To be fair, skiing without sunglasses or goggles is like going to the slopes without ski boots or snowboarding boots. They are an essential part of skiing equipment. Most eye trauma from skiing or snowboarding is either a result of poor selection or not wearing them at all. Quality lenses are especially important for ski sunglasses. If you take a bad fall while skiing, poor-quality lenses can shatter instantly, causing damage to your eyes. Lenses with high impact resistance standards can avoid this risk, however. While snow goggles are usually a safer choice for skiing, sunglasses may be better on warm, sunny days or if you want to do other activities after skiing.
What to Look for in Oakley Ski Sunglasses
Frame Material
The vast majority of Oakley sunglasses are made from O Matter™, a proprietary frame material originally developed by Oakley for sports sunglasses Oakley O Matter is a patented nylon composite material for sunglass and goggle frames. This patented frame material fits your face comfortably even in cold weather.
Lens Technology
Designed to provide color and contrast enhancement in the mountains, Oakley Prizm technology is the latest in lens innovation. Specifically, Prizm Snow Lens technology offers 3 key benefits.
- Identifying terrain and improving visibility on ice.
- Detection of snow contours and contrast enhancement to identify hazards
- Multiple lens colors available for all conditions
Best Oakley Sunglasses for Skiing
Jawbreaker
Oakley Jawbreaker sunglasses are perfect for skiers who need a versatile and adaptable pair of sunglasses that can withstand any conditions. Thanks to their timeless design, these sunglasses have been a popular choice for years. Vents at the top and bottom of the shield allow air to circulate, keeping your face cool and reducing the chance of fogging up while skiing. With a view unmatched by other sports sunglasses, Jawbreakers are the perfect alternative to full-face shield goggles.
Radar EV Path
Radar EV Path improves on the previous design with a shield design and a rimless bottom, further innovating with taller lenses to extend the downward vision and provide more coverage and protection. This is an important benefit when you are trying to spot your line or see bumps and edges in the snow. the Radar EV Path is also equipped with additional ventilation holes to avoid fogging. The noseband is adjustable so you can get the perfect fit.
Turbine
Aimed at the fashionable sports market, Oakley Turbine sunglasses are inspired by the early Hijinx models and have an It features rectangular shielded lenses with grip where you need it and coverage large enough to fully protect your eyes from the harsh sunlight on the snow. Stylish and comfortable for all-day wear, yet durable enough to withstand the stress of strenuous exercise, it offers the perfect combination of performance and style.
Sutro
Oakley Sutro sunglasses redefine the look of traditional sports performance eyewear and are perfect for skiing. The sunglasses feature a high wraparound shield look and Prizm lens technology that provides unprecedented control of light transmission, resulting in precise color adjustments to maximize contrast and enhance visibility. Their full-protection design protects against the elements such as sun, wind, and rain, while impact-resistant construction protects against projectiles such as gravel and tree branches.
Holbrook
Oakley Holbrook is the gold standard of ski sunglasses. While they are not cheap, their wealth of features makes them good value for money. They are extremely comfortable thanks to the 3-point fit and have a unique 6-base lens curvature that provides incredible peripheral vision. They are also extremely durable and have impact protection to keep them intact in the event of a drop or impact.
Conclusion
Inevitably, people fall and their sunglasses fall on branches and snow, and over time some minor scratches begin to accumulate. If you don’t replace your lenses in time, your vision will be seriously affected and your judgment of the slopes will be compromised.
As a skier, lens replacement is a big consumption for me. Luckily, I recently found a great replacement lens brand on google, MRY, whose lenses are amazingly clear and made with the highest-level polarizing films and anti-reflective coatings that reduce glare and enhance contrast to help identify any bumps or changes in the snow. Most importantly, the high-impact standard of the lenses prevents shattering and hurting your eyes if you accidentally fall. Eye safety protection is the key for me to choose them.