Skiing in flat light can add a whole new set of challenges to skiing. The snow surface is hard to see. You can’t tell where bumps or ruts are in the snow. If you’re out skiing in a large open bowl it can be very disorienting. Flat light conditions include cloudy days, fog, overcast days, and skiing in the snow. The Smith 4D Mag goggles are the best ski goggles for flat light available today. They have ChromaPop lenses that enhance the snow surface combined with an unbeatable field of view. They come with a dedicated flat light lens. You will see everything in high definition.
Our Pick
Smith 4D Mag Snow Goggles
The Best Flat Light Ski Goggles
The Smith 4D Mag S goggles are the latest design from Smith Optics with their Birds Eye View lens. They have incredible field of view and the ChromaPop lenses bring out all the detail during flat light conditions.
- The 7 Best Ski Goggles For Flat Light Of 2023
- 1 – Smith 4D Mag Snow Goggle
- 2 – OutdoorMaster Eagle Snow Goggles
- 3 – Oakley Flight Deck Ski Goggles
- 4 – Wildhorn Maxfield Toric Ski Goggles
- 5 – Smith I/O Mag Snow Goggle
- 6 – Anon M4 Toric Goggle with MFI Face Mask
- 7 – Giro Contact Snow Goggles
- Flat Light Ski Goggle Guide
- Ski Goggle FAQ
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For flat light skiing, we want a goggle with a lens that has 20-60% VLT (Visible Light Transmission) and yellow, orange, or brown tint. Many goggles are available with different lens options. Please choose the lens option with 20-60% VLT if you want to use it for flat light skiing.
The 7 Best Ski Goggles For Flat Light Of 2023
- TOP PICK: Smith 4D Mag
- BEST VALUE: OutdoorMaster Eagle
- TOP PICK: Oakley Flight Deck
- Wildhorn Maxfield
- Smith I/O Mag
- Anon M4 Toric
- Giro Contact
1 – 
Smith 4D Mag Snow Goggle
Smith 4D Mag Snow Goggle☆ Top Pick
Specifications
- Sizing: Medium fit
- VLT: 25% everyday red mirror, 22% everyday rose gold mirror, 22% green mirror, 20-40% photochromic red mirror
- Dual Pane Lenses: Yes
- Ventilation: Yes
- Lens Swapping: Yes
- OTG: No
Up to 40% Off on snow gear at Smith Optics Winter Clearance Sale
Overall Score
What we liked:
- High definition Chromopop lens
- Great field of view
- Magnetic lens swapping with included 2nd lens
- Very comfortable to wear
- Includes hard case for storage and goggle sock to protect lens
What we didn’t like:
- High cost
- Easily scratched lenses
Summary
The Smith 4D Mag Snow Goggle is the latest high performance ski goggle from Smith Optics. The 4D takes the I/O design and increases the field of view by 25% giving you incredible peripheral vision. It uses the same Smith MAG interchangeable lens system as the Squad Mag goggles that uses magnets plus 2 latches.
The Chromopop lens technology from Smith Optics combined with BirdsEye Vision of the 4D goggle lens gives better clarity and focus throughout your field of view. This means you can see better all around you can see better all around your field of view. There are several lens options available in the 20-60% VLT range that are ideal for flat light conditions. There is also a 20-40% Photochromic lens option.
These goggles have the same great anti-fog ventilation and coating that we have come to love with Smith goggles. They will keep the fog away even better when combined with a Smith helmet with their AirEvac system.
The Smith Mag system uses a combination of magnets and 2 latches to swap lenses. It has 8 magnets that hold the lens in place. 2 latches on the corners make sure they never pop out. The latches are easy to latch and unlatch while wearing the goggles.
Overall, these are really great goggles. They will set you back a bit more than a set of Smith I/O Mag but give a much bigger field of view. The lens change system is improved as well.
Who are these for?
Someone looking for high performance goggle lenses and anti-fog with easy to change lenses
Review
See our review of the Smith 4D Mag Ski Goggles to learn more.
