The 6 Best Ski and Snowboard Goggles of 2012

Arnette Mercenary Goggles

The Mercenary comes in an array of lens hues, but we found the coppery persimmon (not shown) the most versatile. Peripheral vision was best for testers with small faces, and everyone liked how the outriggers made for a comfy seal, with or without a helmet.

TAGS: VERSATILE TINT, HELMET-COMPATIBLE

Spy Platoon Special Ops Goggles

Oversize goggles like the Platoon are stylish these days. They also happen to work well: the field of vision is massive, and the flexible frame wraps the face nicely, offering a bit more protection from wind and cold.

TAGS: OVERSIZE, BIG PROTECTION

Gordini GLC-E Goggles

Keeping goggles fog-free, especially when they’re pressed against your helmet, can be difficult. Gordini uses front vents that keep the GLC-E—or GLC-S for small faces—from getting steamy. Better still, memory foam offers a firm fit with no pressure points.

TAGS: GREAT VENTING, SECURE FIT

Smith I/O Goggles

Many lenses are simply bent sheets of plastic of uniform thickness. But because the I/O’s lenses are tapered, they focus more light on your pupils—and lead to less eye fatigue. Pair that clarity with interchangable lenses and the best peripheral vision around and you have some of the best goggles we’ve ever tested.

TAGS: TESTER FAVORITE, INTERCHANGABLE

Bollé Gravity Goggles

A steeply curved spherical lens offered testers an expansive field of view. The photochromic polycarbonate darkens in bright sun and lightens in the shade, but if you ski in flat light you might want a different tint.

TAGS: PHOTOCHROMIC, PERIPHERAL VISION

Oakley Airbrake Goggles

If swapping out lenses is a pain, we’re less likely to do it. That’s why testers were so smitten with the Airbrake. Simply lift the single lever and in about five seconds you can swap in a fresh lens to match the day’s light conditions. Two lenses included.

TAGS: QUICK-CHANGING, HIP PRINTS