The new Blizzak IcePeak leverages advanced water-wicking compound technology and Ice Grip certification to deliver measurable gains in braking, cornering, and acceleration.

Bridgestone recently teamed up with Alfa Romeo to introduce their latest winter tire, the Blizzak IcePeak, and to give media an opportunity to compare the Blizzak IcePeak with the Blizzak 6, which debuted last year.

Alfa Romeo brought three of their vehicles to the party: the Tonale, Giulia and Stelvio—equipped with either the Blizzak 6 of the Blizzak IcePeak. This gave everyone in attendance the opportunity to try the tires back-to-back on race tracks at Complexe ICAR, just north of Montreal.

Dramatically-different products

While all the cars were surefooted and able to deal with the winter conditions at the track, the difference between the two tires was dramatic. The vehicles equipped with the Blizzak 6 handled the ice and snow with predictability, but those equipped with the new Blizzak IcePeak delivered another level of grip. They were able to bite into the ice and snow on the ground, delivering outstanding cornering ability, and excellent braking and acceleration.

Jason Alterman, Manager of Consumer Sales Training Content for Bridgestone explained what makes these two tires so different. “The two tires are distinct,” he said. “The IcePeak has a technology that we call ‘Multicell,’ which essentially wicks away surface water, creating sticky ice. It works in the most treacherous of winter conditions—deep snow, packed snow, glaze ice, you name it. You can get from point A to point B safely with Blazzak IcePeak.”

The Blizzak 6, on the other hand, does not have Multicell technology, and was engineered to maximize performance in drier and warmer conditions, Alterman explained.

“If you have a performance-based platform, like a sports sedan, a sports crossover, or a sports car, you can still enjoy the performance aspects of that vehicle with solid, confident handling, while also having the confidence that you can get wherever you need to go, no matter what the weather is outside,” he added.

In short, consumers who are deciding between these two excellent winter tires should focus on their needs and priorities. “If you need to be somewhere, and you’re going to be travelling in the most treacherous winter conditions, then the IcePeak is for you,” Alterman said. “If you want something that is going to deliver enhanced ice and snow performance, while still maintaining the performance feel of your sports sedan or car, Blizzak 6 is the way to go.”

Ice Grip certification

Another key difference between the two tires is the fact that although both come with 3PMS certification, only the IcePeak has Ice Grip certification. “The Ice Grip certification is relatively new,” Alterman explained. “A tire has to achieve at least 18% better braking versus a control tire on ice. So, Ice Grip in tandem with 3PMS certification represents the highest-performing winter product you can get.”

Alterman announced that the Blizzak IcePeak will be available in 107 sizes intended to cover a variety of fitments. “We’re discontinuing two products—the WS90 and the DM-V2,” he added. “So now, the IcePeak comes in 107 sizes—from 14 to 22 inches—covering a range of fitments, which streamlines the Blizzak lineup.”

The majority of sizes will be available to order as of May, 2026. According to Bridgestone, once all 107 sizes become available, the Blizzak IcePeak will cover 97% of the North American light-duty vehicle market.