Are you planning a skiing holiday? Looking for the best sunglasses for skiing? As well as choosing the perfect ski resort and planning the ins and outs of your trip, choosing the best ski sunglasses is an essential part of the planning process. This post will take you through the BEST ski sunglasses available in the UK in 2022 to help you make a perfect choice.
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Best Sunglasses for Skiing Comparison Chart
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Best Lenses for Ski Sunglasses
Polycarbonate Lenses
Polycarbonate lenses are made of impact-resistant plastic, which is sturdier than regular plastic lenses. Also, these lenses are quite thin and lightweight. These lenses are ideal for outdoor sports like skiing with built-in UV protection.
Polarised Lenses
Polarized lenses are popular for sports because these lenses are anti-glare. These lenses reduce glare from other objects on the slopes. More importantly, the image in the lens is sharper and clearer.
Polarized lenses also provide reliable UV protection and are also available in prescription.
Photochromatic Lenses
Photochromatic or photochromic lenses are special lenses that are essentially clear but turn dark when exposed to sunlight. These lenses are most popular with people who need prescription glasses, as they don’t have to switch to sunglasses from their prescription glasses. These also come in bifocal and high-index.
Anti-reflective Lenses
Any lenses that have an anti-reflection coating are considered anti-reflective. These lenses reduce glare and reduce eye strain.
These lenses also don’t get smudges or scratches thanks to the coating. These are good sports choices, especially water and snow sports, to reduce reflection from different surfaces.
How to Choose the Perfect Ski Sunglasses
When looking for the best sunglasses for skiing, here’s what you should consider:
Protection from UV Rays
The most common reason for wearing sunglasses in the first place is that you want protection for your eyes from the UV rays. But when it comes to skiing, you may need it even more because you’re going to be on the slopes for hours. Therefore, the sunglasses you choose must have lenses that offer complete UV protection, like polarized or polycarbonate lenses.
Lens Colour
You may think that your lens colour has more to do with the aesthetics of the sunglasses, but that’s not the case. The tint in your sunglasses has to be appropriate for your skiing in light conditions.
For instance, those skiing in flat light conditions (low light) need clearer lenses, i.e., with less tint. On the other hand, those skiing in sunny conditions need more tint, for example, yellow tint.
Make sure to check whether the colour of the lenses has any impact on light conditions.
Durability and Fit
Whilst you can wear these sunglasses casually too, you’re essentially buying them for use during a sport. That calls for some durability in the construction. Impact-resistant materials for lenses and frames are recommended.
Similarly, the fit is just as important. You don’t want your sunglasses flying off when you do a flip or come downhill.
Side Coverage
This is easily the most ignored aspect of sunglasses for skiing. Whilst it isn’t necessary, it offers additional protection from wind and snow, especially for downhill skiing. Side shields will keep the cold air at bay.
Best Ski Sunglasses UK [2022]
Finding ski sunglasses can be challenging because many otherwise great sunglasses won’t be of much use on the slopes. So to make things easier for you, here’s a comprehensive list of products carefully picked. And don’t worry, most of these are pretty stylish as well.
#1 Oakley Holbrook Sunglasses – Top Pick
The Oakley Holbrook are the best sunglasses for skiing 2022, as they have been for years. Think of them as the model glasses for skiing and other snow sports because they combine all you want in your pair of sunglasses.
Their durable, lightweight frames make them super easy and comfortable to wear. The six base lens curvature is great for peripheral vision. As for the lenses, they are polarized, providing complete UV protection.
These are ideal for those who simply want the top quality no matter what the price is.
Key Features
- Prizm black polarized lenses
- Three-point fit
- Six base lens curvature
- Made in Italy
- Protective case
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight
- Durable construction
- Timeless design
Cons
- More expensive than other options
#2 Rapid Eyewear Aspen Extreme Sports Sunglasses – Best Anti-fog Ski Sunglasses
The Rapid Eyewear Aspen Extreme Sports sunglasses keep your eyes protected from harsh conditions at high altitudes. These sunglasses are anti-fog to prevent lens fogging. Thanks to the rubber side shields that come with the glasses, you can take on challenging ski slopes.
These comply with CAA recommendations, making them suitable for air sports as well, such as paragliding. For even more protection, there’s a retainer strap included in the package.
The lenses are blue mirror coatings that prevent harmful blue light. However, they also do a decent job at UV protection, thanks to the lenses being polycarbonate.
Key Features
- UV400 protection
- Blue mirror lenses
- Rubber side shields
- Anti-fog
- Polycarbonate construction
Pros
- Ideal for cold conditions
- Full eye protection
- Good value for money
Cons
- Not as good in low light conditions
#3 Julbo Vermont Sunglasses – Best Sunglasses with Side Shields
If you’re looking for the best mountain sunglasses, look no further than the Julbo Vermont Classic sunnies. These incredibly-stylish sunglasses have round metal frames paired with leather side shields that don’t just offer protection but also elevate the look of the ski glasses.
Don’t take their looks as decorative, as these glasses are designed for tough conditions. The Spectron 4 lenses are made of polycarbonate, which is naturally UV-resistant. With thin tubular temples curved at the end, these also provide a snug fit.
The metal frame is durable and goes well with the overall aesthetic of the sunnies.
