Best ski goggles

Practicality and fashion have gone hand in hand with life on the slopes since the post-war skiing boom began. Just looking at the skis and bindings, boots and clothing of those early years shows how far the sport has progressed when compared to today’s hi-tech equipment.

And just as vital to the safety and comfort of what you wear on your feet is what you wrap around your head. Anyone caught in a whiteout on the slopes will realise how important it is to see clearly, for one’s own safety and that of others.

The ski goggles market is huge and long gone, hopefully, are the days off ill-fitting eyewear, misted up lenses and unsightly imprints on your face – not a great apres-ski look.

So, upwards and onwards, here is our pick of this season’s best…

Oakley Line Miner Prizm

The Line Miner was created with the purpose of providing the ultimate in peripheral vision and Oakley has certainly delivered with these funky, frameless goggles. In sitting closer to your face, the Line Miner ensures a far wider spectrum than many of its competitors. The Prizm lens is awesome in all conditions, providing clarity that’s second to none and refusing to fog up even in the most extreme conditions. Triple layer face foam ensures excellent wind protection and comfort; three silicone bands running inside the strap mean the Line Miner stays firmly in place and the detachable nose cone provides blessed relief when the wind is howling on a long chair lift.

£145, Oakley, Buy it now

Smith I/O

The I/O certainly has a steep price tag, but quality has always come at a cost. The rugged construction immediately gives you a feel of that quality, but it is Smith’s quick-release lens change system - along with the lenses themselves - that most catches the eye. Twisting two old-school hinges at the top of the frame is all it takes to release the lenses and, once you’ve done it a couple of times, it feels like second nature. Smith’s ChromaPop lenses are grouped into three categories: sun, storm and everyday, so choosing the right lens could not be easier. We also like quick-release strap clip and oversized dustbag with ample room for frames and spare lenses.

£178.50, Smith, Buy it now

​Bollé Emperor

A great goggle in a market awash with oversize frames and expanded views. The spherical lens does a fantastic job in increasing peripheral vision and performed well in a variety of conditions. Ample venting both below and above the lenses meant there were no fogging issues. Bollé has a history of providing high-quality lenses and the Emperor does not disappoint, with a range of five available to suit all conditions, although changing those lenses is fiddly and you are never sure whether you have got them in quite right. Low-profile, light, stylish and very comfortable, the Emperor could be king in its market if the lens-changing issue could be addressed.

£79, Amazon, Buy it now

Salomon Four Seven

While the looks of the Four Seven takes you back to a time when ski one-upmanship was defined by ski length (the longer, the better), Salomon’s retro inspired full-framer is parked bang up to date feature-wise. The plastic rim which stands proud of the lens helps provide protection from stretching when pulling the goggles over a helmet yet, crucially, does not interfere with the width of vision, which is impressive. Ventilation is good and the light sensitive lenses work well in both low light and sunnier conditions, helpfully ruling out the need to carry a second set should the weather take a turn for the worse.

£72, Amazon, Buy it now

Cébé Origins

Stylish and affordable: two words that don’t often trip together when it comes to high-end ski gear. But that is what French company Cébé, who have a long history of achieving top quality goggles at a price that won’t make your bank manager blanch, have achieved yet again. The size of the spherical lens delivers a superb field of vision – great for a learner or intermediate skier who likes to know just who and what is around them. The lens change was straightforward and the top and side ventilation areas ensured no fogging. We also like the rose gold flash mirror finish: the high contrast light rose base offering great definition in cloudy conditions, the gold flash reflecting light and reducing glare.

£60, Amazon, Buy it now

Verdict

All these goggles have their pros, but only one emerged with no cons. The Oakley Line Miner is phenomenally well-priced and delivers massive bang for buck. Not only do they look oh-so cool, but the definition of the lenses was flawless in a range of conditions and they were forget-you’re-wearing-them comfortable. However, all of the goggles performed impressively and, ultimately, price tags have an impact on what we buy. With this range, though, there really should be something for everyone, however deep your pockets.