With a bright sun above and the hyper-reflective snow below, it's critical that skiers invest in a pair of sunglasses that shield their eyes from snow blindness and prevent permanent damage over time. Luckily, brands are making dark lenses that protect eyes with frames that look better than ever. So, whether you're the type of skier who prefers sunnies on the hill or transition from goggles to shades so you don't look like a ski racer while enjoying an après beer, grab a pair of our favorite sunglasses and protect your eyes for future adventures. 

Costa Rinconcito

The new Costa Rinconcito are awesome go-to sunglasses year-round, but especially in the spring and summer when ski days are followed up by time near lakes and rivers. Featuring 580 polarized glass lenses, the optical clarity is second-to-none, making them great for skiing, fishing, and more. The classic frame is suitable for small to medium-sized faces, but don't worry if you've got a big head—the Rinconcito's big brother, the Rincon, works great for medium to large faces. Both versions use Costa's sustainably-developed Bio-Resin to cut down on the use of petrochemicals, a practice we hope all sunglass companies start to use in the near future. [$180-$260, costadelmar.com]

Bliz Matrix

The Swedish brand Bliz is making waves in the cycling and endurance sport communities worldwide, and the brand's signature big lenses are now in the USA. We especially appreciated the Matrix's temple-to-temple, unbreakable polycarbonate lens coverage and fairly simple lens-swapping capability while spring skiing at Aspen Mountain. The Grilamid frame is extremely lightweight and can be modified to fit any head, and the adjustable nosepiece keeps things comfy on your face. While the low price is appreciated, the lenses feel a little cheap compared to other options on this list. [$75, bliz.com]

Kaenon Anacapa Summit Sunglasses

California-based Kaenon has been making sunglasses for almost two decades, and their Summit Series hits the mark for crystal-clear optics in snowy high-alpine environments thanks to the SR-91 Ultra Black Mirror polarized lens. The cool semi-translucent black glacier frames look especially neat, and the frame's full wrap-around coverage makes these sunglasses not just stylish, but smart. [$179-$209, kaenon.com]

Native El Jefe

During an extended skiing and sailing trip with SeilNorge, the El Jefe sunnies were clutch in the very bright conditions on snow, the ocean, and the fact that the sun never actually set during the whole trip. The N3 lenses block up to four times more infrared light and selectively filter out UV to boost contrast and definition, and the frames are built from eco-friendly materials. Native's Reflex mirrored lenses are really beneficial for everyone: the person wearing the sunglasses gets enhanced visual light transmission with reduced glare, and everyone else can check their look thanks to the very reflective nature of the mirror. They fit and look great on large to extra-large faces, which can be hard to find from some brands. [$109-$129, nativeyewear.com]

Popticals Popair NYDEF Polarized

At first, the foldable Popticals system seemed a little gimmicky: all of the sunglasses break down into half the size of normal sunglasses, meaning they can be stored in tight spaces more easily than regular sunglasses when not in use. During a week of testing with SnowLocals in Japan, however, this system proved to be super convenient. The frames were less likely to break and the lenses are less likely to scratch when stored in a jacket pocket or crammed into a suitcase when folded into an included small protective case. Built with high-grade nylon polarized lenses from Carl Zeiss Vision and a stylish Grilamid frame, and the aviator-inspired PopAir became our favorite Popticals model when the sun would poke out during travels around Hokkaido. [$209-$239, popticals.com]

Julbo Aerospeed

Featuring REACTIV photochromic lenses that adjust to changing light conditions throughout the day, the Julbo Aerospeed sunglasses are the ultimate quiver killer for alpine starts, epic multisport days, and just looking fast at all times. During testing that started with skiing off Rocky Mountain National Park's Trail Ridge Road and ended with a 10-mile mountain bike ride just a stone's throw from Lyons, Colorado, the Aerospeed never slipped thanks to fully adjustable nose pads and an elastomer shock absorber built into the super-lightweight frames. With a gigantic lens that provides a huge field of vision but looks like a windshield for your face, these might not be anyone's first choice for "lifestyle" sunglasses, but they are a top pick for the racer in all of us. [$130-$190, julbo.com]

Vuarnet Glacier / Glacier XL

Just like James Bond, someone wearing Vuarnet Glacier sunglasses values not only superior vision in the mountains, but looking damn good while they're out there. These iconic steel and acetate frames feature removable side flaps, so you can go from clearing bergschrunds to sipping an Aperol spritz while looking fly the entire time (or, for us, from backcountry skiing at Berthoud Pass to a drinking warm PBR in the parking lot, which is how we tested them). Vuarnet now makes an XL version of the iconic sunglasses for larger faces. Both versions are a bit heavy with their unique glass lenses, so make sure to bend the frame arms to wrap around your ears a bit so they don't slide off your sunscreen-covered face into a crevasse. [$640, vuarnet.com]

SunSki Treeline

If you want a similar look to the Vuarnet Glaciers but don't want to take out a loan to buy sunglasses, the SunSki Treeline is a solid choice. They offer removable plastic side panels, classy round polarized lenses, and even offer rubber built into the nose that keeps them locked onto a sunscreen-covered face. During testing with SeilNorge and also around town in Boulder, Colorado, the Treelines proved to be especially durable despite a few accidental drops on a variety of hard surfaces. The sidewings are capable of reducing glare while on snow, but be sure to take them off if you're headed on a town bike ride for your own safety—peripheral vision can be handy in close quarters with others on bikes. Taking off the panels is a snap, anyways. [$89, sunski.com]

Dragon Baile H2O

In five to 10 years, what's cool in surfing will be cool in skiing, so skip the wait and grab the Baile H2O sunglasses now. Designed in collaboration with three-time World Champion surfer (and guy who punched a shark in competition) Mick Fanning, the Baile H2Os are made with injection molded Grilamid frames, meaning these stylish sunglasses float in case you frequent rivers or oceans with the same sunglasses you like to ski with. The polycarbonate lenses offer 100 percent UV protection, and only had a little bit of glare when the sun was setting behind us as we traveled east after an epic day in Colorado's Gore Range. Best for medium faces, the Baile H20 is a fashionable choice for guys and gals looking for a pair of do-it-all lifestyle sunglasses. [$220, dragonalliance.com]

Looking for more great gear, including sunglasses from Shred Optics and Costa del Mar? Check out our rotating Used & Abused Gear Review Gallery, which is updated every week.