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Blog > Découverte de Samoëns l’hiver > World Ice Swimming Championships 2023
Practised mainly in lakes or in the sea, swimming in icy water is a discipline in full development in France and in the world and national and international competitions have multiplied since the year 2000. The principle is simple: swim in water that does not exceed 5 degrees, with one small detail that may be important… The neoprene suit is forbidden! You might as well say that the exercise would be difficult for the most frigid among us.
Although precautions must obviously be taken before jumping into the water, swimming in ice water has many positive effects on the human body. Endorphin release, increased body temperature, increased blood flow… contrary to what you might think, cold water is good for your health!
This winter, the world championship in ice water organised by the IISA, International Ice Swimming Association created in 2009, will take place in Samoëns, in the heart of the Haute-Savoie mountains. The famous Lac aux Dames will host a 25-metre pool with water at less than 5 degrees. Over four days of competition, the 400 athletes from more than 33 countries will compete over various distances ranging from 50 to 1000 metres in all disciplines (freestyle, butterfly, etc.).
The World Ice Swimming Championship is only open to IISA registered athletes who have qualified for the competition. But this discipline is always impressive to discover and spectators are welcome! The Lac aux Dames leisure centre covers an area of ten hectares and a visit there is also an opportunity to take a walk and admire the snow-covered landscape or to play safely in the snow with your children.
Samoëns Tourist Office
66, place de l’Office de Tourisme – 74340 SAMOËNS
Tél. : 04.50.34.40.28
Mail : infos@samoens.com
Open every day from 9am to 12pm and from 2.30pm to 6.30pm
