What??? Second mountain symbol on winter tires?

Yes there's actually a second mountain symbol available now for winter tires servicing extreme winter conditions.

Guessing the majority of drivers in winter climates are familiar with the M+S symbol and the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol.

This three peak mountain snowflake symbol (3PMSF) tells you that a tire has passed third-party testing to prove that it can perform in winter conditions.

Here is the new second mountain symbol:

Courtesy of Nokian Tires

Courtesy of Continental tires

This new mountain symbol is called an ice grip symbol, indicating tires that are made for harsher and icier conditions. This new ice grip symbol tells you that the tire has passed third party testing to prove that it's better on icy roads. According to the testing it's at least 18 per cent better than a reference tire against which it was tested.

The ice grip symbol was first introduced in Europe in 2021, currently in North America it's available on only two tires the Nokian Hakkapeliita 10 and the Nokian Hakkapelitta R5.

The Nokian Hakkapeliita 10 generally come studded and are not legal in certain regions. 

While the Nokian Hakkapelitta R5 are only available as non-studded and can pretty much be used in any winter region.

Since the ice grip symbol is only making its way to North America this year I'm pretty sure we will be seeing it on more winter tires next year.

My educated guess ... Michelin X-Ice Snow, Continental Viking 7 and Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 will be displaying the ice grip symbol as well.

Both Nokian winter tires as well as the three mentioned above will serve you well for extreme winter conditions. Pick whichever is cheapest and don't forget to include those mail-in rebates in your decision.

Source: The US Sun -- https://www.the-sun.com/motors/9650015/secret-symbols-tires-confirm-winter-ready-brands-label/