Night skiing is a thrilling experience. It’s a chance to extend your time on the slopes beyond sunset and has a unique vibe that can give added spark to your skiing.
In order to fully maximize your night skiing experience; you need appropriate equipment. Making sure you’re able to see the slope is vital and most daytime ski goggles simply aren’t up to the task.
Thankfully, here a SnowSunSee we have a wealth of knowledge and experience of skiing after sundown. That experience has allowed us to put together this guide that reviews the best ski goggles for night skiing.
Ranking The Best Ski Goggles For Night Skiing
- Smith I/O Mag + Clear Lens
- Anon M4 Toric + Clear Lens
- Dragon NFX + Clear or Yellow Lens
- Oakley Fall Line XM + Clear Lens
- Smith Cascade Classic
Best Ski Goggles For Night Skiing Comparison
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Overview | The latest in a popular line of goggles. They have superb optics, a good lens changing system are a perfect fit for most skiers | Wide-view goggles with an incredibly quick lens changing system that lets you switch between day and night | Medium fitting version of Oakley's popular 'Fall Line' range that has super optics and a comfortable design | Great value for money goggles that provide great vision and build-quality that will last for many seasons | Budget friendly goggles that are reliable enough to suit many skiers and come with a clear lens included |
Best For | Overall | Lens Change | Smaller Faces | Value | Budget |
Pros | Standout optics, best-in-class comfort, magnetic lens change, durable, stylish | Quick lens change, wide field of vision, durable frame, superb optics, great for large faces, comfortable | Comfortable, good for medium/small faces, premium optics, sturdy design, good anti-fog | Good lens clarity, wide vision, stylish design, solid build-quality, value for money, comfortable | Cheap, reliable, durable, time-tested, spare night ski specific goggles, good fit |
Cons | Expensive, lens change not the fastest | Fit too large for some, expensive | Limited field of view, no magnetic lens | Huge fit, feel bulky, slow lens changing | Limited field of vision, fixed lens |
Overall Rating |  |  |  | | |
Night Lens Included | No (Clear lens available) | No (Clear lens available) | No (Clear lens available) | No (Clear lens available | Yes (Clear) |
Lens Shape | Spherical | Toric & Cylindrical | Cylindrical | Cylindrical | Cylindrical |
Frame Size | Medium | Large | Medium | Extra Large | Medium |
Face Foam | Triple Layer | Triple Layer | Triple Layer | Triple Layer | Single Layer |
Why Do I Need The Best Ski Goggles For Night Skiing?
Skiing after sunset requires specific goggles. The combination of dark sky and artificial lights is not encountered during a regular day on the mountain.
The unusual light conditions you will face render most regular goggles obsolete. However, the best night skiing goggles are perfectly designed to maintain vision view without direct sunlight.
Every option we have listed has the option to use a lens that is ideally suited to skiing without natural light. They provide a great ‘field of vision’ that will not compromise your view of the slope ahead and supreme anti-glare technology that can combat bright floodlights.
In order to make your life easy; we have categorized each product into its best usage. Whether you’re budget conscious or looking for ultimate performance; you are sure to find a goggle that suits your style.
How To Choose The Best Ski Goggles For Night Skiing
VLT
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) is a term used to describe the amount of light that reaches your eyes through a ski goggle lens. Each lens is then given a VLT % value, which can vary depending on lens tint and color.
- Dark lens tints let a minimal amount of light reach your eye, which makes them ideal for bluebird days. Examples of dark lens colors include black, copper and gray.
- Light lens tints will have a higher VLT that will let more through. They are best suited to cloudy, snowy or flat-light days. Examples of light lens colors include yellow, amber and rose.
- Clear lenses are perfectly suited to night skiing. They allow 100% of light reach your eye to maximize vision after sunset.
The goggles in this guide provide an emphasis on high VLT lenses that will not cloud your vision. We almost always recommend clear lenses for night skiing; although some may prefer yellow if you want increased versatility.
