What Are the Top Smart Goggles for Skiing? The Definitive 2026 Guide

What Are Smart Ski Goggles?

At its core, a smart ski goggle integrates digital technology directly into your eyewear, transforming it from simple eye protection into a dynamic information hub. While traditional goggles masterfully shield your eyes from wind, snow, and harmful UV rays, smart goggles add a layer of data, connectivity, and recording capability. They overlay real-time information onto your field of vision or capture your adventures, all without you needing to lift a finger.

The concept isn’t brand new. Oakley bravely pioneered the idea back in 2013 with its Airwave model, but the technology of the time was clunky, prohibitively expensive, and ultimately ahead of its time. Today’s smart goggles are the beneficiaries of a decade of relentless technological advancement. Lighter batteries, brighter and more efficient displays, and seamless connectivity have finally made the concept not just viable, but genuinely practical and, in some cases, a game-changer.

Types of Smart Goggle Technology

HUD (Heads-Up Display) Goggles are the quintessential smart goggles. They project key information like speed, altitude, and navigation onto a small, transparent display within the goggle. The technology is borrowed directly from military aviation, where fighter pilots need critical data without looking down at instruments. In skiing, this translates to seeing your metrics without breaking your focus on the terrain ahead. The current market leader in this space is REKKIE, with discontinued models like the Oakley Airwave serving as historical benchmarks.

Camera-Integrated Goggles take a different approach entirely. For the skier who loves to share their exploits, these goggles have a built-in 4K camera. They allow you to record your runs from a perfect point-of-view perspective without the hassle of mounting a separate action camera on your helmet. Brands like OhO Sunshine dominate this niche, offering an effortless way to capture high-quality footage. The camera is typically embedded in the frame’s upper edge, positioned to capture your natural field of view.

GPS and Sensor Goggles focus on tracking your performance metrics without a visual display. The goggles are embedded with sensors that record your speed, distance, and vertical feet, syncing the data to your smartphone for post-run analysis. They offer the data-tracking benefits without the in-your-face display. This category appeals to skiers who want the insights without the potential distraction of a constant readout.

Full AR (Augmented Reality) Goggles represent the premium, cutting-edge tier of smart eyewear. Instead of just displaying data, these goggles project interactive, virtual elements onto the real world. Imagine a virtual slalom course materializing on the piste in front of you or turn-by-turn navigational arrows appearing on the snow. RideOn is the primary player in this high-end space, offering a glimpse into the future of skiing. The technology uses advanced optics to make virtual objects appear to float in three-dimensional space ahead of you.

Who Should Consider Smart Goggles?

Smart goggles are a fantastic tool for a specific set of skiers. You should consider making the investment if you are a data-driven enthusiast who loves tracking performance and measuring improvement. Seeing your speed in real-time adds a gamification element that can make every run more engaging. They are also ideal for social skiers who ride in large groups and want to stay connected using friend-tracking features. No more losing your buddies in the trees or spending half your day at the meeting spot.

For backcountry adventurers, the added layer of GPS and navigation can be a significant safety enhancement. Knowing your exact location and having compass bearings at a glance provides peace of mind in unfamiliar terrain. Content creators and vloggers will appreciate camera-integrated models that eliminate the need for helmet mounts and allow for spontaneous recording.

Conversely, if you are a purist who skis to disconnect from technology, the constant stream of information might feel like a distraction. Some skiers report that having data in their field of view, even peripherally, pulls their attention away from the meditative flow state that makes skiing special. Budget-conscious skiers may also hesitate, as premium traditional goggles offer fantastic optics for a lower price. A top-tier traditional goggle from Smith or Anon can be had for $200-300, while smart goggles start at $200 and quickly climb to $400 or more.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you see technology as an enhancement to your mountain experience or an intrusion upon it. There’s no wrong answer—only what’s right for your skiing style.

The Evolution of Smart Ski Goggles: From Failure to Success

Understanding where smart goggles came from helps explain why they took so long to gain traction—and why now is finally their moment.

The story begins in 2013 when Oakley, a titan in the eyewear industry, launched the Airwave. It was an ambitious product: a goggle with a built-in heads-up display showing speed, altitude, vertical feet, and even music controls. It connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth and came with GPS tracking. On paper, it was revolutionary.

