The snow is whispering. The wind is crisp. Your lines lie ahead, but your view should never be a question mark. Today, Behind The Pines is proud to unveil our latest evolution in snow performance gear: goggles built with Zeiss Sonar® lenses.

Why Zeiss Sonar®? Elevating vision under every condition

At Behind The Pines, we believe that seeing clearly is a performance advantage. That’s why we partnered with Zeiss, a world leader in optical technology, to integrate Sonar® lens technology into our new goggle lineup.

What makes it special?

• Contrast in all light
  Zeiss Sonar® filters are engineered to enhance contrast and depth perception, especially in low or variable light. You’ll spot terrain changes, snow texture, and obstacles faster, whether it’s a whiteout or a sun-filled descent.

• Color tuning & clarity
  Sonar® lenses fine-tune the visible spectrum to make details stand out naturally. No over-saturation or distortion, just balanced, accurate vision that reduces eye strain and helps you ride longer.

• Proven optical heritage
  Zeiss has been setting standards in precision optics for over 175 years. With their coatings, UV protection, and durability, you’re riding with industry-leading quality in front of your eyes.

The Science Behind Zeiss Sonar® Lenses

Zeiss Sonar® technology is based on spectral filtering, a precise manipulation of how specific wavelengths of light reach your eye.

In snow environments, blue light (400–500 nm) dominates due to reflection and scattering from the snow surface. While some blue light is essential for perceiving shadow and depth, too much causes glare, reduces contrast, and “flattens” terrain. Zeiss Sonar® lenses selectively filter out excessive blue light, while amplifying mid-wavelengths (550–650 nm) where human vision is most sensitive to contrast and color differentiation.

Here’s what happens on a technical level:

1. Spectral Curve Optimization
   Zeiss uses proprietary interference coatings to create a transmission curve that blocks excessive blue and UV light while allowing high transmission of green, orange, and red wavelengths, the range where the human retina detects contours and shadows most efficiently.

2. Contrast Enhancement via Chromatic Balance
   By fine-tuning the balance between wavelength peaks, Sonar® lenses accentuate micro-contrasts on snow surfaces. This allows the visual cortex to interpret small variations in texture and shadow faster, critical when reading terrain at speed.

3. Reduced Visual Noise
   Overexposure to scattered blue light causes “visual noise”, perceived haze and glare that blur fine detail. The Sonar® filter reduces this effect, resulting in sharper definition and less eye fatigue during long sessions.

4. Hydrophobic and Oleophobic Coatings
   Beyond the optical layer, Zeiss applies nanostructured coatings that repel water, oil, and micro-particles. This ensures lens transparency remains high even in humid or snowy conditions, without affecting optical geometry.

5. Multi-Layer Construction
   Each lens features a dual-pane structure (outer polycarbonate + inner acetate) with an anti-fog interspace. The Zeiss coatings are applied at the molecular level, preserving clarity without adding distortion or color fringing.

In simple terms: Zeiss Sonar® lenses don’t just make colors look better, they help your brain process what you see faster and more accurately. It’s optical engineering designed for human performance.

The Zeiss Goggle Lineup - Built for Performance and Style

Launching now:

• Helios Zeiss Sonar® - Ruby Red, Emerald Green, Electric Blue, Ember Orange

• Achlys Zeiss Sonar® - Emerald Green, Electric Blue, Ruby Red, Ember Orange

• Nimbus Zeiss Sonar® -Ruby Red, Emerald Green, Electric Blue, Ember Orange

Each model shares the same Zeiss optical technology but offers unique frame designs, fits, and field-of-view preferences. Whether you prefer a bold spherical lens or a streamlined cylindrical look, every option delivers premium performance and timeless design.

Behind The Design — What Makes These Goggles Stand Out

1. Precision Fit: Engineered for comfort with modern helmet shapes and minimal goggle gap.

2. Quick Lens Swap: Change lenses easily in seconds, no fingerprints, no fog, no fuss.

3. Anti-Fog & Ventilation: Strategic airflow and coatings keep your view clear during intense sessions.

4. Durable Construction: Flexible yet strong materials to handle cold, crashes, and travel.

5. Refined Aesthetics: Modern colorways and mirror finishes that look as sharp as they see.

Rider Feedback

“The contrast is unreal. I can actually read the terrain in flat light. - Miquel”
“They don’t fog, even when I’m sweating mid-run. - Matthijs”
“The Sonar lens made everything pop without looking tinted or fake. - Kai”

Real riders, real conditions, real results.

FAQ — Everything you need to know about snow goggles & lenses

Q: What’s the difference between cylindrical and spherical lenses?
Spherical lenses curve both horizontally and vertically for a wider, distortion-free field of view. Cylindrical lenses curve only horizontally, offering a flatter look and a lower-profile fit. Both perform equally well in our opinion; it comes down to preference and style.

Q: What VLT (Visible Light Transmission) should I choose?
VLT indicates how much light passes through a lens.

• Low VLT (5–20%) = bright, sunny days.

• Medium VLT (20–40%) = mixed or variable light.

• High VLT (40–70%) = cloudy or low-light conditions

Zeiss Sonar® lenses are optimized around the low/mid-range, offering versatility across most light conditions.

Q: Do I need multiple lenses?
If you ride in changing weather or day-to-night conditions, yes. A spare lens ensures consistent clarity. Our quick-swap system makes switching effortless.

Q: How do I prevent fogging?
Keep vents clear, avoid wiping the inside of the lens, and always dry goggles at room temperature. Our Zeiss models use advanced anti-fog coatings and dual-lens construction to minimize condensation.

Q: Are mirrored lenses just for style?
Not just style. Mirror coatings reflect excess light and reduce glare, especially at high altitude, improving comfort and protection on bright days.

Q: What makes Zeiss Sonar® lenses different?
They use targeted spectral filtering to reduce blue light scatter and increase mid-wavelength contrast, giving your eyes faster response times and improved terrain perception.

Explore the full Zeiss Goggle Collection:
👉 BehindThePines.eu — Zeiss Lens Goggles