What makes ice slippery? Scientists may have finally figured it out

image via New Scientist

February 20, 2026, 11:00 AM

• •Ice slipperiness is a complex phenomenon with multiple theories, including pressure, friction, and pre-melted layers.
• •A new hypothesis suggests an amorphous layer on the ice surface plays a key role in slipperiness.
• •Understanding the physics of ice could lead to advancements in various fields, including energy conservation and sports.

The phenomenon of ice slipperiness, central to winter sports, has puzzled scientists for centuries, with theories ranging from pressure-induced melting to frictional heating and pre-melted water layers. Recent research suggests a new hypothesis involving a disordered, amorphous layer on the ice's surface, challenging existing explanations. This layer forms due to stress and structural changes when we step on ice, contributing to its slipperiness.

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