VALLON’s Crossroads goggles are the Swiss brand’s latest evolution in all-mountain eye protection.
At the core of the Crossroads is a toric lens developed in partnership with ZEISS, the German optics manufacturer whose expertise spans everything from precision medical instruments to high-end camera lenses. ZEISS brings advanced lens engineering to the snow, using shatterproof polycarbonate to achieve high impact resistance while maintaining optical purity. (“Toric” geometry sits between spherical and cylindrical constructions, offering the expansive peripheral vision typically associated with spherical lenses while minimizing distortion more effectively than many traditional curved designs.)
The result is sharp, consistent clarity from the centre of the lens to the outer edges, helping reduce eye fatigue over long days in variable light.
The goggles’ full UV400 protection blocks 100 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays, while anti-reflective and anti-scratch coatings preserve clarity and durability over time. An anti-fog inner lens (produced with Mazzucchelli) works in conjunction with the ventilation system and triple-layer face foam to manage moisture and maintain a clear field of view during high-output missions or storm skiing.
The Crossroads employs VALLON’s PolarLock, which combines powerful magnets with a hand-controlled mechanical safety release. This dual system ensures the lens remains securely seated in aggressive terrain or during crashes, while still allowing for fast swaps when light conditions change.
The Crossroads ship with the low-light lens included, and in its own reusable clamshell padded case—a nice bonus that will keep your lenses safe and scratch-free in your pack or gear box.
Across lens options, protection ranges from Category 1 to Category 4 (6–72% VLT), allowing riders to tailor performance to everything from stormy deep-winter days to glacier-dazzling spring missions.
We tried out the orange lens, rated at 17 percent visible light transmission, ideal for bright to mixed conditions. Its brown base tint filters blue wavelengths to enhance contrast and terrain definition, while a mirrored coating reflects excess light to cut glare and reduce strain in high-alpine sun. The violet lens, at 31 percent VLT (Category 2), is tuned for flatter light, overcast skies, or night skiing, boosting contrast when definition is otherwise muted.
The medium-to-large unisex frame measures 98 mm in height and 176 millimeters in width, striking a balance between coverage and helmet compatibility. A 50 mm silicone-lined nylon strap, styled to echo classic climbing rope, anchors the goggles securely in place.
By pairing ZEISS toric technology with its own user-friendly PolarLock system, VALLON delivers a goggle that is equally at home in harsh, high-contrast conditions, on bluebird resort laps or in the park at dusk, all while maintaining the heritage-infused style that has become its hallmark. –Ned Morgan
For every pair of VALLONs sold, 1kg of plastic waste is cleaned up and recycled. Details HERE.
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