In practice, it was flawed. The $600 price tag put it out of reach for most recreational skiers. The design was bulky, with a wrist-mounted controller that was awkward to use with gloves. The battery pack added significant weight, and the display, while functional, wasn’t bright enough to be easily readable in all lighting conditions. Most critically, the market wasn’t ready. Smartphone apps were less sophisticated, battery technology was heavier, and the idea of wearing a computer on your face felt more gimmicky than useful.

Oakley discontinued the Airwave around 2016. Smith tried a similar approach with its I/O Recon model, partnering with Recon Instruments for the HUD technology. It met a similar fate. For a few years, it seemed like smart ski goggles were destined to remain a niche curiosity, a solution in search of a problem.

But technology marches on. Lithium-ion batteries became smaller and more efficient. OLED and micro-LED displays became brighter and consumed less power. Smartphone connectivity became ubiquitous, and apps became more sophisticated. Perhaps most importantly, wearable technology—from Apple Watches to Fitbits—normalized the idea of having data at your fingertips during physical activity.

Enter REKKIE in the early 2020s. This Ohio-based startup learned from the failures of its predecessors. They positioned the display above the natural sight line, making it non-intrusive. They eliminated the wrist controller in favor of a simple button-and-gaze interface. They focused on the features that mattered most—friend tracking, performance metrics, and music control—and executed them well. At $349 for the initial model, it was still expensive, but no longer prohibitively so.

The 2026 model, priced at $399, represents the maturation of the category. Smart goggles are no longer experimental. They’re a legitimate choice for skiers who value connectivity and data.

Top Smart Goggles for Skiing 2026

After extensive research, analysis of expert reviews, and parsing through real-world user feedback, a clear picture of the smart goggle market emerges. Here are the top models that stand out in 2026.

At a Glance: The Best Smart Ski Goggles

• Best Overall Smart Goggle: REKKIE 2026 Smart Snow Goggles ($399)
• Best for Content Creators: OhO Skyshot with 24MP Camera ($300-350)
• Best Budget Smart Option: OhO 4K Smart Goggles ($200-250)
• Most Advanced AR Experience: RideOn AR Goggles ($1,400+)
• Historical Value Pick: Oakley Airwave 2.0 (Used Market, ~$200-300)

Best Overall: REKKIE 2026 Smart Snow Goggles

Price: $399 (2026 model) | $349 (2025 model often available)

REKKIE represents the current pinnacle of smart goggle technology, striking the most effective balance between powerful features, intuitive usability, and a price that, while premium, is justifiable. After a decade littered with the ghosts of failed attempts from bigger brands, this Ohio-based startup appears to have finally cracked the code.

The genius of REKKIE’s design lies in its subtlety. The Heads-Up Display is a small panel that sits just above your natural line of sight. You must make a conscious effort to glance up to check your stats; the information isn’t constantly forced into your field of view. This smart design choice delivers the data you want—speed, altitude, compass bearing, and time—without becoming an overwhelming distraction. The display uses a reflective coating on the upper third of the lens to make the HUD visible, which does darken that portion slightly, but most users report it’s not noticeable during skiing.

However, REKKIE’s killer feature is its friend-tracking capability. Once you pair up with other REKKIE users in the app, you can see their distance and bearing in real-time on your HUD. Within a 2,000-foot range, the goggles communicate directly via built-in 915MHz radios, meaning it works even in backcountry areas with no cell service. This is a genuine safety feature for off-piste skiing. Beyond that, the system cleverly leverages your phone’s cellular connection for unlimited range. For keeping a group together, especially with mixed-ability skiers or families with children, it’s a genuinely transformative feature.

Navigating the interface is brilliantly simple. A long press on the battery pack’s button brings up a menu, and you simply look up, down, left, or right to select a function. Up takes you to your daily stats (runs, vertical feet, top speed). Down returns you to the main dashboard. Left shows your notifications. Right controls your music. It’s intuitive enough that you can learn it in minutes, and it works flawlessly even with thick gloves.

