PlanetSKI Gear Reviews #2: Winter 22/23

19th December 2022 | Alf Alderson - Gear & Equipment Editor

Last modified on March 8th, 2023

In the second of a sporadic series of gear reviews over the winter our gear editor Alf Alderson checks out a few skiing essentials.

BOLLÉ ECO BLANCA GOGGLES £110 – £160 depending on lens.

The Eco Blanca, as the name suggests, is an eco-friendly ski goggle, designed specifically for women.

The plastics used in its manufacture are made from recyclable castor oil.

The strap is made from recycled plastic and the textile parts are made from renewable or recycled fabrics.

The design has been inspired by the fashion industry, so both frame and strap look a bit chi-chi, which may not appeal to everyone, but they still do a fine job of protecting your eyes.

The minimalist frame gives excellent peripheral vision and the goggles we tested came with Bollé’s excellent new ‘Volt’ lens (which is the £160 version).

The lens has been specifically developed for ‘firm and fresh snow’ apparently, and offers 100% UV protection, 30% colour enhancement compared to a ‘regular’ lens and increased depth perception.

Despite the leaning towards being a fashion item the Eco Blanca also offers all the essential features of a good pair of ski goggles.

These include an anti-fog and anti-scratch lens and effective venting, along with comfortably soft face foam and silicon-backed strap to prevent them slipping off your helmet.

VERDICT: Fashionable but fully functional, eco-friendly ski goggles

BOLLÉ ECO BLANCA GOGGLES £110 – £160 depending on lens

BOLLÉ ECO ATMOS HELMET £120.

The Eco Atmos is another in the line of Bollé’s eco-friendly products.

It features recycled plastic and textile parts made from renewable or recycled fabrics, whilst the EPS in the helmet is mixed with twenty per cent cork.

It’s also the most ventilated helmet in the range, featuring eight vents, the top four of which are adjustable.

The click-to-fit system at the rear of the helmet allows for easy and precise adjustment even whilst wearing gloves, and the removable liner is warm and snug.

I found the removeable ear pads a little bulky initially, but soon got used to them, and the light weight of the Eco Atmos (435g for a medium) adds to the comfort factor.

The Eco Atmos will especially appeal to the green brigade but it’s a great ski helmet whatever your views on climate change.

VERDICT: A good-looking, eco-friendly lid that’s well worth checking out.