Light Condition | VLT Percentage | Recommended Lens Color |
Dark | >80% | Clear, Yellow |
Low Light | 35%-80% | Rose, Amber, Light Blue |
Medium Light | 20%-35% | Brown, Blue |
Strong Light | <20% | Black, Bronze, Gray |
Lens Shape
Ski goggle lenses predominantly come in two shapes; cylindrical or spherical. Each one has a unique design that will impact your view of the slope.
- Cylindrical lenses curve horizontally across the front of your face, but are completely flat vertically. It’s an older lens shape that is regularly found in ‘budget friendly’ goggles. Although it’s a design that’s suitable for many skiers; it does come with reduced peripheral vision.
- Spherical lenses curve horizontally across the front of your face and also curve vertically. The additional curvature gives these goggles the best peripheral vision and decreased glare. However, they often have a steep price-tag.
Unless you’re sticking to a strict budget; we recommend spherical lenses for night skiing. The wide-angle view they provide is especially important in the absence of sunlight.
Frame
Every pair of goggles has a different frame size and shape. It is a major deciding factor in the fit, comfort, compatibility, field of view and anti-fog capability of your goggles.
- Frame size should correlate with the size of your face. They should feel snug and ‘sealed’, but not restrictive. Many high-quality goggles have a very large lens size, but they often come in a smaller version to accommodate skiers with small faces.
- Frame shape will dictate comfort and vision. One key metric to look for here is ‘low profile’, which lowers the frame’s distance from your face to improve ‘field of view’.
- OTG is short for ‘Over The Glasses’. These goggles come with added space to accommodate prescription glasses without any painful pressure points.
- Padding is found in-between the frame and your face. It’s usually made from foam that is moisture wicking and ventilated. The padding should sit snug to your face to keep out snow, ice and wind.
- Helmet compatibility is crucial. If your new ski goggles are too wide to fit your helmet; they will be completely useless. Fortunately, modern helmets are compatible with goggle frames of almost any size and shape.
- Ventilation is found around the outer edge of the frame. Most goggles use an airflow system designed to allow constant fresh air to move across the lens. It’s vital for anti-fogging purposes, although it can allow snow to enter if poorly designed.
All of the above metrics need to be assessed when choosing the best ski goggles for night skiing. Look for a frame that fits your face without compromising vision for maximum performance.
Anti-Fog
Fogging is a serious issue for skiers. It causes a frustrating loss of vision that is detrimental to your performance and inherently dangerous.
Almost all modern ski goggles come with some form of ‘anti-fog coating’ that is applied to the lens. Premium goggles use a more effective coating that will help dissipate condensation fast, while cheaper products are often prone to fogging.
In addition, modern ski goggles also use ‘double-layered’ lenses. It creates a vacuum between the two lenses that acts as a thermal barrier to reduce fogging.
It’s worth noting that top price bracket ski goggles generally have the best anti-fog capability. Keep this in mind when making your purchase, while also looking closely at our pros and cons to make sure fogging isn’t a common issue with your chosen product.
Best Overall Ski Goggles For Night Skiing
Smith I/O Mag + Clear Lens
- Night Lens Included: No (Clear Lens Available)
- Lens Shape: Spherical
- Frame Size: Medium
- Face Foam: Triple Layer
- Retailers: Amazon, Backcountry, Skis.com
- Alternate Models: I/O Mag S, I/O Mag XL
Lens Quality |  |
Field of Vision |  |
Ventilation (Anti-Fog) | |
Lens Changing System | |
Comfort | |
Overall | |
Smith is a well-known producer of top-quality goggles; so it’s no surprise to see them at the top of our list. The I/O Mag is our pick of the bunch for night skiers, providing solid all-round performance and the adaptability required to see the slopes after dark.
The goggles are an updated version of their popular ‘I/O’ model, with magnetic lens changing being added for speed and convenience. They come with two stock lenses that are designed for different daylight conditions and it’s also possible to purchase a clear lens that’s suitable for night skiing.
