Michelin X-Ice Snow vs Bridgestone Blizzak WS90

Best Winter Tires 2026: Comparison of Models

X-Ice Snow, Blizzak WS90, IceContact XTRM, VikingContact 8, and Ice Friction

The harsh Quebec winter puts any tire to the test: ice, heavy snow, rapidly changing temperatures. Choosing the right winter tire can make all the difference between confident driving and sudden loss of control. Here, we compare five popular models (X-Ice Snow, Blizzak WS90, IceContact XTRM, VikingContact 8, and Ice Friction), drawing from third-party tests (ADAC, TCS, Tire Rack, Protégez-Vous) and manufacturer data sheets to help you find the tire best suited to your vehicle and driving style.

1. Michelin X-Ice Snow

The X-Ice Snow is praised for its balanced performance on ice and snow. Its FleX-Ice 2.0 compound stays flexible in freezing temperatures, ensuring consistent grip.

Strengths: Excellent ice grip, well-rounded performance.
Weaknesses: Performance varies by size and wear level.

2. Bridgestone Blizzak WS90

The WS90 is known for outstanding braking, often ranking first in “studless ice & snow” tests. Its dense siping boosts traction in slush and packed snow.

Strengths: Exceptional braking, great snow traction.
Weaknesses: Louder noise, faster wear if used off-season.

3. Continental IceContact XTRM

Engineered for extreme winter conditions, the IceContact XTRM delivers exceptional traction at very low temperatures — ideal for icy Canadian roads.

Strengths: Maximum ice traction.
Weaknesses: Louder and stiffer on wet pavement.

4. Continental VikingContact 8

The VikingContact 8 offers a strong balance of winter traction and wet-road stability thanks to its PolarisPlus+ technology.

Strengths: Versatile and predictable handling.
Weaknesses: Less aggressive on pure ice than top performers.

5. Pirelli Ice Friction

Ice Friction offers a balanced mix of comfort and performance. With its PNCS noise-cancelling technology, it stays quiet while maintaining reliable winter traction.

Strengths: Quiet, comfortable, well-balanced.
Weaknesses: Less detailed technical data than top competitors.

Comparative Analysis & Recommendations

Driving Scenario	Recommended Tires
Frequent icy roads, maximum traction	IceContact XTRM, X-Ice Snow
Mixed conditions: slush, snow, occasional ice	VikingContact 8, X-Ice Snow
Braking priority (short stops)	Blizzak WS90, X-Ice Snow
Comfort / city driving with light snow	Ice Friction, VikingContact 8

If traction is your top priority, go for the IceContact XTRM or X-Ice Snow.

If you want a more versatile tire with solid performance on all winter roads, the VikingContact 8 is an excellent balance.

The Blizzak WS90 remains unmatched in braking performance in most comparative tests.

The Ice Friction is a solid mid-range option for those seeking safety without extremes.

For winter 2025, there’s no single “best” tire — it all depends on your vehicle, driving habits, and the conditions you face most often.

By combining test results (ADAC/TCS/Tire Rack), manufacturer innovations, and Quebec’s real winter conditions, our selection helps you get closer to the perfect fit for your needs.

To compare prices and view the full selection, visit 4tires.ca.