In real-world testing, the REKKIEs have proven their mettle. An Engadget reviewer put them through multiple snowstorms in Park City, even accidentally filling them with snow after a face-plant in deep powder. After drying out overnight, they worked perfectly. The battery has been shown to last for two full ski days on a single charge in moderate temperatures. In single-digit Fahrenheit conditions, expect closer to 6-8 hours, which is still a full day for most skiers.

The goggles come with two lenses: a silver-mirrored lens for bright conditions and a low-light lens for storms or night skiing. The magnetic lens-swap system is secure—lenses won’t pop off accidentally—but easy enough to change on a chairlift.

Of course, the system isn’t perfect. The battery pack, a 4-inch box on the goggle strap, is undeniably bulky and can look awkward on lighter-colored helmets. It also means you can’t wear the goggles under your helmet, which some skiers prefer. The display, while clear in most conditions, can get washed out in extremely bright, direct sunlight on a bluebird day. REKKIE is reportedly working on higher-brightness lenses for future iterations. The exposed USB-C charging port initially raised concerns about water damage, but extensive testing has shown the goggles are water-resistant enough for typical skiing conditions.

Real User Feedback: A former Apache helicopter pilot who reviewed the goggles praised the HUD implementation, noting that it’s positioned similarly to military HUDs and doesn’t obstruct vision. Reddit users who purchased REKKIE goggles report that the friend-tracking feature is “game-changing” for group skiing, and the battery life consistently exceeds expectations.

Verdict: If you want smart goggle technology that delivers on its promises today, REKKIE is the undisputed choice. It’s not flawless, but it’s the most mature, well-rounded, and useful smart goggle on the market. The 2025 model at $349 remains an excellent value if you can find it in stock.

Best for Content Creators: OhO Skyshot with 24MP Camera

Price: $300-350

For those who prioritize capturing the moment over analyzing it, OhO offers a different flavor of smart goggle. The Skyshot model embeds a high-quality 24-megapixel camera directly into the frame, targeting serious content creators who demand better image quality than the base OhO 4K model.

The upgraded sensor makes a noticeable difference in both video and still photo quality compared to the base model, especially in the challenging, high-contrast lighting of the mountains. The camera handles the transition from shadowed tree runs to bright, sunlit bowls more gracefully. It performs better in the low light of early morning or late afternoon runs, giving your footage a more professional look with less grain and better color accuracy.

The camera is positioned at the top center of the goggle frame, capturing your natural point of view. Image stabilization is built-in, smoothing out the inevitable bumps and chatter from skiing over varied terrain. You can control recording with a simple button press, and the goggles connect to your smartphone via WiFi for instant preview and sharing.

However, the trade-off for this image quality is battery life. Expect around 30-45 minutes of recording time at maximum quality. This is a tool for capturing specific runs or moments, not for recording your entire day. The battery drains faster in cold weather, so you might get closer to 20-30 minutes on a frigid day. Dropping the resolution or frame rate can extend battery life, but you’re buying these for quality, so that defeats the purpose.

Who Should Buy These: Vloggers, aspiring ski filmmakers, or anyone who wants to create high-quality content without the bulk of a helmet-mounted GoPro. The convenience of having the camera integrated into your goggles means you’re always ready to capture a spontaneous moment. You won’t miss that perfect powder run because you forgot to turn on your action camera.

Limitations: These are not HUD goggles. You won’t see your speed or get navigation. They’re purely for recording. Also, the fixed lens means you can’t swap for different light conditions, though the lens is designed to handle a range of brightness.

Best Budget Smart Option: OhO 4K Smart Goggles

Price: $200-250 (frequently on sale from $350)

If you’re intrigued by tech-enhanced skiing but not ready to commit to a $400 price tag, the OhO 4K Smart Goggles are your ideal entry point. These goggles focus on one thing: capturing your run in 4K video. A camera is built directly into the frame, offering a seamless alternative to a helmet-mounted GoPro.

The video quality is surprisingly robust for a device in this price range. A wide-angle lens captures your full field of view, and built-in image stabilization helps smooth out the chatter from bumpy terrain. The footage is sharp, colors are accurate, and the frame rate is smooth at 30 frames per second. You can connect the goggles to your phone via WiFi to preview footage and share clips directly to social media, making it perfect for Instagram or TikTok enthusiasts.