Another strong attribute of the Mag I/O is comfort, with the use of a medium sized frame and contour hugging face foam that feels snug and secure. We also found them to be extremely well ventilated and capable of keeping your vision fog-free in any weather conditions.
Lens clarity, comfort, anti-fog and magnetic lens changing; the Smith I/O Mag has it all. It’s clear to see why we it’s our favourite overall goggle for night skiing, we’re sure it can bring you a fantastic view of the slopes.
Pros
- Great lens clarity
- Optics and depth of field are awesome
- Size that suits most skiers
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Great ventilation
- Magnetic lens changing
- Clear lens available
Cons
- Lens changing slower than some competitors
- Expensive
Best Night Skiing Goggles For Fast Lens Changing
Anon M4 Toric + Clear Lens
- Night Lens Included: No (Clear Lens Available)
- Lens Shape: ‘Toric’ & Spherical
- Frame Size: Large
- Face Foam: Triple Layer
- Retailers: Amazon, Backcountry, Skis.com
- Alternate Models: M4 Toric Asian Fit
Lens Quality | |
Field of Vision | |
Ventilation (Anti-Fog) | |
Lens Changing System | |
Comfort | |
Overall | |
The ability to change lenses with minimal fuss has become a focus of modern ski goggles. When reviewing the options; we found the Anon M4 Toric provided the most efficient lens changing system on the market.
The goggles have an extremely sturdy frame with magnetic attachments that make changing lenses just a simple ‘twist and pull’. Two lenses are included with the standard setup, but you will need to fork out extra to get the clear lens we recommend for night skiing.
Besides the super lens changing; we found the optics to be crystal clear and vibrant in a range of light conditions. The exceedingly large frame provides an extremely broad field of vision with an equally wide face fit; leading most skiers with smaller faces to opt for the ‘asian fit’ version.
Anyone looking to ski at night is sure to be facing a range of light conditions; including sun, snow, flat light and darkness. Overall; the quick lens changing, superb optics and wide field of vision make the Anon M4 Toric one of our favourite night skiing goggles.
Pros
- Great interchangeable lens system
- Clear and vivid optics
- Wide field of vision
- Strong and sturdy frame
- Secure and high-quality feel
- Included clip-in face mask
- Amazing anti-fog ability
Cons
- Too wide for some faces
- Expensive
- Included face mask is too thin for serious wind
Best Night Skiing Goggles For Small Faces
Oakley Fall Line XM + Clear Lens
- Night Lens Included: No (Clear Lens Available)
- Lens Shape: Cylindrical
- Frame Size: Medium
- Face Foam: Triple Layer
- Retailers: Amazon, Backcountry, Skis.com
- Alternate Models: Fall Line XL
Lens Quality | |
Field of Vision |  |
Ventilation (Anti-Fog) | |
Lens Changing System | |
Comfort | |
Overall | |
Modern ski goggles are often designed with exceptionally large frames that are incompatible with small faces. However, the the Oakley Fall Line range comes with an XM version that uses a narrower ‘low profile’ design that retains all the attributes required for night skiing.
The goggles come with Oakley’s typical build-quality and reliable durability. An overly sturdy frame has been complemented by a 360-degree ventilation system that is an expert at staying fog-free in changing weather conditions.
The solid feel of the Fall Line XM is apparent in adverse weather, with windproofing being a standout positive thanks to secure lens clipping and conforming triple layer face foam. It’s also worth mentioning the reliable clarity and depth perception the lenses provide; despite their ‘classic’ cylindrical shape.
Anyone familiar with eyewear will not be surprised to see Oakley appearing on this list. Upon review; we concluded that the Fall Line XM is their best model for small faced night skiers due to its superb build-quality, comfortable fit, vivid optics and clear lens compatibility.