2 – OutdoorMaster Eagle Snow Goggles
☆ Best Value
Specifications
- Sizing: Large fit
- VLT: 48% Rose Red or 33% Saphire Blue
- Dual Pane Lenses: Yes
- Ventilation: Yes
- Lens Swapping: Yes
- OTG: Yes
Use the Coupon Code ERO2022 for up to 20% off at OutdoorMaster.com
Overall Score
What we liked:
- High definition Ultra toric lens
- Magnetic quick change lens system
- Includes a second lens
What we didn’t like:
- No photochromic lens is available
Summary
The Outdoor Master Eagle ski goggles come with 2 great color optimized lenses for under $100. They perform like goggles that cost 2-3 times as much in flat light conditions with the included lenses.
They come with both a 33% or 48% toric lens and a 17% cylindrical lens. You can have the cool flat lens look on sunny days and have the superior performance of the toric lens on a flat light day. Both lenses are color optimized. The 2 toric lens options both work really well in flat light.
They use a mixed magnet and snap in system for lens changes. You can swap lenses while the goggles are on your face with some effort. The snaps hold the lens firmly into the frame so there is no chance of accidentally losing a lens while pulling or lifting your goggles.
They are a true competitor for Smith I/O Mag and Oakley Flight Deck goggles at an Outdoor Master price.
Who are these for?
Someone who wants Smith or Oakley flat light performance at a bargain price.
Full Review
See our detailed review of the OutdoorMaster Eagle to learn more.
3 – Oakley Flight Deck Ski Goggles
☆ Top Pick
Specifications
- Sizing: One size fits all
- VLT: 26% Prizm Rose, 38% Prizm Persimmon
- Dual Pane Lenses: Yes
- Ventilation: Yes
- Lens Swapping: Yes
- OTG: Yes
Overall Score
What we liked:
- Rimless design for increased peripheral vision
- Great anti-fog performance
- High definition visibility from PRIZM lens
What we didn’t like:
- Easily scratch lenses
- Only one lens included
Summary
The Oakley Flight Deck Ski Goggles are a stylish high performing ski goggle. These have a swappable ski goggle lens. You can have lenses for flat light skiing and other conditions. The goggles only include one lens.
The Oakley Prizm technology helps refract light with higher definition. You can see more definition of the snow and surroundings with a prizm lens than with the naked eye. Choose a lens with a VLT suitable for flat light such as the prizm rose or prizm persimmon. The Oakley F3 anti fog coating is one of the best performing in the industry. The high quality foam around the frame feels great.
The Oakley Flight Deck Goggles are one of the best performing ski goggles today. They are high cost and we wish that a second lens was included for the money. Most other swappable lense goggles include a second lens. If cost is no issue these are great ski goggles for flat light or any skiing conditions. This is our Top Pick for best performing ski and snowboard goggle for flat light skiing.
Who are these for?
Someone who wants the best possible lenses and performance from a stylish brand and is willing to pay for it
Full Review
See our review of the Oakley Flight Deck Ski Goggles to learn more.
4 – Wildhorn Maxfield Toric Ski Goggles
Specifications
- Sizing: Large fit
- VLT: Ruby 50%
- Dual Pane Lenses: Yes
- Ventilation: Yes
- Lens Swapping: Yes
- OTG: Yes
Overall Score
What we liked:
- Wide field of view
- Clear lenses with minimal distortion
- Soft comfortable feel to the foam and flexible frame
- Includes 2 lenses
- Effective color optimization gives good flat light performance
- Good value for the price
- Latches keep the lens secure
What we didn’t like:
- Orange frame is bright when viewed from inside goggle around the nose
- Only 3 colors are available
- Lens take more effort to change than a pure magnet system
Summary
The Wildhorn Maxfield Toric Ski Goggles are the latest offering from Wildhorn Outfitters. They are a true high performance ski goggle with high quality color optimized lenses. They are a step up in performance from anything we have seen from Wildhorn before.
The Maxfield has toric lenses with a big field of view. They come with 2 lenses. You get a 17% lens good for bright conditions and a 50% lens good for dull flat light conditions. It is a good lens combination that makes sense for the majority of skiers. We have skied with the 50% ruby flat light lens on some really dreary days and it to be excellent and bringing out the terrain detail.
The lens change system is easy to use and keeps lenses from ever falling off the frame. It uses magnets with 2 security latches on the sides that are easily activated while wearing the goggles.
