by Frank V. Persall
Without a doubt, we can all agree that skiing and snowboarding are quite difficult in broad daylight. Now adding a huge layer of difficulty on top of that and it gets even more complicated. Regardless, skiing or snowboarding at night can be so much fun so it is easy to understand why more and more people want to give it a try.
Knowing how important it is to see while performing any of the aforementioned sporting activities, goggles play an important role.
Night goggles are essentially one of the most important gear you must have before even being allowed onto the slopes or tracks in a resort and for good reason. There is poor visibility at night since you only have to rely on the lights along the side of the slopes. With night goggles, however, you get to see better even without daylight.
Contents
Night goggles come in different types and with different price tags. They are also produced by a wide range of brands all of which can make buying one a big hassle. This is not so surprising though since it is an important gear in the world of skiing.
One thing to note is that while you can use your normal day goggles, it is not advisable. Depending on the type of day goggles you have, it is even impractical to use them at night. The main reason for this is because most day goggles are often tinted. This is done to reduce the amount of sun you are exposing your eyes to. Thus, helping you see better even if you are skiing or snowboarding directly in the direction of the sun. Using such types of goggles at night though is a different matter altogether. The tint from the goggles quickly becomes a disadvantage at night since everywhere is dark.
Besides, night goggles for skiing and snowboarding are cheaper than the normal day ones. You do not gain any benefit from using a day goggle at night or vice versa. Each type of goggle grants a different type of enhanced visibility which is only perfect for unique time frames. That is whether you want to ski or snowboard at sunrise or if you prefer doing so under the night sky with a chance to see the stars.
You must be wondering since day goggles provide enhanced visibility by reducing sun glares, what exactly do night goggles for skiing do? Or how does it enhance visibility?
The answer is quite simple. At night, there is a lot more wind and there is also the issue of glares from bright spotlights being used to provide lighting around the resort and snow slopes.
With wind, it can easily get dust into your eyes which is something you don't want while skiing or snowboarding. When you are skiing or snowboarding, chances are you are moving at a very high speed. Sudden or unexpected glare from a spotlight can easily lead to disorientation which can cause a fall or even lead to severe injury.
Now, we know choosing the best goggles for night skiing and snowboarding will be difficult. We have all been there really! There are so many goggles to choose from and so little difference between all of them. To help you in your decision-making, we have this guide for you!
In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about skiing goggles. You will also get to see a review of the best night ski goggles on the market in 2023. That way, you can make the right and perfect decision for yourself.
There will be two sections in this guide. The first would be a review section so we don't bore you with too much description of features you need to look out for in a night goggle. There would also be a section where we discuss in detail the important features of a night goggle for skiing or snowboarding must-have. That way, you can search for a night goggle on your own or choose from one of our recommended picks.
This review contains the best night goggles for skiing 2023 as well as links to Amazon so you can easily own one today!
Best Features
Cons
With a Visible Light transmission rating of 99%, this is hands down one of the best night goggles for skiing right now. The lenses come in different colors and you can simply select any color you want.
The frame of these goggles is made from thermoplastic polyurethane material. Its daytime lens comes with a UV protective coating so you don't have to worry about looking up when the sun is high in the sky. It comes with anti-fog technology thanks to the two carefully designed vents at the top and bottom of the goggles. It has soft padding which makes it fit snuggly that you might forget you are wearing ski goggles.
Out of the box, it comes with a carrying pouch. With this, you don't have to worry about scratches appearing on the lens of the goggles. The lens is of spherical shape which implies that maximum visibility of your peripheral surroundings is guaranteed.
This brand's customer support service is top-notch and with the lifetime warranty this product comes with, you are certainly in for a treat!
The biggest drawback we seemed to notice with these Ski goggles is that you cannot interchange the lens. You either purchase one suitable for daytime skiing, or one suitable for night skiing.
TIP: These goggles can also be worn casually to protect your eyes from the brutal winds during the night or even at work - depending of course on where you work.
Best Features
Cons
Made using premium Italian materials, the Zionor X Ski Goggles For Men and Women goggles offer one of the best value for money without any compromise in quality or functionality.
It comes with a detachable stray system so you can easily remove or wear it. It also comes with the basic features one would expect in a ski goggle such as anti-fog coating, scratch-resistant finish, etc.
Before buying, please ensure you select the goggles that have lenses suitable for the weather condition you plan to play in.
The customer service is quite fantastic and the brand offers huge discounts should you need a replacement.
If you are looking to test your skiing skills against pretty harsh weather conditions, then the Zionor X Ski Goggles For Men and Women would serve you well!
