Did you know that there’s more to your ski and snowboard goggles than just fit and style? With the availability of new lens technology, as well as the number of new features that are constantly coming out onto the market, choosing the right pair of ski and snowboard goggles should take the same care and effort as you were choosing your skis, snowboard, or other equipment.
Why Does Lens Color Matter in Ski and Snowboard Goggles
How important is it to pick the right ski and snowboard goggle lens? Imagine going down the mountain and having the time of your life. Your skis or snowboard reacts the way you want it to, and every jump, hop, and reacts the way you want it to when you put it on edge to carve the perfect turn. As you continue to go down the mountain, you gather speed and run into an icy stretch or miss the change in terrain. Because of this, your perfect run turns into an instant yard sale with your equipment strewn out in different directions. With the right ski and snowboard goggle lens, you may have been able to avoid this. So, does lens color matter in ski and snowboard goggles? Yes! How do you pick the right color lens? Glad you asked! It all starts with…
Understanding Visible Light Transmission (VLT) for Goggles
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) is how much light is allowed through the lens of your goggles. A VLT of 10% means that the lens of the goggle allows 10% of the light to go through while blocking out the rest of it. For comparison, most sunglasses have a VLT of between 15% to 25%. On our snowy mountains, you are subject to more light than normal because it reflects off the snow.
What Ski or Snowboard Goggle VLT is Right for Me?
This all depends on the conditions and can vary from mountain to mountain. While it may be easy to get lost in the nuances of percentages and goggle colors, the general rule of thumb is to prepare for two different types of conditions- sunny and plenty of light and cloudy and low-light.
For sunny and clear days, you want a lower VLT percentage to help block out as much light as you can. Generally, you want goggles with a VLT of less than 20%. Most of these goggles are also mirrored to help further block the glare from the light.
For low-light conditions such as foggy or cloudy days, you want to be able to see more of the terrain. Because of this, you want goggles with a VLT of over 60%.
Color
Do lens color matter in ski and snowboard goggles? Absolutely. The color of the lens will further help block the light and enhance other colors within your field of vision. By choosing the right lens color, you can maximize your experience on the mountain. While it doesn’t encompass every color combination, here’s a helpful chart that goes through some popular lens colors and their best situations.
Color Situation Explanation Pink/ Rose
Low-Light- Cloudy, Early Morning, Late Evening Perfect for low-light situations as they brighten up your surroundings. These are great for cloudy days or if you’re making an early morning or late evening run on your favorite trail. Red 
Lots of Light- Bright and Sunny Days Red lenses are great for those bluebird skies, where you’ll get lots of light throughout the day. An added benefit of red lenses is that they will also increase the definition of the snow so that you can see every hill and divot. Bronze 
Lots of Light- Bright and Sunny Days Another great option for those bright and sunny days. The only downside is that they get difficult to see out of in the early morning and late evening as the light levels diminish. Green 
All-Around, cloudy, low-light conditions These are great for all-around situations, from the bright and sunny to the low-light and cloudy. They also help enhance the contours of the area you are enjoying. Yellow 
All-Around, Snowy, Low-Light Conditions One of the better options for those who don’t like switching lenses or goggles. Whether it’s bright and sunny, low-visibility and snowy, or getting to be dusk, yellow lenses will do the job. Black/ Grey 
Bright and Sunny This lens color does the job on bright and sunny days. If it changes to overcast or you get towards the end of the day, you may have a hard time seeing.
What’s Next?
Now that you have a basic understanding of why lens color matters in ski and snowboard goggles, your next step is to understand the other goggle features before choosing the right one. We go through some of the important features in our Ski and Snowboard Helmet and Goggle Checklist article. Afterward, head off to your nearest Sun & Ski Sports to try on a pair. You can find a wide selection of goggles from brands such as Anon, Giro, Oakley, Smith, Sweet Protection, and more. A knowledgeable associate will help you gear up for the best mountain adventures.