Who are these for?
Someone looking for a big field of view and good flat light performance at a budget price.
Review
See our detailed review of the Wildhorn Maxfield Toric ski goggles to learn more.
5 – Smith I/O Mag Snow Goggle
Specifications
- Sizing: Available in Small, Regular and XL
- VLT: 50% Chromopop Storm Rose, 65% Chromopop Storm Yellow
- Dual Pane Lenses: Yes
- Ventilation: Yes
- Lens Swapping: Yes
- OTG: Yes (XL version only)
Up to 40% Off on snow gear at Smith Optics Winter Clearance Sale
Overall Score
What we liked:
- High definition Chromopop lens
- Magnetic lens swapping with latches
- Most goggles include 2 lens
- Many good flat light lens options
- XL size good for OTG
What we didn’t like:
- High cost
- Easily scratched lenses
Summary
The Smith I/O Mag Snow Goggle is a great high performance goggle. The I/O goggles have been around for many years and a proven solid performer. The new magnetic lens swap system is a great addition. The old I/O lens system was not something you could swap in seconds on a chairlift ride or standing on the slopes. You can now swap the lens quickly and easily any time you want. The frameless goggle design gives a great field of view and peripheral vision.
The Chromopop lens technology from Smith Optics gives high definition light refraction. This means you can differentiate colors easier and see better. The Chromopop Storm Rose is a great flat light lens and comes as the extra lens for most Smith I/O goggles. The standard paring is usually a mirrored lens combined low light lens to cover you for most days. These goggles have great ventilation and anti-fogging when combined with a Smith ski helmet.
For people wearing prescription eyewear, the I/O Mag XL is one of the best OTG goggles out there. There is an available photochromic lens option as well for those looking for a photochromic ski goggle.
The Smith I/O Mag Snow Goggles are one of the best ski goggles available today. I personally have been using I/O’s for years and have always been satisfied with them in any light condition.
Who are these for?
Someone looking for high performance goggle lenses and anti-fog with easy to change lenses
Full Review
See our complete detailed review of the Smith I/O Mag ski and snowboard goggles here. See our review of the Smith Vantage MIPS helmet here.
6 – Anon M4 Toric Goggle with MFI Face Mask
Specifications
- Sizing: Medium to large fit
- VLT: Cloudy Pink 53%, Variable Violet 34%, Variable Blue 53%, Cloudy Burst 59%,
- Dual Pane Lenses: Yes
- Ventilation: Yes
- Lens Swapping: Yes
- OTG: Yes
Overall Score
What we liked:
- High definition Perceive toric lenses
- MFI integrated face mask
- Easy to swap magentic lens system
What we didn’t like:
- High cost
- No available photochromic lens
Summary
The ANON M4 Toric Lens Ski Goggles are possibly the best ski goggle available right now. They have first rate lenses, an easy to swap magnetic lens change system, and an integrated magnetic face mask. Anon comes from legendary snowboard company Burton but don’t let that turn you away. These goggles have everything that Smith and Oakley can offer and more.
The Anon Perceive lens technology refracts color better than the naked eye. The toric lens shape combines the best features of spherical and cylindrical lenses giving you great field of view and minimal distortion. This makes them perfect for the most overcase flat light day. The goggles include 2 lenses as well as a hard lens case for storing the spare lens. The lenses use the MAGNA-TECH lens swapping system that lets you quickly change lenses in seconds anywhere without taking your goggles off your face.
The ANON M4 goggles have their MFI (Magnetic Face Mask Integration) allowing your face mask to attach to the bottom of the goggle frame. This is great for keeping your mask up without trying to pinch it between your goggle frame and face. They have a variety of available facemask options in addition to the mask that comes with the goggles.
All these features makes these one of the best ski goggles available today. This makes them my top pick for best ski goggle for flat light and almost any other condition.
Who are these for?
Someone who wants the best of everything, lenses, lens swapping, facemask integration, etc… and is willing to pay for it.
Full Review
See our complete detailed review of the Anon M4 Toric ski and snowboard goggles here.
