Ski Goggles

Ski goggles: lens technology, fit and how to choose

Giro ski goggles are built around two core technologies: VIVID optics for contrast and terrain definition, and EXV frame geometry for a wider field of view. The range runs from entry-level cylindrical designs to fully spherical lenses with magnetic interchangeable systems, covering skiers from beginners to racing athletes. All models are designed to pair directly with Giro ski helmets for a sealed, fog-resistant system.

VIVID lens technology: what it does and why it matters

Flat light is the most difficult condition to ski in. When contrast drops, snow texture becomes harder to read and terrain changes are easier to miss. Giro's VIVID ski goggles address this directly by filtering the blue light spectrum to increase contrast and sharpen definition without distorting colours.

The result is better terrain awareness on groomers, in trees and in variable mountain weather. VIVID is not a tint — it is a lens treatment that works across different VLT categories, from bright-sun lenses to storm lenses. For a full technical breakdown, see VIVID lens technology.

Understanding VLT: matching your lens to the conditions

VLT (Visible Light Transmission) is the percentage of light that passes through the lens. It is the most important number when choosing a ski goggle lens. A low VLT percentage means less light passes through, which suits bright sun. A high VLT percentage means more light passes through, which suits overcast or low-light conditions.

Bright conditions (VLT 5–25%)

Low VLT lenses reduce glare and eye fatigue on clear, high-alpine days with strong sunlight and high UV. Mirrored coatings are often applied at this range to reflect additional light. Best for spring skiing and high-altitude bluebird days.

Mixed conditions (VLT 25–50%)

All weather ski goggles in this range offer balanced performance when sun and clouds alternate throughout the day. They are the most versatile choice for skiers who want one lens that works across typical mountain conditions.

Low light and storms (VLT 50–90%)

In snowfall, fog or flat light, low light ski goggles allow significantly more light through the lens. This improves contrast and definition when natural light is limited. Night skiing goggles sit at the top of this range, with a near-clear lens for maximum light transmission.

For a complete guide to lens selection, what VLT means in ski goggles explains how to use the number to choose the right lens for your typical conditions.

Fit and sizing: frames, OTG and kids

A correct fit prevents fogging and keeps the goggle stable at speed. The key factors are frame size, foam profile and how well the goggle seals against your helmet.

Most adult Giro goggles are designed as one-size-fits-most for standard face shapes. Women's ski goggles use a reduced frame profile with adjusted foam shaping, designed for smaller facial structures while maintaining the same optical and sealing performance.

Skiers who wear prescription glasses should choose OTG ski goggles. OTG (Over The Glasses) frames are built with extra internal depth and notched foam at the nose bridge to accommodate eyewear frames without compressing them or breaking the seal. What OTG goggles are explains the construction differences in detail.

Kids ski goggles are scaled to smaller facial proportions. A correctly sized goggle maintains full peripheral vision coverage and a seal that does not shift during skiing, which matters more for children who are still developing their balance and spatial awareness on the mountain.

Helmet compatibility and the system approach

Ski goggles and helmets are designed to work as a system. Giro ski goggles are built to integrate directly with Giro ski helmets, eliminating the gap at the forehead that causes cold air intrusion and fogging. Matched outflow venting between goggle and helmet creates controlled airflow that moves warm air away from the lens surface.

Mixing brands often results in gaps, pressure points or misaligned ventilation. Using a matched goggle and helmet removes these variables, particularly in cold or windy conditions.

Technical features across the range

EXV wide field of view

Giro's EXV (Expansion View) frame geometry minimises the amount of frame material around the lens, extending peripheral vision. This improves situational awareness at speed and in areas with other skiers or obstacles.

Dual-lens anti-fog construction

All Giro ski goggles use a dual-lens construction that creates a thermal barrier between the warm air inside the goggle and the cold outer surface. On selected models, EVAK Venting adds non-absorbent foam to draw moisture away from the lens while preventing snow ingress.

Interchangeable and magnetic lens systems

Interchangeable lens ski goggles allow lens swaps when conditions change during the day. Magnetic retention systems make this faster without requiring tools or removing the goggle from your helmet.

Goggle care and lens maintenance

Ski goggle lenses have anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings that degrade if cleaned incorrectly. The rules are consistent across all models: never wipe a wet lens, never use paper products, and never use cleaning sprays not formulated for coated optics. Allow goggles to dry at room temperature after skiing, then clean the inner lens gently with a microfiber cloth only. How to clean snow goggles covers storage, lens handling and what to avoid.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose the right ski goggles?

Start with your typical light conditions and choose a VLT range that matches. For most skiers, an all-weather lens in the 25–50% VLT range is the most versatile starting point. Then consider fit: standard adult frames for most face shapes, women's frames for a smaller profile, OTG frames if you wear glasses. Finally, check helmet compatibility to ensure there is no gap at the forehead. How to choose ski and snowboard goggles goes through each factor in more detail.

What does VLT mean in ski goggles?

VLT stands for Visible Light Transmission. It is the percentage of available light that passes through the goggle lens. A lens with 10% VLT is dark and designed for bright sun. A lens with 80% VLT is nearly clear and designed for low light or night skiing. The right number depends on the conditions you ski in most. What VLT means explains how to match VLT to your conditions with specific examples.

Can you wear glasses under ski goggles?

Yes. OTG (Over The Glasses) ski goggles are designed specifically for this. They have a deeper internal frame profile and foam that is notched at the nose bridge to sit over prescription glasses without compressing the arms or disrupting the seal. Standard goggles are not built with this extra depth and will not fit comfortably over frames. Giro OTG ski goggles are sized and shaped for reliable use with eyewear.

What size ski goggles do I need?

Most adult Giro ski goggles are designed to fit a wide range of face shapes as a single adult size. If the standard frame feels too large or the seal is inconsistent, women's ski goggles offer a smaller frame profile. For children, kids ski goggles are the correct choice — adult frames do not maintain the right coverage or seal on smaller faces, which affects both protection and peripheral vision.

Do you need ski goggles for skiing?

Goggles are strongly recommended for skiing on the mountain. Sunglasses do not seal against the face, which leaves gaps that let in wind, snow and cold air at speed. They also do not integrate with a ski helmet, creating a gap at the forehead. Goggles provide full sealing, UV protection across the entire field of vision, and direct compatibility with helmets. In poor visibility, contrast-enhancing lenses improve safety in ways sunglasses cannot. The benefits of snow goggles covers the practical differences in detail.

Are mirrored ski goggles better?

Mirrored coatings reflect incoming light and reduce glare in bright conditions, which makes them a good choice for high-alpine days with strong sunlight. However, the mirror coating only affects the outer surface of the lens — it does not improve contrast or depth perception in variable light. For mixed or flat light conditions, a contrast-enhancing lens like Giro's VIVID technology will typically perform better than a standard mirrored lens, because it works on the light spectrum rather than just reducing total light volume.

How do I clean ski goggles?

Allow the goggles to dry naturally at room temperature after skiing. Once dry, use only a microfiber cloth on the inner lens. Do not wipe a wet lens — the moisture acts as an abrasive and can permanently damage the anti-fog coating. Do not use paper products, clothing or unapproved sprays on the lens surface. The outer lens is more resilient but should be treated the same way. Full guidance, including storage recommendations, is in how to clean snow goggles.