The primary limitation is battery life. You’ll get about 30 minutes of recording time at 4K resolution, which is enough for a handful of top-to-bottom runs. Dropping the resolution to 1080p can extend that to nearly two hours, which is more practical for a full morning of skiing. The battery drains faster in cold weather, so plan accordingly.

It’s important to understand that these are not HUD goggles; they are action cameras built into a goggle. You won’t see your speed, altitude, or any other data. But as a simple, affordable way to record your ski days without the hassle of a separate camera, they offer fantastic value. The goggles themselves are comfortable, with good anti-fog performance and UV protection.

Who Should Buy These: Casual skiers who want to capture memories without investing in a GoPro. Social media enthusiasts who want easy, shareable content. Beginners who want to review their technique. Anyone testing the smart goggle waters without a major financial commitment.

Most Advanced AR Experience: RideOn AR Goggles

Price: $1,400-1,600 (€1,285-1,500)

RideOn represents the absolute cutting edge of what’s possible in smart goggle technology, and it carries a price tag to match. These are true Augmented Reality goggles, projecting interactive virtual elements that appear to float in three-dimensional space ahead of you. You can navigate menus with just your gaze, follow turn-by-turn directions that appear on the snow, and even race against a virtual slalom course.

The AR experience is genuinely impressive when it works. The display technology creates the illusion that information is hovering 15 feet in front of you, integrated into the real world. Virtual gates appear for training. Navigation arrows show you the way down unfamiliar runs. It’s the closest thing to a video game overlay in real life.

The eye-controlled interface is the standout feature. You navigate by looking at different UI elements, and the system tracks your gaze to make selections. No buttons, no wrist controllers—just your eyes. When it works smoothly, it feels like magic. However, the technology can be finicky, especially in bright sunlight or when your eyes are watering from cold wind.

It’s an undeniably futuristic experience. However, at over $1,400, it’s a product for early adopters with deep pockets. The technology is impressive, but the value proposition is questionable for most skiers. For the price of RideOn goggles, you could buy a REKKIE, a high-end traditional goggle as a backup, and still have money left over for a season pass.

RideOn has also struggled with production and availability. Originally crowdfunded in 2015 at a lower price point, the company has faced delays and had to increase prices as they refined the technology. Current models are based on Vuzix Blade AR glasses technology, which improved performance but increased cost.

Battery life and cold-weather performance are significant concerns. AR displays are power-hungry, and the complex processing required drains batteries quickly. Lithium batteries already struggle in freezing temperatures, and the high power draw of AR makes this worse. The company doesn’t publish official battery life specs, but user reports suggest 3-5 hours at best, and potentially much less in very cold conditions.

Who Should Consider These: Early adopters with generous budgets. Competitive skiers or coaches who want virtual training tools. Tech enthusiasts who value the “wow factor” and want to experience the future of skiing today. For most skiers, REKKIE offers 80% of the useful features at 25% of the price, making it the smarter choice.

Historical Note: What We Learned from the Oakley Airwave

No discussion of smart goggles is complete without acknowledging the pioneer: the Oakley Airwave. Launched in 2013 for around $600, it was a bold but flawed first attempt. It proved the concept was viable, introducing features like a HUD, GPS tracking, and Bluetooth connectivity that we now take for granted in smart goggles.

The Airwave showed that skiers were interested in data. It demonstrated that HUD technology could work in a goggle. It proved that people would pay a premium for connected features. However, it was hampered by execution issues. The wrist-mounted controller was clunky and difficult to use with gloves. The bulky design added significant weight. The display wasn’t bright enough for all conditions, washing out in direct sunlight.

Most critically, Oakley launched too early. Smartphone apps in 2013 weren’t as sophisticated. Battery technology was heavier and less efficient. The market wasn’t ready to embrace wearable tech in the way it is today. The Airwave was ahead of its time, and it paid the price.

The Airwave’s failure taught the industry valuable lessons. It showed that user interface is critical—complex controls kill adoption. It demonstrated that weight and bulk matter more than you’d think. It proved that display brightness can’t be an afterthought. These lessons directly informed the design of REKKIE and other modern smart goggles.

