Just like it's important to keep your bindings tuned and boots dry when skiing, it's important to keep your eyes dry and protected from UV rays. Whether you're enjoying a bluebird day or battling blizzard conditions, eye protection is essential on the moutain. After reviewing countless goggles, we gave the following pairs our stamp of approval for quality, functionality and style.
ZEAL iON You could be looking at the needle that will pop the helmet-cam bubble. A built-in HD camera captures both 1080p video and eight-megapixel photos with a 170-degree wide-angle lens. The infinity focus feature pairs with the in-goggle viewfinder and camera controls to ensure you’re capturing your intended subject. The goggle has an antifog, high- density polarized lens that offers 100 percent UV protection.
$399; zealoptics.com
SHRED Soaza Toric Huitlacoche The name may seem a bit distorted (huitlacoche is
a Spanish word for corn fungus) but your vision won’t be: The polycarbonate toric lenses are tapered to offset the curvature that can cause visual distortion.
$159; shredoptics.com
SALOMON Xtend The Xtend is good on its own; it’s even better paired with a Salomon Thermo Control System–equipped helmet, which eliminates lens fog by drawing moisture up from low-pressure zones and releasing it out of the helmet’s vents.
$160; salomon.com
CHURCH & STATE Polka On the technical side: an antiscratch and antifog Carl Zeiss zero-distortion lens, five-point venting system, no-slip silicone strip inside the strap, and wicking face foam. On the style side: crystalized Swarovski accents on the strap. $169; churchandstateoptics.com
SMITH I/OX Microscopic etchings absorb and then disperse moisture to prevent fogging, and since they’re not part of a coating, like other antifog treatments, they can’t rub off over time. Like its predecessor, the I/O, I/OX has a quick-release lens system.
$175 (with two lenses); smithoptics.com
