Professional Ski Expert

Best Ski Sunglasses

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A good pair of goggles would undoubtedly offer the very best protection against the sun (as it covers a large area of your face), it is just getting way too hot on the slopes sometime to wear them, especially during the spring ski season. Sunglasses are the next best option of course, but you have to make sure that the shades you choose qualify for use on the snow especially when the sun is moving higher and higher in the sky. Never go out without eye protection as it is not uncommon for people to burn their corneas when they don't wear sunglasses (or ineffective sunglasses for this matter) on a full day out on the slopes. The snow is reflecting light back so you are getting hit from above and below.

In order to choose good sunglasses for use in the snow there are several aspects to take into consideration. First of all, of course, you need the best lenses you can get. For spring conditions, I highly recommend going as dark as possible, and I personally would always choose polarized lenses that guarantee at least 95 percent protection against both UVA and UVB rays. The best choice, in my opinion are sunglasses that have interchangeable lenses, so you can quickly swap them out in case things get foggy or the cloud cover calls for lighter tinted lenses. If possible try and get impact-resistant lenses so they won't shatter if you accidentally run into a branch during tree runs or when making one of those graceful face plants.

For skiing purposes, choose shades that cover a large portion of your eye area. Ideal are glasses that feature side-shields to keep the sun from coming in peripherally. Sunglasses with wider cut temples are more effective in that way also. Wrap-around lenses work better than flat ones as they block more of the light coming in from the side.

Then, of course, there is the looks and coolness factor. I happened to like all the sunglasses reviewed below. Looks-wise, some are more geared towards functionality while others are designed to impress, but all the shades listed below are great choices and will protect your eyes. My recommendation is to go to the store and try them on. If you wear a helmet skiing, bring it along to make sure the glasses fit with it.

Best Ski Sunglasses by Dino Haak

The Best You Can Get

Maui Jim Breakwater Sunglasses - Polarized

Dino says: Style and function meet in the Maui Breakwaters. These sunglasses look fantastic. They are light and wrap around your eye-section for optimal protection with non-slip rubber nose pads keeping them in place. The polarized polycarbonate (and rather large) lenses are very high quality and are scratch and impact resistant as well as shatterproof. The frame itself, made from nylon, is also impact resistant and is advertised to keep its form and fit at any temperature. I very much like the Maui Breakwaters, they may not be the first shades you'll choose if you want to go on a glacier walk, but they will work perfectly well on the slopes. They get highest scores for style as well as for function because their top of the line lens. They come in the colors named Rootbeer, Burgundy, and Gloss Black.
- Wrap around-style glasses
- Polarized scratch-resistant, shatterproof, and impact resistant lenses
- Very lightweight
- Non-slip rubber nose pads
- Semi-rimless frame for unobstructed view
Panoptx Churada CV

Dino says: The Panoptx Churadas are superb shades that feature photochromic lenses, which means they will darken on exposure to UV radiation and get lighter when you get out of the sun. The lenses are actually labeled as day/night lenses, meaning that they will improve your vision even when wearing them at night. This is because at night (or in the dark in general) the lenses will retain a faint yellow tint that is said to deliver better contrast and transparency. During the day, visuals are great, everything looks extremely clear and the amount of darkening is just about perfect. You never get the feeling that things are too dark (which sometimes happens to me when I wear heavily-tinted glacier sunglasses), but at the same time you know that your eyes enjoy maximum protection. Panoptx advertises the Churadas as convertible sunglasses (thus the CV in the name), as you can wear them either as sunglasses or attach eyecups to turn them into something like mini goggles. The removable eyecups act as a shield to wind, snow, or rain. They also help minimize the amount of sunlight coming in to your eyes from the sides. The eyecups have vents that help keep the lenses from fogging up. Did I forget to mention that these shades look absolutely cool?
- Photochromic, polarized lenses
- Removable vented eyecups
- Superb lenses with great contrast and clarity
- Shatter and scratch resistant
- 100% UV protection
Adidas Elevation Climacool