Key Features
- Round metal frame
- Spectron 4 lenses
- Leather side shields and nose piece
- Six colour options
Pros
- Vintage mountaineering style
- Quality craftsmanship
- Protection from snow, wind, and sun
Cons
- More expensive than other options
- Not as versatile
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#4 Wylie X Saber Sunglasses – Best Safety Ski Sunglasses
The Wylie X Saber Sunglasses are designed for rugged sports, including snow sports. Their lenses protect from the harsh rays of sun while giving you a wide view field. These sunglasses have a flexible nose piece and insertable foam. The lens are also changeable.
These are ANSI-rated sunglasses, so you can be sure about the safety and quality. In other words, these meet the high velocity and impact standards. As is the case with most Wylie X frames, this matte black frame can also be fitted with prescription lenses should you need them.
The curved lens also offers side coverage and protection, making it a good choice for competitive skiers.
Key Features
- 100% UVA and UVB protection
- Interchangeable lenses
- Three lens options
- ANSI-rated
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Complete coverage of eyes
- Comfortable to wear
Cons
- Not polarised
- More expensive than other options
#5 GRAFIT Polarised Sports Sunglasses – Best Lightweight Ski Sunglasses
The GRAFIT Sports Sunglasses have polarised lenses for skiing that keep UV rays at bay. These are great for skiing and other water and snow sports. So these are also great snowboarding sunglasses.
These feature a super lightweight frame paired with polycarbonate lenses that are also light. They have a simple sports-inspired design with curved lenses that allow some side coverage as well. The nose piece is also lightweight and comfortable.
These come with a case, a cloth, and a mini-screwdriver. There’s also a polarised testing card you can try.
Key Features
- UV400 Protection
- Polarised
- Narrow temples
- HD.P optical technology
- Protective case
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Featherlight
- Reliable UV protection
Cons
- Not as durable as other options
#6 X-Loop SOLO Unisex Sunglasses- Best Budget Ski Sunglasses
If you’re looking for good sunglasses at an affordable price point, the X-Loop SOLO sunglasses have you covered. These can provide UVA and UVA protection, thanks to their polycarbonate lenses. The spherical wrap style of the glasses adds side coverage, which prevents dirt, debris, and snow from impacting.
The fit of the glasses is perfect because of the super flex temples and anti-slip nose pads. Therefore, these are a good option for racing skiers. These are one-size-fits-all sunnies that can fit teenagers and adults alike (head size 55 to 59 cm).
Key Features
- Polycarbonate lenses
- Side coverage
- UV400 protection
- Shatterproof lens
- Available in different colours
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Stylish design
- Works well in low and bright light conditions
Cons
- No prescription lenses
#7 Bloc Eyewear Stingray Sunglasses – Best Ladies Ski Sunglasses
Bloc Eyewear hardly needs any introduction, and if you’re looking for something for women, these Stingray sunglasses are a great choice. These are designed to be used for both casual wear and sports. These are actually unisex, so both men and women can wear them.
The frame has a cranial fit, which is a plus for skiers. There’s no distortion or light enhancement. And you get the necessary UV rays protection (UVA, UVB, and blue light). Most importantly, these are impact-resistant.
Keys Features
- Karbon TX injected frame
- Cat 3 optical lens
- Close cranial fit
- Sports hinge
Pros
- Tested to safety standards
- Lightweight
- Sleek and slim
Cons
- Won’t work as well in low light conditions
#8 Oakley Radar EV Path Sunglasses – Best Sunglasses for Cross Country Skiing
When it comes to cross country skiing, you need a pair of versatile sunglasses like the Oakley Radar EV Sunglasses. These performance sunglasses fit perfectly and provide UV protection under sunny conditions as they are fitted with polarised lenses (Prizm).
With an ergonomic shape, the sunglasses also cover the side to some extent, protecting the eyes from fast blowing wind on downhills and snow on flat surfaces.
The Prizm lens technology enhances contrast and colour perception, allowing even more clarity.
Key Features
- Prizm lenses
- Extended range of view
- Polarised
- Protective case
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Performance-driven lenses
- Made in Italy
Cons
- Size runs bigger
#9 Oakley Jawbreaker Shield Sunglasses – Best Ski Sunglasses for UV Protection Safety
The Oakley Jawbreaker Shield sunglasses for men provide 100% UV protection, including UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. In addition, these sunglasses also protect from blue light (up to 400mm). These fit perfectly, almost like goggles. As a result, these also protect from rough weather conditions.
With a light transmission of 35%, these are mostly for bright sunny conditions. Whilst these are expensive, they are ideal for many different sports, making them a good choice for men that take part in sports besides skiing.
Key Features
- Prizm trail torch lenses
- 100% protection from UV rays
- Sporty design
- Switchlock technology (to switch lenses quickly)
Pros
- High optical clarity
- Quality construction
- Extended peripheral vision
Cons
- More pricey than other options
#10 Uvex Youth Sunglasses – Best Kids Sunglasses for Skiing
These Uvex Youth Sunglasses provide protection from solar rays with a 9 to 18% light transmission rate. It also protects from infrared radiation. Furthermore, the temples of the glasses are super soft.
The frame is made of plastic which is lightweight yet durable. These are one-size glasses that should fit young boys and girls. Plus, you can choose from two colour options: black and blue.
Key Features
- UVA and UVB protection
- Plastic frame and temples
- Mirror coatings
- One-size
Pros
- Good for sunny conditions
- Comfortable to wear
- Sporty look
Cons
- Not for low light
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