Low Light Ski Goggles

What are low light ski goggles?

Low light ski goggles use lenses with a high VLT (Visible Light Transmission), letting more light reach your eyes when visibility drops. Giro low light ski goggles are built for the conditions that make skiing hardest, from flat light and overcast days to snowfall and fog. The selection includes dedicated low light goggles, goggles supplied with a second low light lens and VIVID replacement lenses to upgrade a goggle you already own.

Low light lenses fall into lens categories 0 and 1: category 0 lenses transmit 80 to 100% of light and suit night skiing, while category 1 lenses transmit 43 to 80% and suit cloudy days, snowfall and fog.

Adding contrast with VIVID

In flat light, shadows disappear and the snow surface blends into one tone, making bumps, ruts and changes in gradient hard to spot. Letting more light through is only half the solution: you also need contrast. Developed by Giro and ZEISS® Optics, VIVID ski goggles let in contrast-enhancing blue light while blocking harmful UV rays, bringing back snow texture and terrain definition when the light turns diffuse.

How to choose low light ski goggles

Do I need a dedicated low light goggle?

Not necessarily. If you ski in changing conditions, many interchangeable lens ski goggles come with a second, low light lens, so you can swap from a sunny-day lens to a flat light lens on the mountain. If you mostly ski in cloudy or snowy conditions, a goggle with a single high VLT lens keeps things simple.

Can I use low light goggles on sunny days?

It is not recommended. High VLT lenses let too much light through in bright sun, which causes glare and eye strain. For days that mix sun and cloud, all weather ski goggles are the more versatile choice.

Frequently asked questions

Which lens colour is best for flat light?

Choose by VLT rather than colour. Low light lenses usually come in lighter tints, but the same colour can be made in different VLT percentages, so check the lens category before you buy. Our guide to what VLT means explains how to read the numbers.

Can I use low light ski goggles for night skiing?

Yes, with a category 0 lens. Clear or near-clear category 0 lenses let almost all available light through, which is what you need on floodlit slopes. Category 1 lenses are better suited to daytime flat light, cloud and snowfall.

How do I keep my goggles clear in snowfall?

Every Giro lens features an anti-fog coating, and pairing your goggle with a compatible Giro ski helmet keeps air moving across the lens to help reduce fogging. Avoid resting goggles on your forehead between runs, and at the end of the day let them dry at room temperature. Never wipe the lens while it is wet, as this can permanently damage the anti-fog coating.