Ski goggles and masks at Black Friday

What screen category to choose according to the weather

The EN ISO 18527-1 standard classifies ski goggles into five categories, according to the amount of visible light they let through. Categories S0 and S1, which are very light, are designed for falling snow, fog, and flat light, when the contours disappear. The S2, versatile, covers changeable days. The S3 filters bright sunlight in the mountains, and the S4, very dark, is reserved for glaciers and is not suitable for driving. Photochromic lenses, like those on the POC Fovea Photochromic, lighten or darken automatically depending on the brightness, avoiding the need to change lenses when the sky becomes overcast. At the end of November, a few weeks before the resorts open, there's time to try your goggles with your helmet.

Other winter sports offers

The Black Friday deals for winter sports also include:

• Helmets.
• Skis.
• Snowboards.
• Textiles.
• Footwear.
• Snowshoes.

All the offers are gathered on the winter sports page.

Mid, large size or OTG goggles: finding your size

The size of the goggles depends on the width of your face. The Mid versions, like the POC Fovea Mid and Retina Mid, have a smaller frame for narrow faces, suited for many women and teenagers; the POC Fovea and Head Neves, which are wider, offer a wide field of vision. The goggles should rest on the bridge of the nose without pressing, and their frame should align with the edge of the helmet, without any exposed forehead area where cold air can enter. Glasses wearers should choose an OTG model, for over the glasses, like the Cairn Genius OTG, which has foam that is cut out to allow the arms of the glasses to fit. Children have goggles made to their size, like the Cairn Rush and Neoface.

Magnetic lens, double lens and mist prevention

A good pair of goggles limits fogging in three ways: a double lens, which creates an insulating layer of air between the cold side and the warm side, an anti-fog treatment on the inner surface, and vents in the frame, which only work well if the helmet allows air to circulate. The Casco goggles with magnetic lens can be changed in a matter of seconds, without touching the inner face, to switch from a sun lens to a flat light lens. Head offers replacement lenses for its Cinema and Radar goggles, and Red Bull Spect offers replacement lenses for its own models. The POC Fovea uses Clarity technology, which enhances contrast to better identify the bumps on the slope.

POC, Head, Cairn, Pit Viper: different origins

Each brand in the selection has its own signature. POC, founded in Sweden in 2005 by Stefan Ytterborn, started with children's safety in skiing and designs goggles with a clean Scandinavian look. Head, born in the United States in 1950 with Howard Head's metal skis, develops its Neves goggles for piste skiing and competitions. Cairn, a family business established in Lyon in 1938 in the Croix-Rousse workshops, has been outfitting adults and children for decades. Pit Viper, with its very colorful frames and quirky style, targets those who want to stand out on the slopes, while Roxy designs goggles specifically for female skiers.

Frequently asked questions

Which ski goggles to choose for bad weather?

For snow, fog or flat light, a clear S1 lens, often yellow, pink or orange, enhances contrasts and brings out the contours. A photochromic lens or interchangeable lens goggle avoids being stuck with a lens that's too dark when the weather changes.

Goggles or sunglasses for skiing?

Goggles protect the entire upper part of the face from wind, snow, and impacts, and fit under the helmet at high speed. Sunglasses, which are lighter, are suitable for uphill skiing or clear spring days, but let in cold air.

How to clean ski goggles?

Shake off the snow without rubbing, let the lens air dry, then wipe the outside with the provided microfiber pouch. Never touch the damp inner surface, which has the anti-fog treatment, and avoid paper towels and household cleaners.

What ski goggles for a child?

Choose a junior goggle, with a reduced frame, compatible with the shape of their helmet, and a versatile S2 or clear lens for morning lessons. The strap should adjust easily, even with gloves on.

When should you replace your ski goggles?

Well stored in their pouch, goggles can last several winters. You replace them when the foam compresses or comes off, the lens is scratched, or the anti-fog treatment no longer works; for a model with a removable lens, often just changing the lens is enough.