When the weather closes in, the right lens can make a huge difference. For flat light, overcast and snowy days, look for goggles higher VLT  (Visible Light Transmission), with high-contrast lenses in shades such as yellow, rose, pink or amber, which help highlight changes in the terrain and make bumps and contours easier to see. 

For bright, sunny days on the mountain, choose a goggle with a darker lens and a lower VLT (Visible Light Transmission) to reduce glare and protect your eyes from strong UV exposure. Grey, black, dark green and mirrored lenses are ideal for high-light conditions, while polarised options can further reduce glare. If you regularly ride in changing conditions, consider goggles with interchangeable lenses so you can quickly switch to a low-light lens when the clouds roll in.

VLT (Visible Light Transmission) tells you how much light passes through a goggle lens. A lower VLT is best for bright, sunny days, with around 5–20% ideal for strong light, while 20–40% is a versatile mid-range for mixed conditions. For cloudy, snowy or flat-light days, look for a higher VLT of around 40–80% to maximise visibility. If you ride in all conditions, a goggle with interchangeable or photochromic lenses is a great option.

There’s no single best goggle lens colour for snowboarding—it depends on the conditions you ride in. Amber, rose, pink and yellow lenses are excellent for cloudy or flat-light days because they increase contrast and help pick out changes in the terrain. For bright, sunny conditions, darker grey, green or mirrored lenses reduce glare and make your eyes more comfortable. If you want one lens for a mixture of conditions, a versatile rose or amber lens is a great choice, while photochromic or interchangeable lenses give you the flexibility to cover the widest range of weather.

If you wear glasses, look for OTG (Over The Glasses) ski and snowboard goggles designed with extra space for your frames. The best OTG goggles provide a comfortable fit without pressing against your glasses, while ventilation helps reduce fogging. Look for features such as a wider frame, anti-fog lens technology and adjustable straps to ensure a secure fit over your glasses all day on the mountain. Most of the goggles we stock are OTG goggles. 

Photochromic goggles automatically adjust the lens tint as light conditions change, making them a great all-round option for riders who want one lens that can handle everything from bright sunshine to cloud and flat light. Interchangeable lens goggles give you more control, allowing you to swap between specific lenses for different conditions. If you regularly ride in rapidly changing weather, photochromic goggles offer convenience, while interchangeable goggles are ideal if you want the best possible lens performance in both bright and low-light conditions.

The best way to stop ski and snowboard goggles fogging is to keep the airflow moving and avoid trapping warm air inside the goggles. Choose goggles with good ventilation and an effective anti-fog coating, make sure your helmet and goggles don't block the vents, and avoid pushing your goggles onto your forehead when you're riding. Never wipe the inside of a wet or fogged lens, as this can damage the anti-fog coating—let them dry naturally instead. If you regularly struggle with fogging, a good-quality pair of goggles with strong ventilation and anti-fog technology can make a huge difference. It’s also a good idea to keep your vents open on your outerwear when you are hot as it will allow to air to escape outwards rather than upwards towards your head and goggles.

All the goggles we stock have an anti-fog treatment and have a double-glazed lens. The best anti-fog ski and snowboard goggles combine an effective anti-fog lens treatment with good ventilation to keep air circulating and moisture moving away from the lens. Keeping your goggles dry between sessions and avoiding touching or wiping the inside of the lens will also help maintain the anti-fog performance.

Your ski or snowboard goggles should feel snug and secure without creating pressure points around your nose, eyes or temples. The frame should sit comfortably against your face with no obvious gaps, while the foam should make an even seal all the way around. They should also fit neatly with your helmet without leaving a large gap (twat-gap, aka gaper) between the two. Most importantly, your goggles shouldn't move when you shake your head or ride, but they should still feel comfortable enough to wear all day. 

Not all ski and snowboard goggles fit perfectly with every helmet. For the best fit, choose goggles and a helmet that work well together, with the goggle frame sitting comfortably against the helmet without leaving a large gap or being pushed down onto your nose. Most modern goggles and helmets are designed to be compatible, but different brands and shapes can vary. If possible, drop into us at The Snowboard Shop to try them on together before buying and look for a secure fit, good ventilation and a comfortable seal around your face. No only does the goggle need to fit well with the helmet, you also need to make sure you have enough room on your face for you chosen pair of goggles. We’ve been fitting goggles & helmets for years and it’s super common for the newer bigger style goggles to push down too far on your nose when the helmet is fitted.

Yes, photochromic ski and snowboard goggles really do work. Their lenses automatically adjust their tint depending on the amount of light, becoming darker in bright sunshine and lighter when conditions turn cloudy or flat. They’re a great choice if you want one pair of goggles that can handle changing weather without carrying spare lenses. However, they may not react instantly to sudden changes in light, so riders who regularly experience extreme conditions may still prefer interchangeable lenses for maximum performance.