Can C–H nitrene functionalization of polyethylene be the future of ski racing?

Abstract Ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene is the material of choice for modern skis due to its excellent toughness, abrasion resistance, and low coefficient of friction on snow and ice. In both competitive and recreational skiing, minimizing ski–snow friction is essential to maximize speed, performance, and enjoyment. Throughout the history of skiing there have been ways to modify ski surface chemistry for enhanced gliding performance. Most recently, the ban on fluorinated additives has rendered most existing high‐performance glide products and waxing strategies obsolete. This has led to renewed interest in fluorine‐free strategies for achieving low friction. This mini‐review summarizes recent advances in polyolefin functionalization which facilitate chemical surface modification of polyethylene for ski applications, with emphasis on covalent approaches that provide durable and tunable surface properties. In particular, the use of aryl azides as photochemical precursors for nitrene insertion into the relatively inert CH bonds of polyethylene represents a promising strategy. Studies on aryl‐ and triazine‐derived azides demonstrate that controlled nitrene chemistry can enable direct covalent attachment of functional small molecules under mild conditions. The ability to covalently modify polyethylene surfaces opens a new frontier in ski tribology, offering the potential for tailored surface chemistry properties. This approach could redefine the design principles for next‐generation high‐speed skis. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.