The ski mask is a key element of comfort during a day's skiing. It provides protection against the cold, but above all visual comfort, just like a pair of sunglasses. The difference between a pair of sunglasses and a ski mask is that they can be used in all conditions (sun, cloud, snow, fog), whereas sunglasses can only be used when there's a lot of light outside.

Let's take a look at the Smith brand and discover all their technologies, so you can choose the goggle best suited to your needs.

masque de ski Smith

The SMITH story

Smith is an American brand of ski and snowboard goggles, founded in 1965 by Bob Smith. Smith is known for innovation, design and performance.

Smith was the inventor of the first ski goggle with sealed double lens, a technology that reduces fogging. The brand also developed ChromaPop technology, which enhances color perception and contrast.

Smith offers a wide range of ski and snowboard goggles suitable for all weather conditions. Products are always available in a variety of colors and styles, to best meet customer demand.

Today, the brand is very popular with skiers and snowboarders, and is particularly well known among professionals, including the US Alpine Ski Team.


Why is it important to wear a ski mask?

It's well known that it's important to protect your eyes in the mountains. The light is much brighter than in the city, for a variety of reasons. The snow! Snow reflects between 80 and 90% of light rays, increasing our exposure. What's more, the power of UV rays increases by around 10% every 1000m. So it's vital to protect your eyes on every outing.

Please note! Wearing a mask doesn't just protect you from the sun's rays. It also provides real protection against wind, snowfall and between the tips of ski poles.

By opting to wear a mask, you also ensure excellent visibility. Reverberation from the sun, strong light or fog are factors that maximize the risk of falls and injuries. So, thanks to the different screens available, and having one adapted to the conditions of the day, you'll get optimum vision, especially when it comes to seeing every relief.

What are the different screen types and technologies?

The screen of your mask is an important element in visibility, which is why it's important to choose the right lens for the day. That's right! If you didn't already know, there are several screen categories:

Category 1: These screens are very clear and are reserved for bad weather or fog, since they let through between 80% and 92% of visible light. Often yellow or almost transparent, this glass will give you good visibility of relief even on a white day.

Category 2: This versatile category can be used in a variety of light conditions, but we recommend it for mixed weather with clouds. They let through between 43 and 80% of visible light.

Category 3: This glass category is the most widely used, and is recommended for sunny days when the sun is shining. Its darker glass means you won't be dazzled by the sun's rays. It lets between 18% and 43% of light through.

Category 4: Category 4 lenses are reserved for extreme conditions, often used on glaciers or for people who are very sensitive to brightness.

Photochromic: Photochromic lenses are in a class of their own, since they automatically adapt to light conditions. Sounds crazy, but they can cover several lens categories, from category 2 to category 3, or from category 2 to category 4. Photochromic lenses are therefore extremely practical, as they eliminate the need for multiple mask models or multiple screens for a single mask. Note that screen adaptation takes between 30 seconds and 1 minute, so your vision is always sharp and precise, whatever the conditions outside. Take off with peace of mind: your photochromic screen changes for you!

SMITH offers new technologies to guarantee you the best possible vision:

ChormaPop technology improves visibility by increasing color definition and contrast perception. This technology filters colors to let through those necessary for good visibility of obstacles and relief. This technology is available in a wide variety of shades, each designed for specific conditions of use (cycling, sea, snow, etc.).

The advantages of ChromaPop technology include :

  • Better color definition
  • Better contrast perception
  • clearer vision of obstacles and terrain relief
  • Reduced eye fatigue


Birdseye Vision is a technology that offers 25% more peripheral vision than traditional lenses. This gives skiers and snowboarders a better view of their surroundings, ensuring greater safety and more comfortable vision.

Goggle shape isn't just about style!

There are two types of mask shape: spherical and cylindrical. All Smith ski masks, whatever their shape, are compatible with Smith ski helmets.

Spherical: Spherical masks are curved both horizontally and vertically, so you'll notice a slight distortion at the outer corners. Vision will be slightly less wide, but higher than with a cylindrical mask. Freeriders particularly appreciate this type of mask.

Cylindrical: The cylindrical shape follows a horizontal axis, so the screen remains flat and image distortion is minimal. This type of mask is more suitable for use on slopes, and is also more affordable.

Spherical masks Cylindrical mask

A mask to suit every problem!

Wearing a ski mask can be restrictive for some people or in certain conditions (wearing goggles, drinking in the mask, face shape, wearing a helmet...), which is why Smith has thought of everyone and, above all, created technologies that mean you no longer have to worry about these details.

A mask that adapts to every face thanks to Responsive Fit technology.

Smith's Responsive Fit system enables the mask frame to adapt to every face. The frames are made from lightweight, flexible materials that follow the contours of the face. This ensures a precise, comfortable fit, even for the most complex faces.

AirEvac, the anti-fog system par excellence!

AirEvac is a ventilation system integrated into Smith masks and helmets. This technology maintains a constant flow of air between the helmet and goggles to prevent fogging. The air in the goggle is evacuated through the top of the goggle, then passes through the helmet and escapes through the top. The brand's helmets and goggles automatically adjust to each other for the best possible evacuation.

Glasses wearers can also wear a mask!

The Smith range of masks also includes masks for spectacle wearers (known as OTG masks), thanks to their generous overall volume and more appropriate shape. In fact, the volume inside the mask is sufficient to prevent the formation of mist, whether with or without glasses. OTG masks are all compatible with Smith helmets.