The Blue Lake Challenge: an ice swimming event

Cold water swimming is much more than a sport; it is a unique experience that combines self-surpassing, physical well-being, and communion with nature. In an environment where the water temperature drops below 10°C, this practice attracts more and more enthusiasts looking to test their limits while enjoying the proven benefits of cold water immersion.

Among the events celebrating cold water swimming, the Blue Lake Challenge in Morillon, Haute-Savoie, stands out for its enchanting setting and events suited for all levels. Nestled in the Giffre Valley, the Blue Lake offers a majestic alpine backdrop with exceptionally clear waters fed by a natural underground spring.

The 2025 edition of the Blue Lake Challenge, scheduled for March 15 and 16, offers a multitude of events.

• Individual Events: Distances of 50 m, 100 m, 150 m (Grand Traverse), 250 m (The Sportive), 700 m (The Challenge), and 1000 m (The Extreme).
• Relays: The discovery relay (45 m crossing per swimmer) and the sports relay (150 m per swimmer), to be completed in teams of four.Whether you are a novice or an experienced swimmer, the Challenge offers a unique opportunity to swim in cold water while surpassing yourself in an exceptional natural environment.

A sensory and well-being experience combining ice swimming and hot sauna

For those wishing to try this discipline, the Blue Lake Challenge offers guided sessions combining immersion and relaxation. After swimming in the icy lake, participants can enjoy saunas provided by Asa and Bastu 74, set up on the shores. This concept, inspired by Nordic traditions, allows alternating between hot and cold, a process beneficial for the immune system and blood circulation.

The Benefits of Cold Water Swimming

Cold water swimming offers numerous health benefits. This practice stimulates the immune system, improves blood circulation, and helps strengthen mental resilience. Participants often report feelings of euphoria and well-being after a session due to the release of endorphins triggered by thermal shock.

Mental Preparation: A Key to Success in Cold Water Swimming

Engaging in cold water swimming requires more than just physical preparation; it is a true mental challenge. Before entering icy water, the body often responds with an adrenaline rush and natural apprehension. To overcome these sensations and fully enjoy the experience, mental preparation and meditation play an essential role.

Practicing a few minutes of deep breathing or mindfulness before swimming helps calm the mind and reduce stress. These techniques help regulate heart rate, maintain optimal concentration, and boost self-confidence. Visualizing a gradual and pleasant immersion in water while focusing on positive sensations is also an excellent way to prepare the mind to face the cold.

These tools, combined with a calm and gradual approach, not only help better manage thermal shock but also transform this immersion into a soothing and revitalizing experience. For participants in the Blue Lake Challenge, this mental preparation is a key step to getting the most out of each event and fully savoring the magic of cold water swimming.

The Joy of Swimming with Trout at Blue Lake: A Unique Experience

The Blue Lake Challenge in Morillon offers much more than just a sporting challenge; it is an immersion in an exceptional natural environment where swimmers share their space with trout inhabiting this alpine lake. This coexistence with rainbow and brown trout, present thanks to rigorous management of the winter fishing reservoir, adds a magical dimension to each swim.

Swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Blue Lake alongside these graceful creatures is both calming and exhilarating. Each movement in the water reveals silver flashes beneath the surface, evidence of these majestic fish’s presence. Their natural grace seems to encourage swimmers to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect more profoundly with this living ecosystem.

This interaction with aquatic wildlife makes cold water swimming at Blue Lake particularly unique. Unlike a traditional pool or even other lakes, here nature’s beauty becomes a central actor in the experience. The trout freely evolving around swimmers embody harmony between humans and their environment.

Whether participating in the Blue Lake Challenge or simply coming for a revitalizing immersion, this unprecedented encounter with lake fish will leave you with unforgettable memories. In this alpine tranquility haven where the invigorating cold of the water blends with surrounding nature’s softness, each swim becomes a moment of pure joy and wonder.

Ice swimming : a challenge for everyone

The Blue Lake Challenge is not just a competition but a true human adventure. Between intense events and beautiful alpine landscapes, this event invites you to step out of your comfort zone, discover the benefits of cold water swimming, and experience a unique moment in nature.

Want to try it? Register now at defilacbleu.fr and get ready to dive into an extraordinary adventure.

FAQs

Is swimming in cold water really good for you?

Yes. While you should always be cautious, immersing yourself in cold water can boost your immune system, improve blood circulation, and provide mental health benefits by promoting the release of endorphins. Regular participants of events like the Blue Lake Challenge in Morillon often report feeling energized and more resilient after taking the plunge.

How long should I swim in cold water?

The ideal duration depends on your experience level and comfort. Beginners might start with just 30 seconds to a minute and gradually increase this time as they build tolerance. Even experienced swimmers at the Blue Lake Challenge tend to limit their immersion to a few minutes in water that can be as cold as 4–6°C. It’s generally advised to stay in the water for one minute per degree of air temperature.

What is the secret to cold water swimming?

Adequate preparation and a slow build-up to the cold are essential. Controlling your breathing helps handle the initial shock, and thorough warming afterward is crucial. Having a supervisor or a fellow swimmer by your side also increases safety.

What temperature is too cold to swim?

Anything below 10°C (50°F) is typically considered very cold and poses a higher risk of cold shock and hypothermia. In Morillon’s Blue Lake, temperatures can drop to around 4–6°C, making it crucial to follow safety guidelines and limit your time in the water.