Leave the Snow Goggles Behind: The Ideal Summer Sunglasses for Winter Sports
Sports shield glasses offer performance that shines 365 days a year.
Did you know the full-coverage sports sunglasses worn by runners, triathletes, cyclists, paddlers, and anglers also work their magic for snow sports athletes? Nordic skiers, backcountry skiers, and anyone messing around in the snow for fun will benefit from the broad coverage, unimpeded vision, and critical UV protection these lightweight alternatives to snow goggles provide. Rudy Project’s Kelion and Spinshield sports shields wrap around the face to provide maximum visual acuity and sharpness while protecting the eyes from blinding sun rays reflected off the snow. Below are some of the top benefits that Rudy Project active eyewear offers year-round.
UV Protection
It may seem obvious that the summer's intense sun requires maximum protection from harmful UV rays. The angle of the sun is more direct, making everything brighter. But don’t be fooled. If you live in snow country, you should know that snow reflects up to 80% of the UV rays, according to the World Health Organization. And due to the lower angle of the winter sun and much less tree shade, those rays are far more likely to bounce straight into your eyes.
And if you love downhill skiing in the mountains, the UV risk is even higher. According to NOAA, for every 1,000 feet in elevation you climb, your exposure to UV rays increases by up to 5%. So a Florida native traveling to, say, Arapahoe Basin (elevation: 10,780 feet) in the Colorado Rockies will see up to a roughly 60% increase in UV ray intensity compared to their local beach. Fortunately, Rudy Project shades deliver superior protection in any climate.
Glare & Wind Protection
Sports sunglasses have wide facial coverage that wraps around the face to increase peripheral optical clarity and protect against glare from sneaking in through the sides of the glasses. It’s a feature you want in a pair of winter sunglasses because it reduces eye strain and optimizes vision, both of which are critical when racing down the slopes.
This advanced design blocks wind from flowing around the lens and into the eyes, which you’re more likely to experience on a high-speed descent on a bike or skis. Since the wrap design also protects against crosswinds, it’s a desirable feature, especially on sub-freezing winter days where cold, dry air can irritate your eyes no matter which direction it comes from.
Not into the sports shield look? Rudy Project offers an alternative solution with the Nyad, which features removable side shields that block glare and wind.
Better Optics for Better Vision
Polarized lenses are well established as the go-to lens for water sports and fishing thanks to their ability to squelch glare off the water and allow you to see. This benefit also applies to snow and ice, making them an ideal choice for all H2O-based sports in the summer and winter. Rudy Project’s Polar 3FX HDR lens takes the polarization game a step further thanks to an HDR filter that boosts colors and sharpens contrasts, making it easier to see the nuanced terrain changes on a downhill run or cross-country trek.
Adjustability for All-Conditions Comfort
Whether you’re wearing them in the summer or winter, the adjustable nosepiece on a pair of Rudy Project sports shields helps avoid fogging during high-intensity pursuits. And when the trail goes downhill, a simple adjustment can cinch the sunglasses tight to your nose and face, allowing them to serve as a goggle that protects your eyes from wind and snow. Adjustable temples let wearers fit their sunglasses around their bike helmet straps in the summer and over their ski helmet straps or winter hats on cold days.
Check out Rudy Project’s full range of winter sunglasses (that also work for summer!) here.