You can still find Airwave goggles on the used market, sometimes for under $300. They’re interesting collector’s items, and they still work if you can find replacement parts and compatible apps. But for actual use, modern options like REKKIE are vastly superior in every way.

Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

Smart goggles vary wildly in their capabilities. This table breaks down the key features across the top models so you can quickly identify which one aligns with your priorities.

Understanding the Technology Behind Smart Goggles

HUD Technology Explained: Heads-Up Displays project information onto a small transparent screen positioned in your field of view. The technology comes from aviation—fighter pilots use HUDs to see critical data without looking down at instruments. In ski goggles, HUDs typically show speed, altitude, compass bearing, and time. REKKIE’s display is about 1 inch across and sits near the bridge of your nose, just above your natural sight line. Look up slightly, and the information appears. Look straight ahead, and it’s out of your field of view. The key is non-intrusive design. Early models positioned displays more centrally, which some users found distracting. Modern HUDs are positioned to be there when you want them, invisible when you don’t.

Camera Integration: Camera goggles like OhO take a different approach. Instead of displaying information, they capture it. A small camera lens sits in the goggle frame—usually at the top center—recording your point of view. The advantage is hands-free recording. No helmet mount, no fumbling with a GoPro. The disadvantage is battery life. Video recording drains batteries fast, especially at 4K resolution. The camera also adds weight and bulk to the goggle, though modern designs have minimized this.

Friend Tracking Technology: REKKIE’s standout feature uses a combination of technologies. Within 2,000 feet, the goggles communicate via built-in 915MHz radios—no phone or internet required. This works in backcountry areas with no cell service, which is a genuine safety feature. Beyond 2,000 feet, the system switches to your phone’s cellular connection, giving you unlimited range as long as you have service. The goggle display shows the distance and bearing to your two closest friends, while the app shows everyone in your group. It’s genuinely useful for keeping groups together, especially with mixed-ability skiers who naturally separate on runs.

Top Traditional Goggles for Tech-Savvy Skiers

Not everyone needs a computer on their face. For many, the pinnacle of goggle technology lies in optics and convenience, not electronics. Modern “traditional” goggles incorporate impressive innovations that make them smarter than ever, without the need for a battery. If you’re not sold on a HUD, these are the best high-tech traditional options.

Best Photochromic Lens: Scott React Amp Pro

Price: $270

Photochromic lenses, which automatically adjust their tint to changing light conditions, are a form of smart technology in their own right. The Scott React Amp Pro perfects this, offering a single lens that seamlessly handles everything from bright sun to flat-light gray days. Testers have praised its ability to provide clarity and protection across a huge range of conditions, eliminating the need to swap lenses mid-day.

The included chrome-coated transition lens can handle gray days or bright sun with equal ease. One tester skied two California volcanoes—Mount Shasta and Lassen Peak, covering 7,000 vertical feet in wildly mixed conditions—with the same lens all day. The lens protected against intense high-altitude sun while still providing enough clarity to see in shadowed areas and during brief storms.

Scott pairs this with a foolproof magnetic lens-swap system. A side lever releases the lens, so it only comes off when you want it to. No accidental pop-offs like some cheaper magnetic systems. The second included lens is optimized for low-light conditions like night skiing or heavy storms, giving you options when the photochromic lens reaches its limits.

The fit accommodates medium to large faces comfortably. Three-layer foam is firm but plush, creating a good seal without pressure points. The extra-wide strap stays in place without excessive tightness, and it’s compatible with most helmets.

Why Choose These Over Smart Goggles: If you don’t need performance data or friend tracking, the React Amp Pro offers a more elegant solution. No batteries to charge. No electronics to fail in extreme cold. Just excellent optics that adapt automatically to conditions. They’re also $130 cheaper than REKKIE while offering superior lens technology. For many skiers, that’s the smarter choice.

Best Magnetic Lens System: Anon M5

Price: $300

Anon, a Burton brand, pioneered magnetic lens systems, and the M5 is their masterpiece. The system is so smooth and intuitive that changing lenses becomes a one-handed, two-second operation you can do on the chairlift without a second thought. The magnets are perfectly tuned—strong enough to prevent accidental pop-offs during a fall, yet easy to separate when you want to.

