Skiing is a fantastic sport and activity. It has a thrill to it that can be pretty addicting. In order to safely get your adrenaline pumping, you’ll need some protective gear. One of the essential pieces of equipment is protective eyewear made for skiing.
Sunglasses that are made for skiing are essentially lighter-weight, less bulky versions of ski goggles. If you don’t like the feeling of being strapped into a pair of goggles, then skiing sunglasses are a perfect alternative for you.
The Top Skiing Sunglasses on the Market
This article will guide you through five of the best skiing sunglasses available now. If you don’t know what to choose, stick with us. We’ll give you the pros and cons of all of our top picks, so you can find the best pair for yourself.
We used trusted reviews to make our decision, and we read through real buyers’ responses so that you can make the most informed purchasing decision possible.
Let’s get started!
Best Overall Sunglasses for Skiing
The Oakley Men’s Flak Sunglasses take our top spot for the best overall skiing sunglasses on the market. Read on to see why.
1. OAKLEY Men’s Flak Sunglasses
The Flak model of Oakley sunglasses comes in a plastic frame with plutonite lenses that are 100% effective against all UV rays and blue light.
They offer maximum comfort in the pressure areas near the ears and bridge of the nose, which makes them a suitable fit for anyone who enjoys a longer skiing session.
Oakley’s patented, high-definition optics provide you with perfect clarity and sharp detail on the slopes.
The earsocks are made with technology that increases their grip when faced with perspiration. You won’t have to be afraid of your sunglasses loosening or falling off if you get a little sweaty.
This fantastic pair of sunglasses also comes with an included sunglass case and microfiber cloth for easy transportation and cleaning.
Specifications
- Frame:Matte black plastic
- Color:Black iridium
- Lens Material:Non-polarized iridium plutonite
Pros
Pros
- 100% protection against UVA, UVB, and UVC rays
- Lightweight, durable, plastic frame
- Earsocks and nose pads are anti-slip and suitable for high-intensity activities
- High-definition optics with patented technology
- Comes with sunglass case and microfiber cloth
Cons
Cons
- Lenses are non-polarized
- Most expensive glasses on the list
Best Runner-Up Sunglasses for Skiing
Very similar to the previous Oakly model, the Oakley Wind Jacket has a few slight differences that caused it to miss out on the top spot. They’re still a great pair, and you might even like these better than the top pick!
2. OAKLEY Men’s Wind Jacket Sunglasses
Like the Flak, the Oakley Wind Jacket offers the best fit any skier could want. It has an incredible 3-point contact, meaning that the only points where it touches skin are the nose bridge and the temples.
These sunglasses are slightly more goggle-like than the last pair, as they come with a triple layer of foam for added wind and impact protection. This also means that they’re slightly heavier and bulkier than your average skiing sunglasses.
The Wind Jacket frame is made to withstand any kind of deformity overtime. No-slip nose pads and earsocks hold secure even when exposed to water or sweat.
The non-polarized lenses also protect the wearer from all UV rays and blue light up to 400 millimeters. Oakley’s high-definition optics will maintain perfect clarity and color under most lighting conditions.
Specifications
- Frame:Matte black plastic
- Color:Snow jade
- Lens Material:Non-polarized iridium plutonite
Pros
Pros
- PRIZM color technology enhances colors, details, and contrast
- Highly comfortable
- No-slip nose pads offer maximum security, even while skiing on the slopes
- Protects from all UV light and blue light
- Large cylindrical lenses prevent the eyes from glare and wind
Cons
Cons
- Foam may disintegrate over time
- May experience some fogging
Best Budget Skiing Sunglasses
If you want an awesome pair of skiing sunglasses for a lower price, then these Fusion glasses by Bliz will give you more bang for your buck.
3. BLIZ Fusion Ski Sunglasses
The Bliz Fusion sunglasses provide a great blend of functionality, effectiveness, and comfort. Their big, cylindrical lens is well-ventilated and offers unobscured views of the terrain.
The sunglasses are multipurpose and suitable for cycling, skiing, and more, making them ideal for everyone who enjoys multi-sporting activities.
They have adjustable nose pads and temple pads that make them some of the most comfortable sunglasses to ski with. Their Hydro Lens Tech system ensures a perfect view in all kinds of weather, as well as providing you with 100% UV protection.
You can also swap out the lens for other colors that suit your preferences and needs.
Specifications
- Frame:White plastic
- Color:Smoke red
- Lens Material:Non-polarized polycarbonate
Pros
- 100% UV protection
- Multipurpose for all kinds of sporting activities
- Adjustable nose pads and temple pads for maximum comfort
- Interchangeable lens system
Cons
Cons
- The lightweight plastic frame might make them more fragile
- Lens is non-polarized
Best Skiing Sunglasses for Under $130
If you have a specific price point in mind that you’d like to stay under, the Julbo Aerospeed sunglasses provide a perfect balance between high quality and cost.
4. JULBO Aerospeed Sunglasses
The Julbo Aerospeed sunglasses have photochromic lenses that transform to suit any light conditions, so you can use them day or night or anything in between. They also have a mirror coating that provides full protection against UVA, UVB, and UVC rays.
Because they’re slim, sleek, and lightweight, they’re also multipurpose and suitable for most sporting activities. And with Grip Tech near the temples, you won’t have to fear losing them on the slopes.
If you’re looking for something that offers a broad panoramic view and full ventilation to prevent fogging, this would be an ideal choice for you.
