Gear

Vallon Crossroads: classic style with high-tech performance for the mountain

Vallon Crossroads: retro stijl met hightech prestaties voor op de berg

With Crossroads, eyewear brand VALLON shows that nostalgia and high performance don’t have to be mutually exclusive. These new ski and snow goggles are designed for high-alpine performance, combining a clean aesthetic with best-in-class modern technology. The result? A statement piece on the slopes that performs as good as they look.

But let’s be honest: At an altitude of 3,000 metres, beautiful design is not enough – performance counts. So what makes the Crossroads from VALLON a must-have eyewear accessory for both style and performance?

Key features

  • Dual-layered ZEISS Toric lens (Cat. 3 + Cat. 2)
  • Magnetic PolarLock system for quick lens changes
  • Wide 50 mm nylon strap with silicone grip
  • TPU frame with matte coating
  • Anti-fog coating + ventilation above and below
  • Available in four colour combinations: White-Silver, Sand-Copper, White-Green and Black-Orange
  • Includes lens case and microfibre pouch
  • Unisex design (size medium-large)
  • Price: €220

Observations from the field

The Crossroads are built for skiers, snowboarders and alpine enthusiasts who like to choose their own lines, with or without a lift ticket. Thanks to the toric lens design (a crossover between spherical and cylindrical), you get a wide field of vision without visual distortion. And yes, you notice that. Especially on tree runs or off-piste traverses, that extra sharpness is a relief for safety and eye comfort.

VALLON’s new PolarLock lens change system is intuitive and quick. Even with cold fingers in a snowstorm you can click the lens into place with a reassuring “pop”.

With the Crossroads you get two lenses as standard: a brown-tinted Cat. 3 lens with a mirror coating (in four colour variants) for sunny conditions, and a second violet Cat. 2 lens for overcast conditions, and flat light. The violet lens is very effective at filtering out distracting reflections, and allowing you to see more depth in the snow’s surface. A yellow Cat. 1 lens for low light, and a Smoke Cat. 4 lens for high-glare conditions are also available for additional purchase.

Unlike photochromic lenses, which often react slowly and cannot adjust their tint, this interchangeable lens system offers more control. Choosing the right lens for the right conditions is critical for protecting your eyes from damaging UV, and enhancing vision and contrast in varied light on snow.

Comparison material

When you compare the VALLON Crossroads with models from Smith or Oakley in the same price range, the combination of style and function really stands out. Where others opt for distinctly futuristic designs, VALLON sticks to a kind of retro James Bond look for freeriders and all-mountain skiers. Their classic style is distinctive.

Vallon Crossroads: retro style with high-tech performance for the mountain
Vallon Crossroads: retro style with high-tech performance for the mountain

Material, durability and ease of use

The frame is made of scratch- and temperature-resistant TPU. A sturdy material that delivers strength, flexibility and durability in varied climates and weather conditions. The additional lens case and microfiber pouch delivered with the Crossroads ensures that your lenswear will survive the adventure!

Questions you might have asked

  • Are the Crossroads lenses interchangeable?
    Yes, with the magnetic PolarLock system, you can change them quickly and easily.
  • What light conditions do the standard lenses cover?
    The combination of Cat. 3 and Cat. 2 lenses covers sunny to slightly cloudy conditions.
  • Are the glasses suitable for spectacle wearers?
    No, there is no OTG (Over The Glasses) design.

The VALLON Crossroads are now available to purchase on the VALLON website, and with selected retailers worldwide.

Picture of Hayco Volkers

Hayco Volkers

I have practiced a multitude of sports since my youth to the present. My first sports as a child were judo and athletics. Cycling, hiking, mountain biking, kyokushin karate, diving, baseball, golf and windsurfing, rowing and krav maga were added later.
Picture of Hayco Volkers

Hayco Volkers

I have practiced a multitude of sports since my youth to the present. My first sports as a child were judo and athletics. Cycling, hiking, mountain biking, kyokushin karate, diving, baseball, golf and windsurfing, rowing and krav maga were added later.

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