The optics are excellent. Anon’s PERCEIVE lens technology enhances contrast and color, making it easier to read terrain. Clarity rivals anything in this price range. The field of view is generous without being oversized, and the cylindrical lens shape provides excellent optics with less distortion than some spherical designs.

Anti-fog coating works reliably in all but the most extreme conditions. The only time testers reported fogging was during heavy exertion in very cold weather, which is when even the best goggles can struggle. The triple-layer foam is comfortable for all-day wear, and the strap stays put without excessive tightness.

The M5 fits medium to large faces well. Smaller-faced skiers should look at the M4 instead, which offers the same technology in a smaller frame. The goggles are also compatible with Anon’s MFI face masks, which magnetically attach to the goggle for seamless integration.

Verdict: If you want the convenience of quick lens changes without the complexity of smart technology, the Anon M5 is hard to beat. It’s expensive for a non-smart goggle, but the quality and user experience justify the price.

Best Wide Field of View: Smith 4D Mag XL

Price: $348

Smith’s 4D Mag XL is engineered to give you the widest possible field of view. The unique spherical lens curves both horizontally and vertically, and an additional downward curve below the eye line opens up your peripheral vision like never before. It’s the closest you can get to an IMAX experience on the slopes. You can see more of the mountain, spot obstacles earlier, and have better awareness of skiers around you.

This is combined with Smith’s outstanding ChromaPop lens technology, which enhances contrast and color to help you read the snow texture with incredible detail. Icy patches, moguls, and subtle slope changes become more visible. It’s not smart technology in the electronic sense, but its intelligent design helps you make smarter decisions on the mountain.

The magnetic lens system (Mag-Tech) is nearly as good as Anon’s. It’s secure and easy to use, though not quite as refined. The XL size fits larger faces and accommodates over-glasses use if needed, making it one of the best OTG (over-the-glasses) options available.

At $348, these cost almost as much as REKKIE smart goggles. The value proposition depends on whether you prioritize field of view and optical quality over data tracking. For skiers who value pure visual performance, the 4D Mag XL is worth every penny.

Smart Goggles for Different Skill Levels

The right smart goggle depends not just on your budget and priorities, but also on your skill level and how you ski.

For Beginners: If you’re just learning to ski, smart goggles are probably overkill. Focus on mastering the basics before adding technology to the mix. A budget-friendly traditional goggle like the Goodr Snow G ($75) offers excellent value. However, if you’re a tech enthusiast who wants to track your progress from day one, the OhO 4K ($200-250) is a reasonable entry point. The camera lets you review your technique, which can be valuable for learning.

For Intermediate Skiers: This is where smart goggles start to make sense. You’re comfortable on the mountain and ready to push your limits. The REKKIE 2026 ($399) is ideal for intermediates who ski with friends and want to stay connected. The speed tracking adds a fun competitive element, and the friend tracking is genuinely useful. If you’re more interested in capturing your improvement, the OhO Skyshot ($300-350) offers better image quality for reviewing your runs.

For Advanced/Expert Skiers: Experienced skiers will appreciate the full feature set of the REKKIE. The GPS and compass are useful for exploring new terrain. The performance metrics let you track your improvement on specific runs. The friend tracking is valuable for backcountry skiing or when you’re skiing with less experienced friends and want to keep tabs on them. If you’re a ski instructor or coach, the data can be valuable for analyzing student performance.

For Backcountry Specialists: Smart goggles with GPS and friend tracking offer genuine safety benefits in the backcountry. The REKKIE’s 915MHz radio works without cell service, which is critical in remote areas. However, never rely solely on smart goggles for backcountry navigation. Always carry a dedicated GPS device, avalanche beacon, and know how to use them. Smart goggles are supplementary tools, not primary safety equipment.

Should You Choose Smart or Traditional Goggles?

The decision between a smart and a traditional goggle isn’t about which is objectively “better,” but which is the right tool for your personal skiing style. Both categories offer incredible technology; the question is what kind of technology you value most.

Choose Smart Goggles If:

You ski in a group and want to stay connected. The friend-tracking feature on the REKKIE is a genuine game-changer for staying connected with family and friends on the mountain. No more losing your kids in the terrain park or spending 20 minutes at the meeting spot waiting for stragglers.

