John Beye Loved the VALLON’s So Much, He Took Them to Peru! | Photo Mountain Weekly News
Blending fashion and function is no small feat for outdoor brands and, when it comes to eye protection in the elements, compromising on performance simply isn’t an option. Thankfully, VALLON has managed to strike that elusive balance between style and utility with their Ski Aviators—a pair of sunglasses that feel as good in the mountains as they look on the street.
Classic Style
Straight out of the box, I was hooked. The sleek, retro design immediately stood out—especially appealing for someone who’s often told they were born in the wrong decade. Inspired by the golden era of ski culture in the 1970s and ’80s, VALLON’s teardrop-style frames hit the sweet spot between vintage flair and modern style.
The lenses are impressively clear, and the mirrored finish appears more polished than flashy. The lightweight frame sits snugly on the ears without pressure points—clearly built with alpine function in mind.
Field Testing
With shoulder season arriving in the Tetons, I followed a local tradition—escaping for a personal reset before the summer rush. The VALLON Ski Aviators joined me in Peru for a couple weeks of adventure trekking through the Andes, exploring bustling cities, and venturing into the Amazon.
Though this wasn’t a ski trip, the Ski Aviators proved their versatility regardless. Whether I was hiking at elevation or sipping pisco sours in Lima, these glasses delivered. On the brightest days, with harsh glare reflecting off snow and glaciers, the V52 lenses performed beautifully. The non-polarized option was perfect for these conditions as well. The 100% UVA/UVB protection was especially welcome for the high altitude days, providing essential UV protection without excessively darkening my field of vision.
Even under cloudy skies, the gray lenses maintained clarity without overly dimming my vision. Designed to enhance color and reduce eye strain, they lived up to VALLON’s claims of having the best optical clarity of any performance sunglasses on the market. While I can’t confirm they’re the best on the market, I can confidently say they’re among the clearest I’ve used.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Crystal clear optics with 100% UVA/UVB protection
- Versatile enough for high performance and everyday wear
Cons:
- Not the most rugged – pack with care!
Overall Thoughts
I’m already looking forward to using the VALLON Ski Aviators ($129.00) in the mountains next winter. If their performance in Peru is any indication, they’ll be right at home in the snow. Until then, they’ll stay in rotation for summer hikes, backyard barbecues, and concerts here in Jackson. Merging technical performance with streetwear style is no easy feat, but VALLON nailed it with the Ski Aviators.
Final Note
Upon returning from Peru, I was actually able to get the VALLON Ski Aviator’s out for one spring lap on Teton Pass. It was a bright, hot, sunny day and these sunglasses performed as well – if not better – than expected on snow. There is always a lot to look forward to as the season winds down, but I already know that I will be eagerly awaiting next winter and the opportunity to spend more time with the VALLON’s out on snow.
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