Julbo Universe/Luna Photochromic Goggles

From Julbo, a French company that’s been making mountain eye protection for more than 125 years, these photochromic ski goggles adapt to low-light and bluebird conditions—so you can stay on the slopes all day long. The minimalist frame offers flexibility, ventilation, and comfort, and it increases your field of vision up to 30 percent over traditional goggles styles. Combined with the sturdy, adjustable silicone strap, the extended outriggers (15 millimeters on each side) ensure proper fit with a variety of helmets. The Universe model is well suited for average-sized or larger faces, while the Luna model is designed for smaller faces.

The Zebra lenses (category 2 – 4, VLT 40 – 7 percent) offer fast adaptation to lighting conditions, along with excellent vision under overcast skies, in shaded areas, or in the full sun. The Snow Tiger lenses (category 2 – 3, VLT 30 – 15 percent) have a high-contrast orange tint and a glare-control filter for optimum visual comfort, even under flat light. Finally, the Zebra Light lenses (category 1 – 3, VLT 75 – 18 percent) feature a yellow-tint base for superb protection in the sun and clear vision when conditions are at their worst.

Named for its founder, Jules Baud, Julbo has its roots in the Jura region of France, dating all the way back to 1888. Baud started out designing optical eyewear, and at the request of crystal hunters braving the mountains of Chamonix, began making protective sunglasses for the most extreme conditions. In the 1950s, the company revolutionized the market with the Vermont glacier sunglasses, built for mountaineers conquering the highest peaks in the world. And that’s exactly where Julbo tested its products—on 8,000ers like K2, Gasherbrum II, Broad Peak, and Nanga Parbat, among others. In the ‘90s and early aughts, Julbo expanded its line to include a wide range of sports and terrains, and today it even makes eyewear for children.