Image Credit: @charlottelayla
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As snowsports make their way towards more inclusive and diverse horizons, the gear has got to evolve with it. Unsurprisingly, a one–size–fits–all isn’t making the cut. Aspen based snowboarder Charlotte Suan gives us the scoop on her most coveted ‘Asian Fit’ goggles in a now viral TikTok. The comment section initially thought she was joking, and the #soysaucenation caption might have had something to do with that. (We’ll explain, promise.) But the video shed some much-needed light on this very real gear style, and how we can help mainstream the inclusive fit into the snowsport landscape.
A Run Down of Inclusive-Fit Gear
So, what exactly are low bridge, or Asian fit goggles? To find out, I wrangled the viral snowboarder herself for an interview. Charlotte explains that the goggle frames have an extra layer of foam on the nose bridge to alleviate slippage and gaping. This simple tweak provides a much more comfortable fit and less fogging for riders with low nose bridges. ‘Asian Fit’ or ‘Asia fit’ was coined as the design originated from–you guessed it– Asia. Stateside, it is now more commonly marketed as ‘Low Bridge Fit’.
Low Bridge Goggles
- Smith I/O Mag Low-Bridge Fit Goggles, $162 (was $270)
- Anon M4 Low Bridge Fit Goggles (Cylindrical), $320
- Giro Lusi Asian Fit Snow Goggles, $170
- Giro Method Asian Fit Snow Goggles, $150
- Smith 4D Mag S Low Bridge Goggles, $320
- Smith The Skyline XL Low Bridge Goggles, $200
Round Contour Helmets
ALL ABOUT CHARLOTTE SUAN
Originally hailing from New York, snowsports were an integral part of Charlotte’s childhood. She learned to ski with her dad and brother at the ripe age of three, and it quickly became second nature. When her parents were certain she could ski *everything* Charlotte gave snowboarding a shot. Once she got a taste, the then–thirteen–year–old ditched the sticks and never looked back. (Save for this TikTok where she and her pro skier BF switch sports for the day.)
Currently Colorado based, Charlotte now spends her days on the hill in Aspen as much as humanly possible. And in all that time being involved in snowsports, she never came across Asian fit gear in the US. It wasn’t until she went skiing in Japan where the tailored fit was introduced to her. Here’s what she said—and the recommendations she gave—for where to start with this type of gear.
These are the goggles Charlotte uses—and which ones you can try.
C: “I was never necessarily unhappy with my regular gear, but after trying (Asian goggles)–they just fit so much better. Now I can’t go back.”
The specific goggles in question? The Smith I/O Mag Low-Bridge to be exact. She digs them so much, she made a TikTok that gained quite a bit of traction and they've since sold out (Suprise surprise.) I did manage to find some select colorways on Evo and Backcountry that are on sale, so I would hop on it. Since blowing up they have been selling out like crazy. Smith does have a few other Low Bridge options still in stock, like the 4D Mag S Low Bridge, and The Skyline XL Low Bridge.
For any low bridge ladies still in need of a gear upgrade, many other reputable brands have started rolling out low bridge versions of their best selling styles. The M4 Low Bridge Fit Goggles from Anon are a cult favorite in the original style, so these are sure to impress. You can also check out the Lusi and Method Asian Fit styles from Giro. Oakley typically carries low bridge fits as well, but they are clean out online as of RN. Be sure to check your local ski shops for retail availability.
And why stop there? If the fit of a traditional helmet isn’t giving what you need it to give, Smith also carries Asian fit helmets; now dubbed ‘Round Contour’ fit. The Maze MIPS Round Contour Fit Helmet ($93) which Charlotte reviewed (and is giving away here), as well as the Scout MIPS Round Contour fit ($63) are both great options to try out. This is the cheapest I have ever seen a MIPS helmet, so be sure to snag if your noggin shape fits the bill.
C: “When you think about it, it makes sense. Everyone is different, so gear should accommodate that. It sucks being on the mountain when you’re uncomfortable.”
We agree. Nothing ruins the experience more.
The U.S. is pretty late to the game.
While the low bridge goggle has recently gained traction in the U.S., this gear has been around for a while–Charlotte’s been using low bridge goggles for over 10 years. So, why are we so late to the game? The bigger issue lies with inclusion and the historical lack of diversity in the snow sport arena.
C: “Growing up and training (with the youth ski team in Aspen), there weren’t many people that looked like me. Being the only Asian person in a white dominated space, and on top of that I was one of very few girls on the team–I definitely faced racist comments. A Lot of the coaches were in on it too. Overall I’m grateful for the experience, but there were some moments that stuck out to me…that I’m starting to unpack more as an adult.”
While PAS is a huge proponent of skiing, we also must acknowledge that this space was not and is still not welcoming to everyone. We commend Charlotte for speaking up about the discrimination and isolation she faced in a space that should have always felt like a second home to her.
Thankfully, the culture has made strides in the last decade or so regarding inclusion and tolerance. In addition to her excellent gear recs, Charlotte also gave us the 411 on some incredible individuals and organizations that advocate for and celebrate diversity in snow sports.
C: “I think it’s really cool for people of all backgrounds to have a role model and to see someone doing amazing things that look like them. It inspires others, knowing that they can receive those same opportunities.” Let’s hear it again for the people in the back.
Nirvana Ortanez, SSN Founder
First Annual SSN Stir-Fry Event (2021)
Soy Sauce Nation
The first community that Charlotte plugged was Soy Sauce Nation: a snowboarding collective for Asian riders that is all about connecting and celebrating individuals' AAPI heritage through sport, and of course, showcasing some incredible skill on the mountain. The main founders, Andrew Kelly and Nirvana Ortanez, explain in an article by Snowboarder Magazine that SSN started out as an inside joke between the pair. However, it quickly gained traction amongst fellow Asian riders.
What began as a hashtag evolved into real-life meetups. Soy Sauce Nation has now partnered with the likes of Burton and Kikkoman Soy Sauce for their annual Stir-Fry: SSN’s largest event to date. (Check out their 2023 event recap!) And if you want to get involved but are not a part of the AAPI community, never fear. They have expanded the event to have a fully inclusive community day to celebrate all forms of diversity on the mountain.
Friends of Zeb Powell at Culture Shift
Culture Shift 2022
Zeb Powell at Mammoth
Zeb Powell and Culture Shifters
Charlotte also named dropped Zeb Powell, a rider who has quickly become an agent of change for the snowboarding community. Red Bull just released an article on his story, and it’s too good to skip. Besides being insanely talented and the first black snowboarder to secure Gold at the X Games in 2020, Zeb is again making history with his efforts to diversify his beloved sport. He has since partnered up with Burton to launch Culture Shifters: an event celebrating and encouraging BIPOC diversity in snowsports.
“Culture Shifters shares the love of snowboarding with a diverse group of people who influence global culture in an effort to get more representation on the mountain.” —Aspen Snowmass on Twitter.
The yearly shebang is held at Aspen Snowmass, and the 2023 event is already in the works. Be sure to follow their Twitter and Instagram to stay in the loop.
Eileen Gu
We could never leave Eileen Gu off this list. Professional skier, Olympic gold medalist, model and resident badass all wrapped into one. But Charlotte raves about her most because she is a huge proponent of women's involvement in snowsports, and especially encourages Asian women and girls to become a part of something she herself finds an immense source of joy, pride and accomplishment in.
C: “Seeing this kind of work makes me so grateful and hopeful for the future of extreme sports. As someone who has been snowboarding for years, it still gives me motivation to get out there and push myself on the mountain, and continue to do my part on my own platform.”
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