Dino says: I really like the Adidas Elevation Climacool. I like them so much that I actually went and bought them. They are fantastic sunglasses and are just ideal for skiing. What makes them unique is the fact that you can replace the temples with a stretch-band not unlike the ones used for goggles. You can also attach a soft foam pad around the inside of the frame for cushioning and exchange lenses. The set usually comes with two pairs of lenses, one dark for strong sunlight and one orange tinted set for cloudy or foggy conditions. I use them in the car, I use them hiking, and I use them on the slopes. All I do is replace the temples with the stretch-band and add the inner cushion for skiing. For driving my car, I usually use the lighter orange tinted lenses. And yes, lenses exchange easily, just pop them in and out, as do the cushion frame pad and the temples. Everything changes easily and quickly and that is what I like most about theses sunglasses. The Adidas Elevation Climacool come with a very comfortable height-adjustable rubber nose-bridge that reliably holds the frame in place on your face. I own the Dark Grey Black frame but there are many other color combinations such as Aluminium/Black, Dark Brown/Caramel, Black/Blue, Taupe/Blue, Black/Yellow, and Black/Red.
- Interchangeable lens system (comes with two sets of lenses)
- Lightweight
- Easy switch from temples to stretch-strap
- Attachable soft face foam pad
- Very comfortable nose bridge with height adjustment
Zeal Optics Maestro Polarized Sunglasses

Dino says: The Zeal Optics Maestro Polarized Sunglasses, winner of Outside Magazine's 2006 Gear of the Year Award, are light and hip and definitely do the job when it comes to protection your eyes from the sun's radiation. They definitely have a great design that is aimed for use by both sexes. The polarized brownish tinted lenses are effective in all kinds of lighting conditions. I had a chance to try these on the slopes and immediately got the thumbs up for looks. The lenses are awesome offering clear and nicely contrasted visuals. The Maestros are advertised for medium to large faces and for my medium to large face, I experienced the perfect fit. The fit is also helped by adjustable nose pads and curved handles with spring loaded hinges and the wrap-around design minimizes the amount of glare and wind entering your eyes. The frames are black with silver.
- Adjustable nose pads
- Wrap-around design
- Lifetime warranty
- Unisex design
Julbo Advance Glacier Glasses ? Photochromic

Dino says: What I especially like about these Julbos is the fact that they are highly functional glacier-worthy sunglasses, but still retain a very stylish and unobtrusive look. Photochromic glasses (I am starting to get used to this feature, and don't want to miss it) are just so convenient. A while ago, I did a newsworthy face-plant (not skiing, but sledding!) onto a pair of relatively rigid sunglasses, and ended up carrying around a nice dime-deep nose-pad imprint along with a headache for a few days. The sunglasses luckily did not shatter but the frame had broken in three pieces. The Advance sunglasses are safe as they are not only shatter and impact resistant, but also include shock-proof nose-pads as well as bendable flexible temples that will also buffer some at the impact. They come with the sunshields attached. You can take them off if you want, but I see no reason for doing that, as they are hardly noticeable but do a wonderful job keeping the glare and wind from your eyes. The glasses come in the choice of black or silver/blue frames. Highly recommended!
- Photochromic glasses with effective anti-fog coating
- Shatter and impact resistant
- Flexible temples (for ideal fit)
- Shock-proof nose-pads
- Removable eye-shields

You will be happy with any of these

Cebe Cecchinel Outdoor Sunglasses Large

Dino says: Named after world-renowned rock and ice climber Walter Cecchinel, The Cebe Cecchinel are definitely serious glacier glasses. They are designed to take up on high mountains with lots of snow on them, the place where UV radiation just soars. And they will keep your eyes protected offering superb lenses with 100% UV protection as well as high infrared absorption and black full-protection side flaps. These removable side shields work wonderfully keeping wind and glare out of your eyes and are easily attached or detached. The Cecchinels are made in France and are stylish looking wrap-around shades made with lenses that are designed to be free of any optical distortions that are often associated with this kind of frame. The temples are highly malleable and will nicely conform to the size of your face. Also, extremely soft nose-pads make for an exceptionally comfortable wear. The Cebe Cecchinel can be found in the following two color combinations: Matt Black and Shiny Dark Gun.
- Detachable side shields
- Very comfortable nose pad
- Flexible, bendable temples
- High quality lenses with high infrared absorption
- Scratch and impact resistant
Oakley Livestrong Radar Sunglasses

