A man sits in an ice hole in a snow-covered lake

Ice-hole bathing.
Calm in cold water

No contest and no loud spectacle. Ice-hole bathing means preparation, concentration and a brief moment in which everything becomes still.

Why into the ice?

Because cold makes the moment smaller.

In an ice hole, there is no room for distractions. For a short time, only water, breathing and the next safe step matter. That is where the calm is.

An opened ice hole in a deeply snow-covered winter landscape
01

Prepare

The place, the entry and the way back are checked before stepping onto the ice.

02

Stay calm

The cold arrives immediately. Panic does not help. Calm breathing and clear movements do.

03

Warm up again

After the water, the important part begins: dry off, get dressed and warm up slowly.

Questions and answers

Frequently asked questions about ice bathing

Do I need expensive equipment for ice bathing?

No. For a start, swimwear, a large towel, warm dry clothes and non-slip shoes are enough. A hat and gloves can also help. More important than expensive equipment are a safe way in, a quick way out and good preparation.

Is ice bathing suitable for everyone?

Definitely not.

How should you enter ice water correctly?

It is best to enter slowly and in a controlled way. Jumping in and immediately going under is not recommended. First step calmly into the water, breathe steadily and wait until your breathing is under control again.

How long should you stay in ice water?

There is no general time that applies to everyone. Beginners stay in the water only very briefly. What matters is not a fixed number of minutes, but keeping your breathing, orientation and ability to move.

Should you go ice bathing alone?

For beginners, this is not recommended. Ice bathing should always be done together with another person. The exit must be clear and safe. Warm clothes, a towel and a bathrobe should always be ready. Some people also prefer gloves.