7 – Giro Contact Snow Goggles
Specifications
- Sizing: Medium fit
- VLT: 58% Vivid Infrared
- Dual Pane Lenses: Yes
- Ventilation: Yes
- Lens Swapping: Yes
- OTG: No
What we liked:
- Easy to use lens swapping
High performing Vivid lens
Includes 2 lenses
What we didn’t like:
- High cost
- Lens anti-fog may degrade after a couple years
Summary
The Giro Contact Snow Goggle is another modern high performance goggle. Giro is a well known and respected maker of goggles and helmets for a variety of action sports. The Contact goggle follows all the current trends. High quality spherical lens, magnetic lens swapping, and good anti-fog performance.
The Giro Vivid lens technology is their version of an improved color refraction lens. It allows you to differentiate snow terrain in low light much better than the naked eye alone. You will get the best performance in flat light conditions with Vivid Infrared lens. The lenses are dual pane and include anti-fog ventilation. The ventilation works best when combined with a Giro helmet.
The goggles use a magnets only system for lens swapping that is fast and easy to use. The magnets are strong and will hold the lens on through almost any fall or chairlift incident. Changing lenses takes just seconds similar to other magnet only systems.
These goggles come with 2 lenses with a variety of tints and frame designs. Be sure you choose one of the options that include the Vivid Infrared lens. These are a solid good performing set of low light ski goggles from a very well respected brand.
Who are these for?
Someone who wants high performing lenses combined with a fast magnetic lens swap system
Are you still confused about what to buy? Talk to an expert at Curated.com
Flat Light Ski Goggle Guide
There are many things to consider when buying ski goggles. Fit, lens selection, swappable lenses, lens shape, and fog resistance are the most important things to look for. Let’s take a quick look at each.
Fit
A ski goggle needs to seal against your face to stop air flow so you stay comfortable and to keep the goggle from fogging. It is best to try on goggles and see what feels best. They are all not the same size and shape. You should try them on with your helmet so you can see how they look and feel. Don’t be afraid to return them if the fit just isn’t right.
Lens selection
Ski goggles come with many different lens colors and VLTs. VLT is Visible Light Transmission and is how dark the lens is. A 15% VLT lens is a dark lens that lets 15% of the light through.
For flat light conditions, you want a lens with a VLT from 20-60% with a yellow, orange, amber, or brown tint. These colors help enhance the view of the snow surface by separating how you percieve shades of blue. A 30% VLT is good for most conditions. 20% will work best for brighter flat days. Greater than 30% will work for really dark, cloudy days or the evening after the sun starts to set. See our guide to ski goggle lens colors to learn more.
Swappable lenses
Some goggles like the Smith Frontier have a fixed lens that can’t be changed. You may need different ski goggles for different light conditions. Other goggles have swappable lenses like the Outdoor Master Vision and Pro. These use magnets and you can swap the lens out in seconds while wearing goggles. You can carry extra lenses in your pocket for when the light changes.
Lens shape
Ski goggles come in 3 lens shapes. Cylindrical, Spherical and Toric.
- Cylindrical lenses are the most basic and are a flat shaped lens. It gives you a cool retro look. They fog up easier because the lens is closer to your face.
- Spherical lenses have a sphere shaped lens. It is the best shape for fog resistance. It can leave you looking a bit like your wearing space suit goggles.
- Toric lenses are the latest and greatest shape that are cross between the 2 with less curvature in the vertical direction. These goggles have the least distortion, biggest field of view, and still good fog resistance.
Fog resistance
The biggest factors for for resistance in a ski goggle are the anti-fog coating, ventilation, and lens shape. Ski goggles with a 3x or 5x anti-fog coating will resist fogging much better. Goggles with spherical or toric lenses and lots of ventilation keep the lens farther from your face and the vents move moisture out.
Ski Goggle FAQ
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For other types of ski goggles please see our complete ski goggle guide here.
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Doug Ryan
Co-Founder & Chief Editor
I grew up back east in Pennsylvania and learned to ski on a family trip to Killington, Vermont when I was 6. I immediately fell in love with the mountains and have skied across the US and Canada on the east and west coasts and the midwest. I have a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and Reliability and am a complete gear nerd. Nothing excites me more than trying out new ski gear. These days I reside in Michigan by the Great Lakes and go skiing as much as possible.
doug@mountainskigear.com
