1. Why Is Ice Temperature Changed Between Events at the Same Venue?
During the Beijing Winter Olympics, reports stated that figure skating ice was about 5 cm thick with a temperature of -3 to -4°C. In contrast, short track speed skating ice was about 3 cm thick and kept at -7°C [1]. Because both events were held in the same arena, changing the ice conditions became a major challenge.
A 2018 NPR report noted that when short track and figure skating share a venue, the transition takes about 3 hours [2]. Looking at just the numbers, the difference between -7°C and -3 to -4°C is only 3 to 4 degrees. This seems small, but it is thought that this change alters how the blade interacts with the ice.
These figures are guidelines mentioned in news reports and explanations, not fixed values set by competition rules. Conditions vary depending on the specific tournament and venue [1]. So, why do figure skaters prefer warmer ice?
2. Why Is Figure Skating Ice Made Warmer and Softer?
When landing a jump, the blade bites into the ice to stop the body. According to NPR, figure skating ice is made warmer, thicker, and softer than short track ice so that blades can grip it [2].
What happens if the ice is too cold? A blog from skate boot manufacturer Riedell explains that ideal figure skating ice is about 24 to 26°F (-4.4 to -3.3°C), and it should not exceed 28°F (-2.2°C). If the ice is colder than about 20°F (-6.7°C), it becomes hard and brittle. The blade may not bite in, and toe jumps could break off large chunks of ice, creating a danger [3]. This manufacturer’s explanation is not an official standard, but it overlaps with the -3 to -4°C range mentioned in reports.
For figure skating, ice that allows the blade to stop is prioritized over pure slipperiness. So, how cold is speed skating ice made?
[SAFETY NOTE] According to Riedell, if ice is colder than about 20°F (-6.7°C), it becomes hard and brittle. Blades may not bite in, and toe jumps can break off large chunks of ice, which is dangerous [3].
3. How Cold and Hard Is Long-Track Speed Skating Ice?
NPR reports that long-track speed skating uses the coldest and hardest ice among Olympic events. The temperature is 14 to 21°F (-10 to -6°C), and the thickness is about 1 inch (2.5 cm). Converting from Fahrenheit, 14°F is -10°C and 21°F is about -6.1°C [2].
Ice masters filter water to remove almost all minerals and air bubbles to increase density. Their goal is to minimize friction. However, they must leave enough grip for athletes to push off, so some minerals are kept to bind the ice structure [2].
This raises a simple question: why not cool it even more? Is there truly an optimal temperature for sliding?
4. Why Is Skating Resistance Lowest at About -7°C in Experiments?
In 2021, a team from the University of Amsterdam and others published experiments in Physical Review X showing that resistance is lowest at about -7°C under common speeds and pressures [5]. The university notes that this matches the temperature ice masters have found through experience. If cooled to nearly -100°C, resistance suddenly increases, making it hard to slide [4].
The reason is explained by the balance between surface molecules and ice hardness. A 2018 experiment showed that ice surfaces have molecules fixed by three hydrogen bonds and others moving with only two bonds; warmer temperatures increase the mobile ones [6]. At around -7°C, there are enough mobile molecules to slide easily, but the ice is still hard enough to support a blade without being dug up ("ploughing") [4]. Warmer than -7°C (up to 0°C), the ice softens and gets dug up, making it harder to slide [6].
These are laboratory measurements. They do not mean -7°C is best for every event [4]. Figure skating ice is warmer because blade grip, not just slipperiness, is required.
5. Do Scientists Know Why Ice Is Slippery?
The idea that a liquid-like film exists on ice surfaces even below the melting point was proposed in the mid-19th century. In 2016, a team from Hokkaido University’s Institute of Low Temperature Science observed water vapor forming liquid films on ice using a microscope. They reported two types: layered and droplet-shaped [7].
Old theories suggest melting due to boot pressure or friction heat. However, in one experiment, slipperiness did not change with speed, so these alone are thought to be insufficient. In 2025, a team from Saarland University in Germany proposed a new hypothesis: crystals break down into disordered layers that thicken when sliding. This is a hypothesis, not a settled fact. One view is that three competing theories work together to varying degrees [8].
Guidelines for each event are refined by expert experience, while the reason ice slides is still under research. The intersection of these two fields makes skating ice fascinating.
6. How Can You Feel Temperature Differences with Freezer Ice?
You can test how temperature affects touch using freezer ice. Prepare two ice cubes from an ice tray with an adult. One should be taken straight from the freezer; the other should sit at room temperature for a few minutes until the surface starts to wet. Lightly stroke each with your fingertip and compare the feeling.
Ice taken straight from the freezer may stick to your finger. Do not touch it for long, and do not force it off. Note that freezer ice has different conditions than skating rink ice. This is just an entry-level experiment to see how touch changes with temperature.
You can also convert Fahrenheit numbers yourself using the formula: (°F − 32) ÷ 1.8 = °C. For example, 14°F is (14 − 32) ÷ 1.8 = -10°C. Try calculating values like 24 to 26°F or 28°F and compare them with the Celsius figures in this article.
The Hokkaido University research introduction is available in Japanese [7]. After reading it, you can check if the feeling of touch changes with temperature by comparing fresh freezer ice with slightly wetted ice.