Pros
- Medium fit suits smaller faces
- Fantastic durability
- Clear quality optics
- Great ventilation (anti-fog)
- Typically reliable design
- Comfortable fit
- Nicely conforming face foam
Cons
- Still a bit large for very narrow faces
- Limited field of vision
- Old and clunky lens changing system
Best Value For Money Ski Goggles For Night Skiing
Dragon NFX + Clear Lens or Yellow Lens
- Night Lens Included: No (Clear Lens or Yellow Lens Available)
- Lens Shape: Cylindrical
- Frame Size: Extra Large
- Face Foam: Triple Layer
- Retailers: Amazon
- Alternate Models: NFXs
Lens Quality | |
Field of Vision | |
Ventilation (Anti-Fog) | |
Lens Changing System | |
Comfort | |
Overall | |
Finding ‘bang for your buck’ can be a challenge, but the Dragon NFX proves that top-notch quality can be found for a moderate price. One of the jewels in the dragon ski goggle range; the NFX has a solid construction, interchangeable lenses and a field of vision that can match any competetor.
The ultra wide frame size can make these goggles feel a bit bulky, but the result is a wide peripheral view that will greatly enhance your skiing. The ‘frameless’ design uses a relatively classic ‘clip-in’ lens changing system that isn’t the fastest, but is certainly solid.
When looking through the lens; you will be treated to vivid colour contrast and great clarity, with yellow and clear lenses sold separately to meet the needs of night skiers. Around the lens you will find frame ventilation that’s capable of reducing fog on a powder day.
The solidity, durability and vision offered by the Dragon NFX makes it a great choice for a sensible price. If you have a wide face shape and don’t mind a large goggle; it will suit your need for quality vision.
Pros
- Super wide field of view
- Variety of lenses available
- Good vivid lens colour
- Comfortable face foam
- Good ventilation
- Durable construction
- Feel solid and secure
Cons
- Old clip-in lens changing system is a bit slow
- Very bulky
- Fit too wide for some skiers
Best Budget Ski Goggles For Night Skiing
Smith Cascade Classic
- Night Lens Included: Yes
- Lens Shape: Cylindrical
- Frame Size: Medium
- Face Foam: Single Layer
- Retailers: Amazon, Backcountry
- Alternate Models: N/A
Lens Clarity | |
Field of Vision |  |
Ventilation (Anti-Fog) | |
Lens Changing System | N/A |
Comfort | |
Overall | |
It’s no secret that quality ski goggles are often extremely expensive. However, the Smith Cascade Classic proves that good vision can be found without breaking the bank.
The ‘no frills’ design has a medium fit and relatively low-profile frame size that allows for a decent amount of peripheral vision. It’s a lightweight and durable shape that can easily fit into your pack or pocket if you’re hoping to carry them as a spare pair specifically for night skiing.
Included in the setup you will find a clear lens that does a great job of illuminating night skiing snow conditions. The fit shape is also very conforming and comfortable for skiers with most face sizes.
Overall; the Smith Cascade Classic is a great option for those looking for night vision without spending a fortune. Despite their limitations when compared with expensive options; they perform admirably in vision, durability and comfort.
Pros
- Lens is vivid during night skiing conditions
- Clear lens already included
- Very budget friendly
- Lightweight
- Comfortable and conforming fit
- Easy to use
- Pocket size makes them great to carry as a ‘spare’
Cons
- Can be prone to fogging
- Peripheral vision limited compared to premium options
- Lens can pop out at times
Summing Up
Night skiing is a fantastic activity; providing you can see where you’re skiing. Finding specialized goggles that ideally suit evening conditions is crucial; but it can also be difficult.
The best ski goggles for night skiing are designed with lenses that allow superior vision in after dark. They come with frames that will accommodate faces of various sizes, while also maximizing your peripheral vision.
Make sure you read the pros and cons carefully to find the goggles that match your needs. Getting the right setup is vital for your ski slope performance, but once you’ve read this guide, your decision should be a whole lot easier.
James is the founder of SnowSunSee. He started skiing when he was five years old and has been a qualified ski instructor for 8 years. He has taught skiing in many countries, including UK, Europe, Japan, China and Malaysia. When he’s not on the slopes, James spends his time travelling the world one trail at a time.