How to Select the Right Ski Goggles

Determine the right lens color(s). Different lens colors aren't designed for style; they're designed to provide different levels of protection for different light conditions. Think about the average light conditions when and where you ride (sunny, overcast, night, etc.), and pick a lens color that will excel in those conditions. For instance, dark lenses such as black and dark green are best for bright conditions, but they will limit your visibility in dark, overcast conditions. Yellow lenses are good for cloudy days and help to enhance contrast. Rose lenses are designed to enhance contrast in a variety of low-light conditions. Amber or orange lenses are the most versatile option and can perform in both low light and brighter conditions. Each manufacturer has its own selection and names for lens colors.

Look for mirrored or polarized lenses. These features will help to cut down on glare during bright days and are worth considering if you ski on a lot of bright, sunny days. Also look for anti-scratch and anti-fog coatings on your lenses.

Consider goggles with interchangeable lenses. If light conditions are unpredictable, find goggles that accommodate interchangeable lenses, and purchase separate lenses for the conditions you're likely to face. Try changing out lenses before buying -- the easier the better, as you may have to do this on the slopes.

Try on the goggles. As with other ski equipment, fit is very important when it comes to goggles. The goggles should fit comfortably and flush on your face without leaving any gaps between the foam and your face. They should allow for as much peripheral vision as possible and should enhance your vision, not cut it off. Try several pairs for comparison. If you ski with a helmet, bring it, and fit the two together.

Check out the lens construction. Dual lenses provide better protection against fogging, but they will be more expensive than single-lens goggles. Spherical lenses offer optimal clarity, but they are also more expensive than cylindrical lenses.

Look for OTG goggles if you wear glasses. OTG or "over the glasses" goggles are designed to fit over eyeglasses. While prescription lenses can also be purchased, OTG goggles provide a cost-effective solution.

Read reviews. While you can establish lens color and fit pretty easily, it is nearly impossible to establish if fogging is an issue with a given pair of goggles just by looking at it. Fogging can be a real problem when skiing, so it pays to know whether this is an issue that affects the goggles in question. While you can look for venting, it's still hard to say if the goggles will fog regularly, so read some reviews to see how the goggles have performed for others.