Ski goggles — also called ski masks and, in Chile and Argentina, antiparras — protect you from sun, wind and snow, and they decide how much you can see when the light goes flat and the terrain disappears. Here you can rent them at your destination along with the rest of your equipment, without carrying them in your suitcase. Below you will find how the rental works and a guide to choosing the right lens: categories S0 to S4, colours, photochromic, polarised, anti-fog and models for people who wear prescription glasses.
Ski goggle rental: how it works
You book online by the day, pick up the goggles at the shop with the rest of your equipment and return them when you finish. They are handed over checked and sanitised, and at the shop you can make sure they fit your helmet before you head up.
- Ski goggle rental.
- Ski goggle (antiparras) rental in Chile, for the ski areas of the central region.
- In Santiago de Chile you can complete your gear with rental skis and snow clothing.
- Need a helmet? See the rental ski helmets by resort.
Antiparras de ski: the same product under another name
In Chile and Argentina ski goggles are called antiparras, and you will often hear «antiparras de ski» or «antiparras para nieve». In Spain people say «gafas de esquí» and «máscara de esquí». Everything below applies to all of them: what matters is the lens, the fit and how they work with your helmet.
Lens categories S0 to S4: which to use each day
Ski goggle lenses are classified into five categories according to how much visible light they let through. In Europe, the standard for ski goggles is EN ISO 18527-1, and the category is usually marked on the lens or the frame.
| Category | Light transmitted (approx.) | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| S0 | 80–100 % | Night skiing, very thick fog |
| S1 | 43–80 % | Snowfall, fog, flat light, heavily overcast days |
| S2 | 18–43 % | Sunny spells, changing light; the most versatile |
| S3 | 8–18 % | Sunny days, the usual choice under clear skies |
| S4 | 3–8 % | Very strong sun, glaciers, high mountains; not suitable for driving |
Note: the category tells you how dark the lens is, not how much ultraviolet radiation it filters. Check that the goggles state UV protection (for example, «UV400» or «100 % UV»), which is especially important at altitude and on snow, which reflects a lot of light.
Which lens colour is best for skiing
The base tint of the lens changes how you perceive the relief of the snow:
- Amber, orange, yellow or rose: they increase contrast and help you read bumps and changes in gradient in flat light, fog or snowfall. They usually come in categories S1 and S2.
- Grey: darkens without altering colours. Comfortable in sunshine, usually S3 and S4.
- Brown or copper: a middle ground: darkens while keeping some contrast.
- Mirrored: the mirror coating reflects part of the light and reduces glare on sunny days. The mirror colour is mostly aesthetic; what counts is the base tint and the category.
- Clear: for night skiing.
If you are only taking one lens, a warm-tinted S2 is the most versatile for changeable days; if you mostly ski in spring or in sunshine, go for an S3.
Photochromic and polarised lenses
Photochromic lenses darken with ultraviolet radiation and lighten when the light drops, covering a range of categories (for example, from S1 to S3). They are practical on days when you move in and out of fog, although the change is not instant.
Polarised lenses filter reflections from shiny surfaces and reduce eye strain in strong sun. Their drawback on the slopes is that, by removing glare, they can make icy patches less visible, and those are precisely spotted by their shine. They can also make some screens harder to read.
Spherical or cylindrical lens
A spherical lens curves both horizontally and vertically, like a bubble. It distorts less, widens the field of vision and leaves more air in front of your eyes, which helps against fogging. A cylindrical lens only curves horizontally: it looks flatter and more classic, is usually cheaper and can give a little more reflection at the edges. Both work for skiing; the spherical one is more comfortable if you spend many hours on the slopes.
How to stop them fogging up
Fog appears when warm, moist air from your face meets the cold lens. Ski goggles fight it with a double lens, which creates an insulating air chamber, an anti-fog coating on the inside and ventilation in the frame. You can help too:
- Never rub the inside of the lens: the anti-fog coating is delicate. If snow gets in, shake it out and let it dry.
- Don't push the goggles up onto your forehead or tuck them under your hat: there they pick up the heat and moisture from your head.
- Don't let your neck gaiter cover the lower vents and push your breath upwards.
- When you finish, dry them at room temperature, never on a radiator, and store them in their case.
If you wear prescription glasses: OTG models
OTG goggles (over the glasses) have a deeper frame and side channels so that prescription glasses fit underneath without pressing on the arms. If you wear them, choose glasses with a slim frame and check the fit before you set off. Other options are contact lenses or a visor helmet that leaves room for your glasses.
Compatibility with your helmet
Goggles and helmet should work as a set. The top of the frame should sit flush against the edge of the helmet, without leaving your forehead exposed, and the helmet should not push the goggles down onto your nose. The strap goes over the outside of the helmet, at the back, and many helmets have a clip to hold it. If you rent both, try them on together at the shop.
Magnetic interchangeable lenses
Many modern goggles let you change the lens in seconds thanks to magnets or quick-release clips. That way you can carry a dark lens for sun and a light one for fog, and swap halfway through the day. If you have your own goggles with this system, change the lens without gloves and take care not to touch the inside.
Ski goggles for children
Children need goggles with a small frame that fits their face and works with their helmet. Goggles that are too big leave gaps, pinch their nose or clash with the helmet. A versatile lens, category S2 or S3 depending on the time of year, covers almost everything, and UV protection is just as important as for adults. Check that the strap sits firmly over the helmet and teach them not to push the goggles up onto their forehead.
Looking for models designed for women's faces? You will find more details in the guide to women's ski goggles.
Frequently asked questions
Which lenses are used for skiing?
It depends on the light. In sunshine, a category S3 lens (or S4 on glaciers and in very strong sun); with sunny spells, an S2; in fog, snowfall or flat light, a warm-tinted S1. Photochromic lenses cover several categories and interchangeable ones let you switch halfway through the day. Either way, look for UV protection.
What are ski goggles called?
In Spain they are called gafas de esquí or máscara de esquí. In Chile and Argentina they are called antiparras (antiparras de ski or para nieve). In English the word is goggles. It is the same product under different names.
How much do ski goggles cost?
There are basic models under €50 and high-end ranges that go over €200. What pushes the price up is optical quality, a spherical lens, the anti-fog coating, photochromic or polarised lenses, a magnetic lens-change system and a second lens included. If you only ski a few days a year, renting them at your destination saves you buying them.
Which goggle colour is best for skiing?
No single colour is best for everything. Amber, orange or rose tints give more contrast in flat light and fog; grey and mirrored lenses are more comfortable in sunshine. For one pair that works almost always, a warm-tinted S2 lens is the most versatile choice.
Can you ski in sunglasses?
On a sunny spring day at a relaxed pace they can do the job if they are category 3 or 4 and filter UV, but they don't seal against wind or snow, they fog up or fall off easily and they don't fit well with a helmet. For skiing, ski goggles are the better choice.