4 BEST Photochromic Ski & Snowboard Goggles
If you're looking for just ONE pair of ski goggles that you can wear all day with crystal clear vision, then buying a Photochromic lens is a smart idea.
Photochromic lenses automatically change tint depending on the light conditions, darkening in bright light and clearing up in flat or low light conditions. The great thing about photochromic lenses is their versatility and ability to provide excellent clarity throughout the day and across weather conditions - from bright sun to foggy evenings.
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While photochromic lenses are more expensive (it can be the same as buying two different pairs of goggles) they combine the best and it is like wearing flat light goggles and bright light goggles at the same time.
Some models take a few minutes to react while more advanced (and more expensive) lenses, like those in the Julbo range, take as little as 33 seconds to darken or lighten - which makes for a pretty seamless transition while skiing from shade to sunlight. A quick photochromic reaction allows you to see more clearly - so you can react to dips and bumps in the snow or avoid ice.
Top 4 Best Photochromic Ski & Snowboard Goggles 2023
- Julbo Skydome Photochromic (Best All-round)
- Julbo Aerospace Photochromic (Runner Up)
- Julbo Shadow Photochromic Women Snow Goggles (Best Women’s)
- Bolle Z5 OTG Photochromic (Best Budget)
1. Julbo Skydome Photochromic
Best All-round
Julbo Skydome Snow Goggles has been building quality gear for 125 years so while their goggles are not cheap, the performance is next level. All Julbo ski goggles on this list come with a full lifetime warranty
The Julbo Skydome are large spherical lenses with a wide panoramic view in all directions. It comes with REACTIV lenses in five tint options. The tints are gradient colors for optimum contrast across a range of conditions.
The Chameleon lens block out the most light and ranges from across 15% VLT from 5-20 making it ideal for brighter conditions. The Cameleon lens is made of NXT material, which has the clarity of glass and the durability of an anti-ballistic material.
The Zebra Light red options are the most versatile and darken and lighten across a range of 60% - ideal for low light whiteout conditions and bright sunny days. You can ski from dawn till dusk and see clearly through the red tint which improves contrast.
The lenses have exceptional anti-fog capabilities and an external hydrophobic layer stops watermarks or smudges from fingers or snowfall. The lenses are well-padded and comfortable to wear all day - using two layers of foam.
Where to Buy:
2. Julbo Aerospace Photochromic
Runner Up
The Julbo Aerospace Photochromic goggles are similar to the Skydome, but they have a framed edge, a few different lens options, and are slightly cheaper. The Julbo comes with the same lifetime warranty, a double foam layer, and a full silicone strap for comfort.
The Aerospace lens is built with Jubilo's propriety SuperFlow ventilation system that enables us to snap forward from the frame to improve the ventilation on warmer days or when you want to increase its anti-fog capabilities. More ventilation prevents water vapor inside the goggles from condensing onto the lens surface as fog.
The REACTIV Snow Tiger lens combines photochromic technology with polarization to eliminate 50% of glare and to improve contrast in all weather - but especially bright light glare or whiteout conditions. Spotting and then avoiding icy sections will be easier.
Like the Skydome the Zebra option has the largest photochromic range of nearly 60% and comes in a few different strap color options and mirror finishes (when seen from the outside) but all with the same red tint (what you see) which improves contrast across all weather conditions.
Where to Buy:
3. Julbo Skydome Snow Goggles
Best Women's
The Julbo Skydome Snow Goggles are an excellent choice for women. It comes with a design that’s ideal for narrow faces. Furthermore, the thin construction of the goggles means that you’re provided with a wide view which helps you ski/snowboard confidently.
We liked how a ventilation system has been integrated into these goggles. This allows you to ski and snowboard on the mountains without worrying about your field of view becoming foggy.
You can make quick and easy adjustments to the goggles by using the loops that are attached to both sides of the headband. The headband has been made with a silicone lining material that enables you to keep the goggles strapped to your head comfortably. This headband can also be easily adapted to fit a variety of helmets.
Skiers and snowboarders have been liking how these goggles feel lightweight to wear. They weigh just 110 g which means that you can wear them comfortably without feeling like they’re weighing you down.