Dino says: Even though the Oakley Livestrongs may not be specifically designed for skiing - they are also great for bicycling or boating or other outdoor activities - they are a fantastic choice for the slopes. Not only does their larger wrap-around design cover a big area around our eye section, it does so by using top of the line distortion-free optics providing 100% UV protection along with awesome peripheral vision. The glasses guarantee high velocity impact protection and feature lenses with a smudge-resistant coating that will repel water, skin oils, and dust to ensure outstanding clarity of vision. I really was blown away how good things looked through these sunglasses. I would rate them top of the line for clarity and contrast while they also provide the (at least for me) ideal level of tint depth. You feel 100% protected, at the same time things won't look too dark either. The fit is astonishing, you put them on and they'll stay in place no matter what. I really don't like my sunglasses moving around, especially when I'm doing the moguls. These won't move, at least not when I wore them on at least five runs last week.

Marketed in collaboration with Lance Armstrong's Livestrong foundation to fund cancer research, $20 from each sale will go to said agency. Available in one color combination: Black and yellow.
- Lightweight
- Top of the line distortion-free lens
- Outstanding vision
- 100% UV protection
- First class fit
Julbo Nomad Photochromic Glacier Sunglasses

Dino says: The Julbo Nomads are light, functional, and great looking sunglasses. They are very well suited for glacier wear, but they won't make you look like an alien (as some glacier glasses will). They come with removable side shields that help keep the sun out of your eyes from every angle and protect them from wind and weather. Like the Panoptx Churada CVs, The Julbo Nomads feature photochromic lenses and thus make these shades a versatile choice for virtually all lighting conditions. The lens quality is first rate and visual clarity is exceptional. The Nomads lenses are scratch and shatter-proof with a very effective anti-fog coating. The glasses come with a cool padded protective case. You have the choice of a metal/gray or black frame.
- Photochromic lenses
- Shatter and scratch resistant
- Removable side-shields
- 100% UV protection
Smith Factor Max Sunglasses ? Polarized

Dino says: The Smith Factors feature a chic half-frame design that includes lenses that are made of Carbonic™ which, according to the manufacturer, is the “the most impact-resistant transparent molded material available in the world.” The lenses are distortion free, contoured, and nicely cover the eye area to protect it from peripheral sunlight. They are impact and scratch resistant and you have a choice of three additional sets, rose, clear, and yellow which are all included in the package (for low- and medium- light to night time conditions). No slip nose and temple pads make for a secure fit. I can heartily recommend the Smith Factor Max as they are light and comfortable with an outstanding interchangeable lens system and an extraordinary fit.
- Polarized lenses with 100% UV protection
- Interchangeable lenses (including 3 additional sets)
- Impact and scratch resistant
- Bendable, flexible frames and temples
- Contoured lenses
Native Eyewear Hardtop XP Sunglasses ? Polarized

Dino says: The Native Eyewear Hardtop XP Sunglasses are comfortable light, and feature a great set of high quality lenses. The cool thing is that you will get two sets of interchangeable lenses with your purchase. Changing lenses is easy and it can be done quickly without smudging them in the process. Just carry the second set in your pocket and swap them on the go when light conditions change. Also interchangeable are the temples which can be swapped for an elastic head-strap that will keep them securely in place no matter how vigorously you are skiing. The nose-pads on the hardtops XP are quite comfortable and they won't easily slip even if you're sweating up a storm. These shades are designed in a way that ensures perfect airflow to the lenses — look at it as a build in ventilation system — and thus fogging up is easily prevented. What you'll also notice is the lack of frame on the lower half of the glasses. I am a big fan of half-frame glasses as it, in my opinion, dramatically improves your field of vision. Sometimes you even forget that you are wearing sunglasses at all. It also keeps down the weight and they get my high scores for their lightweight design.

The Native Eyewear Hardtop XP Sunglasses come in asphalt/blue, asphalt/brown, platinum/blue, and gunmetal/silver.
- Package includes two pairs of lenses
- Interchangeable temples/stretch-band
- Scratch and impact resistant lenses
- Integrated ventilation system
- Lightweight