You’re data-driven and want to track performance. If you love tracking your performance, measuring your speed, and analyzing your vertical feet at the end of the day, a HUD provides instant gratification. Seeing your speed in real-time adds a gamification element to skiing that can make every run more engaging.

You ski backcountry or off-piste frequently. GPS and navigation features provide an extra safety layer. Knowing your exact location and having compass bearings available at a glance can be genuinely useful in low-visibility or unfamiliar terrain. The friend tracking is also valuable for keeping your group together in the backcountry.

You want to record runs without helmet cameras. Camera-integrated goggles like the OhO models offer the most seamless way to capture high-quality POV footage. No helmet mount, no fumbling with a GoPro, no forgetting to hit record.

You’re comfortable with technology and don’t mind charging devices. Smart goggles require the same maintenance as smartphones—regular charging, occasional firmware updates, app management. If you’re already comfortable with wearable tech like smartwatches, smart goggles are a natural extension.

Choose Traditional Goggles If:

You prioritize simplicity and reliability. No batteries mean no charging, no dead-battery disappointments, and no electronics to fail in extreme cold. Traditional goggles just work, every time, in any temperature. They’re also typically lighter and more comfortable for all-day wear.

You’re on a budget. You can get world-class optics and features like photochromic or magnetic lenses for significantly less than the price of a premium smart goggle. The Scott React Amp Pro at $270 offers photochromic lenses and magnetic swaps for $130 less than the REKKIE.

You find technology distracting. Some skiers feel HUDs pull attention away from the mountain. If you ski to escape screens and notifications, adding a display to your face defeats the purpose. Skiing is one of the few activities where you can truly disconnect, and many people value that.

You ski in extreme cold regularly. Batteries struggle below zero Fahrenheit. Traditional goggles work regardless of temperature. If you regularly ski in sub-zero conditions, the reliability of traditional goggles is worth the trade-off.

You want the absolute best optical quality. While smart goggle optics are good, the top-tier traditional models from brands like Smith and Scott still have a slight edge in lens technology. Photochromic lenses, ChromaPop color enhancement, and superior anti-fog coatings are often better in traditional goggles.

How to Buy Smart Ski Goggles

Buying smart goggles involves all the considerations of traditional goggles—fit, lens quality, helmet compatibility—plus a new layer of technical factors. Here’s what to look for.

Display Technology (Smart Goggles Only): Look for a HUD that is bright enough for sunny days but can be dimmed for low light. REKKIE offers brightness control through its app. The display’s position matters; a display that sits above your direct line of sight (like REKKIE’s) is less distracting than a center-positioned display. Check reviews for visibility in different lighting conditions.

Battery Life and Cold Weather Performance: Be realistic about the manufacturer’s claims. Expect battery life to be 20-30% shorter in freezing temperatures. A 10-hour claimed battery life likely translates to a solid 6-8 hours on a cold day, which is sufficient for most skiers. Consider your typical ski day length. If you ski 4-5 hours, an 8-hour battery provides cushion. If you’re out dawn to dusk, you might need mid-day charging.

Connectivity and App Ecosystem: The goggle is only half the product. The smartphone app is the other half. Check reviews for the companion app on the iOS App Store or Google Play. A buggy, unsupported app can render a great piece of hardware useless. Look for apps with regular updates, responsive customer support, and good user ratings.

Lens Quality and Interchangeability: Don’t let fancy features distract you from the goggle’s primary function. Ensure it offers 100% UV protection (UV400 standard) and effective anti-fog technology. An interchangeable lens system is crucial for adapting to different weather conditions. Magnetic systems (REKKIE, Anon) make swapping easy. Fixed lenses (OhO, some Bolle models) are simpler but less adaptable.

Fit and Helmet Compatibility: This is paramount. A goggle that doesn’t seal properly against your face is worthless, no matter how advanced its features. If possible, try goggles on with the helmet you ski in. Pay attention to the bulk of battery packs on smart models; ensure they don’t interfere with your helmet’s fit or pull the goggles down. The REKKIE’s battery pack sits on the strap and must be worn over the helmet, not under it.