Best Features
Cons
The Wildhorn Cristo Ski goggles are one of the best goggles for night skiing on the market right now. It does come at a decent price and offers tons of features to help optimize your overall experience. What is even more relaxing about these goggles is that the manufacturers directly supply the United State's Ski team. So, you can do no wrong by going for these goggles.
Made with durability in mind, these goggles are semi-frameless and would comfortably fit any type of helmet you have. It comes with face foam which helps ensure you do not suffer any discomfort while using them.
There is also the crystal clear dual-layer lens which comes with an anti-fog and anti-scratch coating. It also comes with 100% UV400 protection to help prevent sun glares and vision distortions while skiing during the day. Due to its incredible design, it is suitable for anybody provided you are fit to ski.
The biggest drawback with these goggles is that you cannot interchange lenses. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, it just means you have to buy multiple ski goggles depending on the weather condition you wish to ski in.
Best Features
Cons
Another fantastic entry you want to check out is the Bolle Freeze Ski Goggle. It comes with a ton of feature that makes it super durable and easy to use.
It comes with a simple face foam layer so that it remains comfy on your face notwithstanding how long you have it on.
It also comes with premium anti-fog coating later which restricts moisture build up on the inner surface of your ski goggles' lens.
NOTE: There are lots of reported cases of the goggles fogging up. In this case, it only means you have a defective product. This is a big drawback because there is no guarantee of getting a refund since there is no dedicated customer service. So before buying these goggles, keep in mind that there is a big risk of them being defective.
Best Features
Cons
With a wide range of colorful lens to choose from, there is a lot to love about these goggles. Firstly, as you might have already guessed, this is a direct upgrade (Pro version) of the Outdoor Master Ski goggles for men, women, and teens we already reviewed earlier. As a result, it is slightly more expensive.
The most notable upgrade that comes to mind with this pro version of the goggles is that it has an interchangeable lens system. This can be quite useful for two reasons. For one, you can buy multiple lenses so you can easily swap them depending on whether you want to ski during the day or night. Asides from the incredible multifunctionality this feature offers, it also means you get to save money. Normal ski goggles are known to cost more than goggles with a high visible light transmission percentage.
Another notable feature is its OTG design. OTG is short for Over the Glasses. What this design gives to your goggles is that it allows you to wear your normal reading or walking glasses under the ski goggles.
It also comes with a protective case which is another layer of protection for the lens that is very susceptible to scratches. There is also a carrying pouch alongside the protective case and it is compatible with any type of ski or snowboard helmet.
Funny as it might sound, the biggest drawback with using these goggles is as a result of one of its best features. Essentially, the goggles are frameless so you can interchange the lens depending on the type of VLT condition you want. Good right? Well, there's also the risk that comes with it.
Due to the goggles not having frames, the lens has a bad issue of popping out at random periods. So while the design makes it relatively easy to remove and add a lens, it can be a bit of a hassle.
NOTE: There are also some compatibility issues with certain glasses depending on the type of frame your glasses have. So, it is not completely an OTG night ski or snowboard goggles.
Best Features
Cons
Next on the list, we have the Oakley O Frame MX Adult goggles. Though marketed as offroad motorcycle goggles, it works perfectly as a night skiing goggles too due to the high VLT percentage the lens has.
One of the biggest selling points of this goggles is that it is manufactured by the popular and respected brand, Oakley. They have been in the scenes for years and have gained their reputation and respect after delivering quality products over and over again.
These particular goggles come only in one color - a nice blend of orange and dark grey. It was released in 2018 but still rivals the latest goggles on the market due to its quality build and design.
Another thing we love about these goggles asides from their comfy design is that their lens comes with scratch-resistant technology. So you can use the goggles even though it does not come with a protective case or pouch. The lens is also impact resistant and would not break easily should the goggles happen to take some fall damage.
The goggles have a rigid frame and support changing of lenses which is quite uncommon. Most goggles with rigid frames do not come with such a feature. With this, you can easily purchase lenses with a lower VLT percentage so you can use the goggles as day goggles too. The original lens on these goggles has a Visible light transmission percentage of 93%.
The only issue you might encounter with using these goggles is lens fogging. As much as it does come with anti-fog features, it still fogs up quite easily when the weather is very warm. So ensure you keep a small clean cloth or handkerchief as part of your skiing gear.
Best Features
Cons
Lastly, we have one of the oldest ski goggle brands in the market, Smith Optics. Founded in 1965, the brand has over and over again proven why they are one of the oldest in the business. With tons of upgrades and refinements being made to every new snow goggle produced by the brand, you can't go wrong with Smith Optics snow goggles.
