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As a California company founded by two best friends who are avid skiers, Sunski is on a mission to make the best sunglasses on earth for outdoor recreation. Founded in 2012 with a dream of inspiring the community to live in balance with nature, Sunski is fighting climate change while emphasizing respect for the planet, the importance of basking in the sun, and, of course, producing the highest quality sunglasses in the industry, all while taking zero shortcuts.
Now, Sunski is smashing the backcountry gear game with its new Category 4 Sunglasses. These sunglasses are designed for backcountry touring and block up to 94% of the sun’s rays in addition to providing 100% UV protection. They also feature Sunski’s award-winning sun shield system with magnetic, removable sun shields that provide extra protection from bright and reflective sun glares. In addition, the ultra-dark Helio Lenses are polarized and made from extremely durable polycarbonate.
“Category 4 is really about Sunski confidently staking our claim on the winter sunglasses arena. This goes way beyond a trend. We’ve seen really stellar adoption from the backcountry community with our Alpine Collection, so this season, we wanted to step up our game with something purpose-built for the extreme, ultra-bright conditions you often face in the backcountry.” – Sindre Klepp, Sunski Head of Design
Sunski’s Category 4 lenses are engineered for those who like to push the limits and play without boundaries by allowing only half the amount of light to filter through as standard sunglass lenses. Endorsed by the National Ski Patrol, these aren’t your everyday driving-in-the-car glasses. They are engineered for optimal performance in the brightest extreme alpine conditions. They should be your go-to for skiing, mountaineering, and harsh conditions.
For those who don’t need the advanced performance of the Category 4 sunglasses, Sunski has its Alpine Collection. Sunski first entered the winter eyewear scene in 2018 when it launched the Treeline, an aviator-esque glacier sunglass. This model comes loaded with modern sun protective features yet still pays homage to iconic mountaineering style. The design went on to win a Red Dot Design Award in recognition of its versatile and removable magnetic sun shield system.
Other models in the Alpine Collection include the round Tera, the rectangular Couloir, and the all-new Apex Series, featuring the premium Ferrata, and the classic Strada. Each frame is offered in a range of VLT lens options to suit every touring condition, from low to extreme sunlight. All models in the collection come with perforated and removable sun shields that block glare and reduce fogging, as well as Helio Polarized Lenses with superior optics and extreme durability. The Alpine Collection is the Official Sunglasses of the National Ski Patrol.
On the sustainability front, Sunski is climate-neutral and is a proud member of 1% for the planet. Additionally, Sunski gives back to the Protect Our Winters Action Fund (POW AF) for every pair of sunglasses sold. By supporting POW AF, the Sunski Alpine Collection, including Category 4, helps to turn the outdoor community’s shared love of wild places into the political will needed to drive positive action on climate change.
Sunski continues to lead the charge in creating innovative eyewear that doesn’t just meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts but inspires them to explore new horizons with confidence and style. The Category 4 sunglasses represent a bold step forward in backcountry gear, blending cutting-edge technology with a commitment to quality and sustainability. Designed for extreme alpine conditions, these sunglasses provide unparalleled sun protection and durability, making them an essential tool for skiers, mountaineers, and adventurers who demand peak performance from their gear.
