10 of the coolest sunglasses to wear on the slopes
Want to cut a dash when skiing? Take to the slopes in style with these shades…
Words: Gentleman's Journal
There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as a fresh, crisp morning on the slopes. With the sun shining, and the clouds from yesterday turned to fresh powder, standing atop a slope and getting ready for a day of skiing to remember, there’s only one thing that could ruin your say – being blinded by the sun and the snow.
It’s a common problem. With the blazing white of the snow and the power of the sun pairing up to try and take the wind out of your sails and the fun from your skis, it’s up to you to take a stand and slip on some of the most stylish – and effective sunglasses you can buy. Here, we’ve rounded up the best shades for skiing, depending on your level of proficiency and price point…
Go for Aviator cool
They say that skiing is the closest you can get to flying without your feet ever leaving the ground. So, it follows that some of the best sunglasses to wear on the slopes would be Aviators, the glasses originally created to ensure pilots were never blinded by untimely glares. And it doesn’t hurt that they’re amongst the most coolest styles of shades you can by. We’d recommend these two pairs, from Gucci and Cubitts – characterised by strong brow bars, tortoiseshell acetate, and a retro sensibility.
See you round
There’s something about a circular pair of shades that screams sophistication. Channel your best Bond with this style, with Saint Laurent’s glossy round frames bringing a rock-n-roll vibe to the slopes. Or, if you want to take things a step up from style into practicality, then opt for Moncler’s sunglasses – boasting black leather side shields and polarised dark-green lenses that’ll prevent your eyes being blinded by the low-lying winter sun.
Step things up a gear
Talking Moncler, the eyewear brand really mean business this season with their skiing sunglasses. Perfect for when you hit shallow runs on the slopes, Moncler’s ski sunglasses are a lightweight alternative to a pair of goggles. They have flexible acetate frames fitted with protective lenses and are sizable enough to block out the sun’s rays from every angle. They’re not as stylish as your normal shades, but there’s a definite charm in their functionality.
Oversize your usual style
One of the main problems of sunglasses on the slopes is that they don’t provide the coverage you need. Either early in the morning, or late at night, that winter sun will find a way to sneak its way around your lenses and into your eyes. That is, unless you upgrade and oversize your usual style. Taking styling cues from the bombastic Seventies, these shades from Gucci and Saint Laurent are fashioned to look like a normal pair of frames – they’re just much bigger.
Opt for an alternative lens colour
Another way to stand out when skiing is to throw on a pair of sunglasses with an alternatively-coloured lens. Some shades with these green or blue lenses are even coloured this way to offer more protection from the sun’s rays – something you’ll want on the glaring mountain. We’d go for either Moscot’s iconic NYC Billiks or, of course, the folding Persols – which are not only the pinnacle of Steve McQueen cool, but also fold up neatly into your salopettes.
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