NOTE: Please note that the cascade classic goggles are not this brand's most premium snow goggles. However, we believe they offer one of the best value for money if you are looking for a budget snow goggle.
It has a clear finish and comes with a spherical lens optimized for clear visuals to aid and enhance user's performance and experience while skiing, biking, snowboarding, fishing, etc. The brand's FOG-X finish on the lens means you don't have to worry about the lens fogging even under terrible weather conditions. The lens also comes with a durable hydrophobic coating which essentially repels moisture, grime, sweat, and smudges. Making it easy to clean at all times.
Although it is safe to say that the goggles serve their purpose well, it does come with a bit of a drawback. It does not fit all helmets so you might want to check the dimensions to be sure you won't have any issues after buying it.
Do take your time to read through this section so you can understand why we picked each of the night goggles discussed in our review section above. It would not only give you a better idea of which night goggle offers the best value for money, but it also means you won't be stressed out trying to figure out which night goggle is best for you!
Visible Light transmission number or VLT number for short is a rating system used in rating how much light you can see through a night goggle. Now, all-night goggles come in varying numbers depending on the type of lens used in making the goggle.
NOTE: The most important thing to keep in mind when it comes to the VLT number is that the lower it is, the more tint it has. The implication of this is that goggles with a low VLT number would not allow a lot of light to reach your eyes. So, you want to pick goggles with very high VLT numbers. Sunglasses are examples of goggles with low Visible light transmission numbers.
Since it is dark, you want to get a goggle with lenses that let a lot of light through. This is not to say that there are no night goggles with a slight tint. Of course, there are. However, you have to consider the type of lighting you would have while skiing or snowboarding at night. If you are confident enough that you would see under the moon and resort spotlights even after using a goggle with a slight tint, then, by all means, go for it.
Mostly, the best type of goggles to go for are those with a VLT rating of about 80-100%.
Your night ski or snowboard goggles must have well-defined ventilation. You want to purchase one that comes with vents or other necessary designs that allows the release of warm air building up as a result of sweat or increased body heat.
Proper ventilation prevents warm air from condensing which then leads to the fogging of the lens of your goggles. When there are vents or other related designs in place on the night goggle cold air can circulate and touch the lenses thus ensuring the temperature is well balanced. This thus prevents vapor or fog from accumulating on the inner part of the lens.
Asides from vents, dual pane lenses are also a very useful feature in night goggles. Essentially, dual pane lenses help regulate the temperature of the area the goggles cover on your face by allowing the escape of warm air.
NOTE: Night goggles with vents or other related designs to help ensure proper ventilation do not always guarantee one would have fog-free lenses while using them. Fogging of the lens of a goggle also depends on its overall build.
Summarily, the important thing you should keep in mind here is that the further away your goggles are from your face, the less likely it is to fog up.
The field of vision you have while using your goggles is important to note. This can make a whole lot of difference in your overall skiing or snowboarding experience. Snowboarding or skiing at night can be quite fun. Yet, it can also be very dangerous if you have a pretty limited view of your surrounding. That is why you need to look for goggles with the widest field of vision; since they help improve your peripheral view which can be important in avoiding certain obstacles on the slopes.
In case you didn't know, you don't always have to buy a new ski or snowboard goggles every time you notice a significant decrease in the visibility power of the lens. Depending on how expensive the goggles you buy are, you might be able to swap their lenses.
This is only possible if your goggles come equipped with magnetic clips or docks.
Asides from that, you also swap the lens of your goggles depending on what time of the day you want to ski. In other words, you can buy dedicated night goggles that come with lens swapping features. So that next time you want to ski or snowboard during the daytime you can simply swap the lenses with daytime lenses and you are good to go.
Lastly, you want to consider the price of the night goggles. There are no two ways of saying it. If you do not have enough money to buy something, even if it has everything you wanted, you simply can't buy it. It's that simple.
NOTE: This is not to say you should buy an inferior product since you can't necessarily afford the one that comes with every feature you specifically need. However, you can always find suitable alternatives to the products you want if you make enough research.
Knowing the price of night goggles also gives you an idea of the budget you would need to cover such costs.
You probably have some questions on your mind after reading through the guide. Well, you are not alone. Here are some frequently asked questions about night goggles, night snowboarding as well as night skiing.
Yes, it is not just a matter of "need". You have to use one before even taking to the slopes. However, you don't necessarily need to have goggles with clear lenses.
For optimal skiing experience, it is recommended to find goggles that do not have any tint. Goggles with tinted lenses but with a high VLT percentage will also work!
