Vuarnet Launches U.S. Ski & Snowboard Collaboration

Limited-edition frames celebrate ski heritage ahead of 2023 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships

Release courtesy of Vaurnet. 

Park City, UT; Paris, France (February 8, 2023) – To commemorate a year of partnership and celebrate alpine heritage and excellence, Vuarnet and U.S. Ski & Snowboard have collaborated on a limited-edition frame, to be released in conjunction with the beginning of 2023 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Courchevel and Meribel, France.

Vuarnet x U.S. Ski & Snowboard dresses the now iconic Legend 02 Original model in the colors and marks of U.S. Ski & Snowboard and features a line of stars along the temple. The glasses are equipped with SkilynxTM mineral glass lenses specifically designed for exceptional depth perception against intense snowy, alpine conditions.

“Vuarnet has a strong American history,” explains Vuarnet Creative Director Boramy Viguier. “Our founder Jean Vuarnet launched the brand after winning the Winter Olympics in 1960 at now Palisades Tahoe. When the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team approached us to make official shades for the 2023 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Courchevel and Meribel, it came naturally to dress our LEGEND 02 with the Star-Spangled Banner. I love the Alps, but I also cherish U.S. geology so much: Oregon, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming ... each mountain has its own flavour... its own folklore and legends.”

“U.S. Ski & Snowboard is excited to release the new, limited-edition frame alongside our partner Vuarnet, in conjunction with the start of the 2023 Alpine Ski World Championships in Courchevel and Meribel,” said Tom Horrocks, Director of Commercial Partnerships. “Vuarnet has a rich history within our community and we look forward to showcasing the history of our two brands into a tangible item that our fans can wear on the snow.”

Vuarnet’s alpine heritage and Olympic legacy run deep. Founded in 1957, Vuarnet’s legend was born when French ski racer Jean Vuarnet won the Olympic downhill at the 1960 Winter Olympic Games wearing the original 02 model with SkilynxTM lenses, a disruptive new lens technology. It became an instant icon, favored by such tastemakers as Mick Jagger and Zendaya, and remains a best-seller of the brand.

Vaurnet x U.S. Ski & Snowboard brings together two storied brands across the decades and continents in dedication of craft and pursuit of excellence. A portion of all Vuarnet sales will be directed back to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team to support American athletes’ Olympic dreams. 

Offering the highest level of protection, Vuarnet mineral glass lenses are scratch resistant and provide pure optical clarity in intense lighting conditions. Passionate about quality and innovation, Vuarnet is proud to protect athletes’ sight when it matters most.

Vuarnet x U.S. Ski & Snowboard drops exclusively Thursday, Feb. 9 at 12 p.m. EST / 6 p.m. Paris Time on Vuarnet.com and at Vuarnet boutiques. A very limited number will be available at the Stifel Palisades Tahoe World Cup Feb. 25 & 26, as well as the Stifel America’s Downhill at Aspen World Cup March 3-5.

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About Vuarnet

Vuarnet is the iconic French eyewear mountaineering brand, founded by Jean Vuarnet and optician Roger Pouilloux in 1957.

Jean Vuarnet, a talented French skier, won the Olympic downhill gold medal at the 1960 Squaw Valley Winter Olympics. A great lover of mountains and nature, he notably created the Avoriza ski resort in 1966, the first French resort without cars, with an avant-garde vision of eco-responsibility.

Today, Vuarnet produces its mineral glass lenses in its own French factory, using traditional manufacturing methods unchanged since its inception. Vuarnet mineral glasses, 100% natural and recyclable, provide the best protection against sunlight sunflection thanks to LynxTM technology. Since 1957, the brand has offered timeless classic iconic frames that are still best sellers. Vuarnet embraces its roots in 1960s skiing, nostalgia for craftsmanship, and the art of living in the French mountains. 

About U.S. Ski & Snowboard

U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic National Governing Body (NGB) of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Tracing its roots directly back to 1905, the organization represents nearly 200 elite skiers and snowboarders in 2022, competing in seven teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle, snowboard, nordic combined, and ski jumping. In addition to fully funding the elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers, and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success, and the value of team. For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org.

For more information, please contact:

Lara Carlton, Vuarnet, carlton.lara@usskiandsnowboard.org

Courtney Harkins, U.S. Ski & Snowboard, courtney.harkins@usskiandsnowboard.org