Warranty and Support: Check the warranty terms. Most smart goggles come with a one-year warranty covering manufacturing defects. Some brands offer extended warranties for an additional fee. Also check if the company offers firmware updates and how long they commit to supporting the product. A smart goggle without software support becomes obsolete quickly.

Where to Buy: Smart goggles are available directly from manufacturers’ websites, as well as from retailers like REI, Backcountry, and evo. Buying directly from the manufacturer often provides better customer support and easier warranty claims. However, retailers sometimes offer better return policies, which is valuable if you’re unsure about fit.

Maintenance and Care for Smart Ski Goggles

Smart goggles require more care than traditional goggles due to their electronic components. Proper maintenance extends their lifespan and ensures reliable performance.

Battery Care in Cold Weather: Lithium-ion batteries lose capacity in cold temperatures. To maximize battery life, keep your goggles in an inside pocket between runs. The warmth from your body helps maintain battery temperature. Avoid leaving goggles in a cold car overnight; bring them inside. When charging, allow the goggles to warm to room temperature first. Charging a cold battery can reduce its long-term capacity.

Cleaning Smart Goggles: Clean lenses with a microfiber cloth designed for goggles. Never use paper towels or your glove, as these can scratch the lens. For stubborn dirt or salt residue, rinse the lens with lukewarm water before wiping. Avoid getting water in the electronic components, especially around the charging port. The REKKIE’s USB-C port is water-resistant but not waterproof; don’t submerge the goggles or spray water directly at the port.

Storage Tips: Store smart goggles in a protective case when not in use. This protects the lenses from scratches and the electronics from impacts. Store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight, as prolonged heat exposure can damage the battery. If storing for the off-season, charge the battery to about 50% before storage. Fully charged or fully depleted batteries degrade faster during long-term storage.

Troubleshooting Common Issues: If the display isn’t turning on, check the battery charge. If it’s charged but still not working, try a hard reset (instructions in the manual). If the display is dim, check the brightness setting in the app. If friend tracking isn’t working, ensure both users have the latest firmware and that Bluetooth is enabled on both phones. If lenses are fogging, ensure the vents aren’t blocked by snow or a face mask.

Are Smart Goggles Safe? Addressing the Distraction Debate

The most persistent concern leveled against smart goggles is the potential for distraction. It’s a valid question, but one that often stems from a misunderstanding of how they are designed. A well-designed HUD, like the one in the REKKIE goggles, does not constantly obstruct your view. It sits above your natural sightline, requiring a deliberate upward glance to read—much like checking the speedometer in your car.

In fact, a quick glance at a HUD is arguably safer than the alternative: stopping, removing your gloves, and pulling out your phone to check your location or messages. Consider the comparison to cycling. Cyclists routinely use handlebar-mounted computers showing speed, cadence, heart rate, and navigation. No one considers these dangerously distracting because they’re positioned to be glanced at, not stared at. Smart ski goggles follow the same principle.

The key is responsible use. Smart goggles are a tool to provide supplementary information, not a screen to be stared at. Don’t obsess over your speed while navigating technical terrain. Use the clock-only mode (available on REKKIE) when you need full attention. Let the goggles enhance your skiing, not dominate it.

Modern systems are being designed with safety in mind. REKKIE is developing a feature to automatically disable the display at speeds above 15 mph, ensuring the skier’s full attention is on the run ahead during high-speed sections. This addresses concerns about distraction during the most critical moments.

Best Practices for Smart Goggle Use:

Learn the interface before hitting the mountain. Practice menu navigation at home so it becomes second nature. Use clock-only or minimal display modes in challenging conditions. Don’t check notifications while skiing; review them on the lift. Turn off the display entirely in extreme terrain or when learning new skills. Remember that smart goggles are tools, not toys. Use them to enhance safety and enjoyment, not to show off.

The Backcountry Consideration:

Smart goggles with GPS and friend tracking can enhance backcountry safety. Knowing your location and your partners’ locations adds a safety layer. However, never rely solely on smart goggles for backcountry navigation. Carry a dedicated GPS device, avalanche beacon, and know how to use them. Smart goggles are supplementary tools, not primary safety equipment. Battery life is a concern; if your goggles die, you lose navigation. Always have backup navigation methods.