When it comes to skiing at night, you want to go for goggles that have clear lenses. However, we understand that you might also want to buy tinted glasses. In such a case, we recommend only buying goggles with orange, yellow, or brightly colored tint.
NOTE: Ensure the tint is light or the lenses have a decent VLT percentage.
When it comes to skiing at night, you only need to get goggles with a high VLT percentage. This is only common in goggles with lenses that have light tints. It is also present in goggles with clear lenses.
So are goggles with orange lenses safe or appropriate for night skiing? Yes, it is. Provided it has a pretty decent Visible Light transmission percentage or number. A high VLT percentage implies that you would still be able to see enough even under poor lighting.
This is a bit difficult to answer.
Firstly, you need all the typical skiing gear and equipment. This of course includes boots, your helmet, gloves, poles, etc.
But you also have to be careful. Nighttime is a lot more different than day time so you have to dress warm enough for the extra cold weather that always accompanies nighttime, especially on the slopes.
NOTE: While adding a layer or two to help you keep warm is good, you don't want to overdo it. As you want to be comfy and agile even in the extra layer or two.
Skiing is one of the most physically demanding yet deeply satisfying. As cool and promising skiing is both for casuals and professionals, it is not for everyone. The abilities and controls it demands are not child's play.
From learning to see with little light, to properly controlling your descent speed while also navigating any obstacle on the slope course, skiing at night is dangerous. But is it worth it? Well, the experience is unforgettable, that much we can say!
People have different reasons why they ski at night. For some, it is cause they love the wind and are calm at night compared to skiing under sunlight. For some, it is cause they hate the sun glares or hate getting sweaty in the sun. For others, it could even be in other to ski at cheaper prices since some resorts often give discount prices for night skiers.
Whichever reason you have that makes you want to ski at night, go for it!
There is no guaranteed way of preventing your goggles from fogging. The goggles either come with anti-fog technology or features or it doesn't. If it doesn't, there is no way you won't have foggy lenses while skiing, especially when the temperature is too warm inside the lenses and too cold on the outside.
Even if your goggles come with anti-fogging features, it is still pretty much still likely the goggles will fog up. But there is much more guarantee it would not interfere a lot with your visibility at night. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help keep your lens and clear:
ZIONOR Lagopus Ski Goggles - Snowboard Snow Goggles for Men Women Adult Youth - Walmart Link
Juli Ski Goggles,Snow Snowboard Goggles for Men Women Snowmobile Skiing Skating - Walmart Link
AKASO OTG Ski Goggles, Snowboard Goggles, Mag-Pro Magnetic Interchangeable Lenses, Snow - Walmart Link
Extra Mile Ski Goggles, Anti-Fog Protection Snowboard Dual Lens for Men Women - Walmart Link
OutdoorMaster Ski Goggles PRO - Frameless, Interchangeable Lens 100% UV400 Protection - Walmart Link
ZIONOR X Ski Goggles - OTG Snowboard Goggles Detachable Lens for Men Women Adult - Walmart Link
Mira - Ski Goggles With Two Changeable Lenses for all Weather Conditions - Ultra Wide - Walmart Link
ZIONOR Lagopus Ski Goggles - Snowboard Snow Goggles for Men Women Adult Youth - eBay Link
Juli Ski Goggles,Snow Snowboard Goggles for Men Women Snowmobile Skiing Skating - eBay Link
AKASO OTG Ski Goggles, Snowboard Goggles, Mag-Pro Magnetic Interchangeable Lenses, Snow - eBay Link
Extra Mile Ski Goggles, Anti-Fog Protection Snowboard Dual Lens for Men Women - eBay Link
OutdoorMaster Ski Goggles PRO - Frameless, Interchangeable Lens 100% UV400 Protection - eBay Link
ZIONOR X Ski Goggles - OTG Snowboard Goggles Detachable Lens for Men Women Adult - eBay Link
Mira - Ski Goggles With Two Changeable Lenses for all Weather Conditions - Ultra Wide - eBay Link
Skiing is one of the best sports activities you can carry out as a favorite pastime. However, unlike most hobbies, there is a lot of important criteria you have to meet to enjoy skiing. From buying the right gear and wears to paying for a pass in a resort, you just can't overlook anything.
Skiing night goggles are one of those important gear you can't but have. We have provided a lengthy but detailed guide on everything you need to know about them. We have also helped you compile a list of the best Night goggles for skiing in our review section.
About Frank V. Persall
Frank is originally from the UK, but he has a passion for skiing that knows no bounds. He has made it his life's mission to visit the best ski resorts across the USA and the World. Frank loves spending time with his wife and three children on ski slopes, as they all share his love for the activity.
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