Where to Buy:
4. Bolle Z5 OTG Photochromic
Best Budget
The Bolle Z5 OTG Photochromic is a great pair of photochromic lenses that can be worn with a pair of spectacles beneath them. While you can wear spectacles with other large lenses on this list, the Bolle are specially marked as OTG or 'Over The Glasses' which means that have a specially adapted shape that will work with a wider variety of glasses and channels cut into the foam for the spectacle legs. Wearing these goggles without glasses is also fine and won't make any difference in how you experience them.
Bolle is a renowned French ski brand with many years under its belt producing quality lenses (since 1937). These are no exception and come in at a much more affordable price tag than the Julbo options I've reviewed above.
The lens has a powerful anti-fog coating and Bolle's FlowTech venting system which promotes directional airflow across the inside of the lens surface - reducing moisture build-up and maintaining clear vision in all weather conditions from sun to snow.
Where to Buy:
What is VLT?
This stands for Visible Light Transmission and it signifies the amount of light that the lens allows to pass through. So the higher the number the lighter enters your eyes and the bright the vision. Generally, a higher number is preferred in low or flat light conditions (whiteout, foggy, cloud, dusk) while a lower number is better for bright sunny days. Because photochromic lenses change the amount of light they let in depending on how bright or dark it is, I have put the VLT range that the lenses adapt through in the reviews above.
Why Are Ski Goggles Important?
Ski goggles are an essential part of a skier's kit to protect against harmful UV rays, make it easier to see contrast against the white of the snow, and insulate the face against the cold.
The sun produces ultraviolet rays which can damage skin and harm the eyes if there is too much exposure. UV rays penetrate through clouds and bounce off the snowmaking the effects at an altitude more severe than at sea level. All certified ski goggles protect against UV rays and by wearing them all day you can drastically reduce your exposure to your upper face and your eyes. In extreme cases spending too long with naked eyes can cause snowblindness and eye damage.
"Fresh snow reflects nearly 80 percent of UV radiation, and UV radiation intensity increases 16 percent for every 1,000 meters above sea level."
American Optometric Association. UV protection this winter.
Ski goggles also protect your eyes from the cold and the wind, meaning you can open your eyes without squinting or your eyeball watering. While ski goggles are ventilated to prevent fogging, they shield against the cold and insulate your face. When combined with a balaclava you can cover all or almost all of your bare skin with insulation.
Another benefit of wearing ski goggles is that they will help to protect your eye during a crash or a fall. Check this out if you want a full rundown of all the reasons to wear ski goggles.
How To Stop Goggles Fogging Up
Goggle fogging is less common when you buy a more expensive pair of goggles like the Julbo's because they have better ventilation, spherical lenses that sit further from your face, and a strong anti-fog coating.
Condensation occurs when water vapor in the air within the goggle comes into contact with the cold surface of the lens and condensates into droplets that reflect light and make it hard to see where you're going.
The Best Way To Prevent Goggle Fog:
1. Don't Overheat
By controlling your temperature you not getting hot and sweaty you are much less likely to produce the vapor that leads to condensation.
2. Don't Tuck in Balaclava
Another common cause of google fog is warm humid air getting trapped and fed into your goggles from breathing into your balaclava or neck warmer that is tucked too far into your goggles. Untuck to relieve the fog.
If you want the full rundown of my top tips then take a look at my post all about preventing goggle fog.
Best Overall Ski Goggles
If you're looking at my overall pick for the best ski goggles-read my in-depth review for this season.
Final Thoughts
Photochromic lenses are awesome. While their not cheap they are a worthwhile investment for skiers who want unparalleled clarity throughout the day. If you want the best ski goggles money can buy without compromise, then you can't go wrong with a quality pair of photochromics.
Bonus: Best Goggles for Flat Light
If your budget can't stretch for photochromic lenses but you need a pair of goggles for whiteouts, foggy, or evening skiing. Then you might find what you're looking for here:
Read my full review of the best flat light ski & snowboard goggles.
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Hello, I'm Simon & I love skiing. I started skiing in 2007 and I founded this website to help new skiers learn everything there is to know about skiing. NewToSki.com has grown to be a trusted resource for over a million skiers to plan their ski trips each year and learn more about every aspect of skiing. Be sure to join my email list for the best tips and handpicked deals each week.
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