Ski Goggles

Giro Ski Goggles with VIVID Lens Technology

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 integrate directly with Giro ski helmets, eliminating the gap at the forehead that causes cold air intrusion and fogging.

Do You Really Need Ski Goggles?

Yes, 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.

What Type of Ski Goggles Are Best?

The best type depends on your typical conditions and face shape rather than one style suiting everyone. For most skiers, spherical lenses with VIVID optics in the 25–50% VLT range offer the most versatile all-round performance, since they balance contrast, field of view, and light transmission across a typical mountain day. Skiers who ski mostly in bright, high-alpine sun do better with a low VLT lens, while those who frequently encounter flat light, fog, or storms benefit more from a high VLT or interchangeable lens system. The same logic applies to lens colour: the right choice depends on light transmission rather than colour alone, since the same tint can be made in different VLT percentages for different conditions. How to choose ski and snowboard goggles goes through each factor in more detail.

Understanding VLT and lens choice

VLT stands for Visible Light Transmission. It is the percentage of light that passes through the lens, and it is the single most useful number for matching a lens to your conditions. A lens with 10% VLT is dark and designed for bright sun, while a lens with 80% VLT is nearly clear and designed for low light or night skiing.

Low VLT lenses (5–25%) suit clear, high-alpine days with strong sunlight. Mid-range VLT lenses (25–50%) offer the most versatile single choice for skiers who don't want to swap lenses, since they perform reasonably well across a mix of bright and overcast conditions. High VLT lenses (50–90%) allow significantly more light through for snowfall, fog or flat light, with night skiing goggles sitting at the top of that range 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.

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.

Frequently asked questions

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. What OTG goggles are explains the construction differences in detail. 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, with the foam and frame profile shaped to seal well against most skiers' faces and helmets. Women's ski goggles use a reduced frame profile with adjusted foam shaping for smaller facial structures, while maintaining the same optical and sealing performance. For children, kids ski goggles are the correct choice, since adult frames do not maintain the right coverage or seal on smaller faces, which affects both protection and peripheral vision.

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.