elements, only a hardy pair of goggles will do.
So, whether you’ll encounter bright conditions or if your pistes see low light, try on any one of these high-protection, high-style goggles this ski season.
The basics: what type of lenses are available?
Ski goggles can be put into two key categories: those with a cylindrical lens (flat designs, which are more traditional and have a lower profile) and those with a spherical lens (curved, bubble designs, which are more contemporary and are widely favoured for their optics, as the shape follows the curved contour of the eye).
Then, more specifically, lenses are designed for various conditions and are ranked from 0 to 4, with the tint going darker the higher the number is. Lenses for low light, which often come in the form of yellow and rose tints, are categorised between 1 and 2; those for weather that can vary are categorised 2 to 3 (these are the best all-round performers); and for bright, sunny skies, you should go for something between 3 and 4.
We’d also suggest getting a pair that allows for an easy lens change, as this’ll save you the hassle of having to swap eyegear when the conditions constantly switch.
It's all in the details: features to consider
Look out for 100 per cent UV protection, to prevent damage to your eyes; mirrored lenses, which reduce glare in bright conditions; and anti-fog lenses that prevent any build up. Also, figure out which goggles are compatible with your helmet to ensure the vents won’t be blocked, and test out the goggles’ foam to ensure it follows the curvature of your face (for both maximum comfort and to prevent any cold weather seeping in). For those who wear glasses, remember to search for a set of goggles that have larger chambers.
ANON M2 Ski Goggles and Stretch-Jersey Face Mask
The rundown: Bright and bold, this vibrant set makes quite the statement, but, in a well-considered move, its lack of thick rims and embellishment prevents it from looking too maximalist. Though lightweight, it has a high tolerance for wear and tear, and the spherical-lens technology is designed to copy the curvature of the eye, allowing for crystal-sharp optics. Full-perimeter vents facilitate maximum airflow to prevent fogging, and, if you want to change things up, it comes with an additional orange lens – the magnetic design allows for an easy swap without having to remove the goggles from your face.
Wear with: All-black Peak Performance gear, in order to let the punchy, 80s-style hues shine on their own.
Columbia Sportswear Whirlibird Ski Goggles
The rundown: Since 1938, Oregon-based Columbia Sportswear has been a reliable label that blends high-performance utility with wearable styles. Here, we’ve gone back to a timeless look, with the brand’s ‘Whirlibird’ goggles that are fashioned in a versatile ‘dark smoke’ colourway with a little pop of ‘red quartz’ on the trim. A cylindrical lens allows for a wide periphery, and oil, dust, water and dirt are all repelled by the oleophobic coatings. Comfort of wear comes courtesy of a double layer of face foam.
Wear with: Go the opposite of the previous suggestion and shoulder a blocky, bold ensemble in order to take advantage of these wear-with-anything goggles.
Oakley Flight Deck™ L Factory Pilot Snow Goggles
The rundown: As the name suggests, eyewear specialist Oakley took its design cues from fighter-pilot helmet visors, with a nice balance between the upper and lower lines and no exaggerated edges or contours. The in-house Ridgelock Technology features a complete lens seal, blocking out any bitter chills, and, for those who wear prescription eyewear, subtly hidden frame notches set at the temples allow for compatibility. For a fuss-free ride, a lack of rim on the frame not only creates a larger field of vision, but also makes for an easier wear with helmets.
Wear with: To match the ice-hue appeal of this pair, consider a blue-jewel-toned down jacket.
Ace & Tate Eddie Ski Goggles
The rundown: Although perhaps best known for its refined glasses that are sported in some of Europe’s most style-conscious neighbourhoods, Amsterdam’s Ace & Tate also purveys sportswear. The silhouette has a futuristic, oversized profile, and, despite its spartan look, it offers 100 per cent UV protection and is built with a double-layered construction. The black lens is best for when the rays are brightest (but avoid using when there are flat-light conditions or when night skiing), and there’s an alternative amber option for overcast periods.
Wear with: A Loro Piana ‘Icer Snow Wander’ jacket, as the the dark tones on the ‘Eddie’ will complement the piece’s blue-and-black check.
Chimi Ski 02
The rundown: Designed in Sweden, a country that lays claim to Åre, one of the continent’s finest ski resorts, the ‘Ski 02’ is a reliable, all-round item: there’s the complete UV protection; cushion-soft face foam; and it undergoes rigorous testing in ZEISS labs. The blue option (as seen here) has a metallic effect; a grey alternative looks like it’s come straight from the snow scene in Inception; and the green colourway shimmers with flecks of orange and purple.
Wear with: For further Nordic flavour, pick up your all-weather haul at 66°North.
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