Specifications
- Frame:Gray plastic
- Color:Blue
- Lens Material:Photochromic polycarbonate
Pros
Pros
- Suitable for most faces sizes
- Provides full UV protection
- Slim, lightweight design
- Have a wider lens size for optimal viewing
- Photochromic lenses change with light conditions
- Grip Tech offers a safe fit for many sporting activities
- Come with a bonus microfiber pouch for easy portability
Cons
Cons
- Not the best for wind protection
- Some users with high-bridged noses complain of a poor fit
Alternative Pair of Sunglasses for Skiing
We’ve already broken down some of the best sunglasses for skiing, but there are enough great pairs of skiing glasses that we decided to throw in an honorable mention. If none of the sunglasses above were quite what you’re looking for and you have the budget to go high-end, then check out this pair by Oakley!
5. OAKLEY Men’s Carbon Blade Rectangular Metal Sunglasses
If you’re looking for comfort, effectiveness, and high-class style, Oakley sunglasses are basically the gold standard. Everybody who owns a pair of Oakleys knows that they’re getting tremendous craftsmanship and some of the best design quality that can be found on the market.
The Carbon Blades have lightweight titanium hardware and Impact Protection Polarized lenses that filter out harmful UV rays and protect your investment from damage. The Oakley-pioneered “Unobtanium” silicon earpieces and nosepiece create a lightweight and comfortable fit that might even make you forget you’re wearing them!
These ultra-high-quality tungsten lenses are designed for high-velocity conditions, and will allow you to see clearly even when you’re ripping down the slopes at high speeds. The impact protection means you also won’t have to worry about the lenses shattering or suffering damage from stray rocks or other projectiles that find their way near your face.
Oakley’s Plutonite tungsten lenses also protect your eyes from snow glare. They filter out harmful UV rays that strain and hurt your eyes, such as UVA, UVB, UVC, and blue light waves up to 400mm, while allowing natural colors through. The result is a crystal-clear image with bright, crisp colors, so that you can see great next time you’re on the mountain.
Specifications
- Frame:Black Carbon Fiber
- Color:Matte Black
- Lens Material:Prizm Tungsten Polarized
Pros
Pros
- 3-Point Contact System ensures that contact only occurs with your ears and bridge of the nose
- Extremely lightweight and comfortable
- Polarized Lenses with UV Protection
- 2-year warranty for company-based faults
- 100-Day No-Questions-Asked return policy
- Versatile and stylish
- Includes an electrostatic Microclear bag for cleaning and storage
Cons
Cons
- Very expensive
- No oleophobic coating, so more difficult to clean than other sunglass brands
- Oakley can be notoriously difficult to work with when it comes to getting replacement lenses
And there you have it. Those were our top five choices for the best sunglasses for skiing on the market today. Check out some of their reviews on Amazon to get an even better idea of what’s on offer, but you really can’t go wrong with any of these options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sunglasses for Skiing
Want to learn some more about wearing sunglasses when you ski? Here are some common questions that many people have about this unique type of protective eyewear:
Do you need to wear sunglasses when skiing?
Yes, you should always wear either skiing goggles or sunglasses when you go skiing. When out on the slopes, the last thing you want to do is to trip and fall, especially if it’s something you could have seen coming.
There’s a lot of glare that comes from the sun, and the snow can reflect that light back at you even stronger. In order to protect your eyes from UV rays, glare, powder, ice chips, and more, you absolutely have to wear protective gear for your eyes.
Here are some important functions of skiing sunglasses:
- They give you a more comprehensive view of the skiing area.
- They protect your eyes from the sun’s glare and reflection.
- They keep you from having to squint and missing landmarks.
What is the best type of lens for skiing?
You can opt for either dual, interchangeable, or single lenses, depending on the experience you want to have. Single lenses can sometimes fog up quite fast. Dual lenses provide insulation that prevents fogging.
Again, lens color is pretty important. For sunnier days, choose darker lenses like gray or red to block out some of the brightness and glare. For darker days, opt for softer colors like yellow that allow more light in.
How do you know if your skiing sunglasses fit?
For a perfect fit, you need to try on the eyewear. If you’re ordering online, this could mean some trial and error. If you’re shopping in person, you have an advantage here.
Protective eyewear shouldn’t be so tight that it causes pain or discomfort, but it should fit snugly enough so that it doesn’t fall off on the slopes.
How do I clean and store my ski sunglasses?
Regardless of the type of sunglasses you have, there are some general hygiene and storage tips that you should keep in mind for maximum durability.
- Make sure you air-dry the glasses before storing them. Do not store the sunglasses if they’re still wet.
- Avoid using too much makeup or sunscreen on your face when wearing the glasses. This will limit any staining and interference with the anti-fog coatings.
- Do not use rough materials to wipe the lenses. Always use a soft microfiber cloth to clean them.
- Do not bend the glasses. Over-bending can cause them to snap.
- Do not store them with other items. Ensure they’re always kept in a separate pouch or case to prevent scratching the lenses.
Conclusion
Protective eyewear is an integral part of a safe skiing experience. Whether you opt for full-on goggles or a lighter-weight pair of sunglasses, you need to make sure that you’re purchasing a high-quality product.
The five pairs of sunglasses on our list above are some of the best sunglasses for skiing that you’ll find anywhere. Check them out, and have a fun, safe, and stylish time on your ski trip.
