Best Ski Sunglasses: Keep Your Eyes Safe And See Clearly On The Slopes
As winter rolls around, there’s nothing quite like the rush of carving through fresh powder with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. But amidst all the excitement, it’s easy to forget about one essential piece of gear that can make or break your day on the slopes: ski sunglasses. The best ski sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and harsh elements and enhance your visual clarity, so you can see every mogul and bump in your path. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the best ski sunglasses on the market, so you can hit the slopes with confidence and clarity, whether you’re a seasoned skier or a newbie.
What To Consider When Shopping For The Best Ski Sunglasses
Lens Type: Consider the lens type based on the weather conditions you’ll be skiing in. Darker lenses are suitable for bright, sunny days, while lighter or interchangeable lenses are ideal for overcast or low-light conditions.
Lens Coating: Opt for sunglasses with anti-scratch and anti-fog coatings to ensure durability and clear vision throughout your skiing adventures.
Polarization: Polarized lenses help reduce glare from reflective surfaces such as snow, enhancing visibility and reducing eye strain. However, keep in mind that polarized lenses may make it more challenging to see icy patches on the slopes.
UV Protection: Look for sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection, as the intense sunlight at high altitudes can be harmful to your eyes.
Fit and Comfort: If you want your sunglass to fit you comfortably, consider adjustable nose pads, temple grips, and flexible frames to ensure a snug fit without pressure points.
Peripheral Vision: Ensure the sunglasses provide sufficient coverage without obstructing your peripheral vision, allowing you to see clearly in all directions.
Prescription Compatibility: If you wear prescription glasses, consider ski sunglasses that can accommodate prescription inserts or offer prescription lenses directly.
Shop The Best Ski Sunglasses
If you’re in a rush, here are our top picks for the best ski sunglasses:
- The Most Funky Looking: Oakley Unity Collection Radar® EV Path® Ski Sunglass
- The Most Customizable Fit: Smith Optics Embark Ski Sunglass
- The Most Unique: Julbo Ultimate Cover Ski Sunglass
- The Rimless Sunglass: Maui Jim Ohai Ski Sunglasses
- The Best Budget: Tifosi Strikeout Ski Sunglass
1. The Most Funky Looking
The Oakley Unity Collection Radar® EV Path® Sunglass features a lightweight O Matter™ frame with metal accents, along with Unobtainium® ear socks and nose pads for enhanced comfort and performance. The performance shield lens technology with HDO® provides excellent optical clarity, and the sunglasses are available with Prizm™ lenses for optimized color, contrast, and detail. Additionally, they also offer polarized and Iridium® lens options and can be fitted with Oakley authentic prescription lenses. Also, the ski sunglass has a universal fit, meaning it accommodates most face shapes, and comes with a protective hard case. And the best part is, it is customizable!
One reviewer said: “I’ve been wearing Oakley’s awhile, went to cheapos the last two seasons (work in baseball) as last two pairs were stolen – both cheap pairs feel apart, one in a year and one in 3x out the door, so back to Oakley’s. Forgot what a difference they make, seems other pairs just bock some light while these enhance your vision. Hopefully this time someone won’t walk off with them.”
UV Protection: Yes. Lens: Prizm™ lenses. Polarized: No, but can be added. Prescription Compatible: Yes. Lens Coating: No.
2. The Most Customizable Fit
Smith Optics Embark ski sunglasses feature ChromaPop™ lenses that enhance color and contrast, providing a clear view of the surroundings. With removable and ventilated side shields, they offer additional peripheral light coverage. What’s more? The low-profile, adjustable temple arms ensure a customizable and secure fit, while the goggle-inspired retainer strap keeps the sunglasses in place during intense activities. Plus, the sunglasses are available in nine different colors, and they come with a microfiber bag and hard case for storage and protection.
One reviewer said: “Perfect sunnies for spring skiing and mountaineering. I’ve had problems with glacier goggles fogging up on the uphill- but these haven’t had that issue. Well ventilated, [has] lots of coverage, stays on my face well while skiing. The transition lenses work as expected- ranging from almost translucent in low light to max darkness on bright snowy days.”
UV Protection: No. Lens: ChromaPop™ Glacier Photochromic lens. Polarized: Yes. Prescription Compatible: No. Lens Coating: Anti-fog.
3. The Most Unique
The Julbo Ultimate Cover ski sunglass is a high-performance eyewear with lightweight construction and excellent protection. The sunglasses feature a removable synthetic nose guard and side shields that offer optimal defense against the harsh sun, strong wind, and extreme cold. Additionally, the CustomFIT Temples with Grip Tech structure and 3D Nose provide adjustability for a secure and personalized fit. And not only does the wide panoramic lens exude a contemporary aesthetic, but it also grants you an expansive field of vision, resulting in optimal visual comfort. Additional features include adjustable nose pads, compatibility with helmets, cord attachment capability, full venting to prevent fogging, and soft rubberized temples for comfort and grip. What’s more? The synthetic nose guard and side shields are breathable, lightweight, and easily removable.
One reviewer said: “Missions on glaciers and long bright days on snow truly crush the eyes and nose. Especially when you are really putting the time in out there. I love these for those big trips they’re lightweight, very adjustable and perform really well for skiing, mountaineering, and flying/paragliding.”
UV Protection: No. Lens: REACTIV 2-4 photochromic lens. Polarized: No. Prescription Compatible: No. Lens Coating: Anti-fog.
4. The Rimless Sunglass
Maui Jim’s Ohai ski sunglasses effortlessly combine style and functionality with their MauiBrilliant lenses and wide coverage, providing optimal protection. The lightweight and highly flexible MauiFlex frame not only ensures unparalleled comfort but also grants an unobstructed view of the world around you. Also, the matte silver frame, complemented by the MAUIGreen® lens boasting a green mirror coating for enhanced color and clarity, delivers a fashionable and effective solution for bright, direct sunlight. Crafted from the remarkable MauiBrilliant lens material, known for its exceptional clarity and shatter resistance, these sunglasses offer glass-like optics with a fraction of the weight. Plus, you’ll also receive a small tri-fold case and a cleaning cloth, allowing for convenient storage and maintenance. That’s not all; with their generously sized frame construction, the Ohai sunglasses cater to individuals with larger heads or faces, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit for all wearers.
One reviewer said: “So comfortable and light. I forget that I have them on. Great job once again MJ!!!”
UV Protection: Yes. Lens: MAUIGreen® lens. Polarized: Yes. Prescription Compatible: No. Lens Coating: MAUIGreen.
5. The Best Budget
The Tifosi Strikeout ski sunglass is designed for multi-sport use; it offers exceptional all-day comfort at an unbeatable value. The light and durable Grilamid TR-90 frame ensures long-lasting durability, while the shatterproof polycarbonate lenses in a sleek brown polarized tint provide glare reduction and 100% UVA/UVB protection. Also, the hydrophilic nose pads offer increased grip as you sweat, while the Tifosi Glide technology ensures a secure and anti-bounce fit. With an XS-Small fit and weighing just 22g, these sunglasses are lightweight and comfortable. Each pair comes with a microfiber cleaning bag for easy maintenance, and Tifosi offers free returns within 30 days for a risk-free shopping experience.
One reviewer said: “Bought four different models for three different people. So far so good awaiting the bright sun of the summer.”
UV Protection: Yes. Lens: Polycarbonate lens. Polarized: No. Prescription Compatible: No. Lens Coating: Scratch resistant and shatterproof.
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