Cholomon Mount Ice Swimming Event, Halkidiki Greece
Dive Into the Extraordinary!
Looking for a challenge that will awaken your senses and redefine your limits?
Join us in Halkidiki, Greece, in 15-16 February 2025
for an unforgettable ice swimming event!
Event Highlights
Why You Should Be Here
Your best opportunity to enter the world of a fantastic winter activity and live a unique experience that combines adventure, learning, and camaraderie!
Learn from the experts
Special guests from Ireland will share knowledge through engaging presentations, focusing on the benefits of ice swimming, their personal stories and best practices
Try at your own pace and ability
Join your first course in ice swimming starting from trying a colder than usual water temperature
A winter wonderland in Halkidiki
Explore the beauty of nature in Mount Cholomon in winter. Did you know that the event will be held in the main source of Christmas trees in Greece?
Educational program around ice swimming
A great introduction on the ice swimming, ideal for physical education students, coaches and swimmers, and people with positive energy who likes adventures!
Top class hospitality choices with special rates
Halkidiki offers everything the sophisticated tourist will expect: luxury and comfort, fine traditional houses converted into hotels, winter chalets, friendly family hotels offering the ideal setting for a memorable weekend.
A vivid local community
The event is supported by the Municipality of Polygyros. The Halkidiki community is ready to welcome you for an adventure that blends sport, nature, and culture in one of Greece most stunning regions.
Explore your unexplored side
Make history by participating!
Event Venue: Apolimeni Petra
The event will be hosted in the Apolimeni Petra hotel, an excellent destination in Cholomon, Halkidiki. Find out more
Accommodation options available
There are plenty of accommodation options in the surrounding area
An easy ride from Thessaloniki
The event venue is less than 1-hour drive from Thessaloniki, with easy access that provides guests with more opportunities to participate
Swim at Your Own Pace
Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or just starting out, there's a distance for you! Choose from 20m to 500m based on your comfort level and physical condition. Start small or go big—every swim is a new achievement!
A Beginners’ Dream Come True
Always wanted to try ice swimming but unsure where to begin? This event is designed with first-time swimmers in mind. Take that initial plunge with confidence, surrounded by a supportive community and expert guidance.
An Inclusive Experience for All
We believe sports is for everyone! Swimmers with disabilities are warmly invited to join and experience the thrill of ice swimming in a safe and welcoming environment. Together, let's celebrate determination and courage.
Live the experience of ice swimming in Halkidiki
Step 1: Save the date & Register
Free your calendar on Feb 15 & 16, 2025.
Step 2: Get Ready to swim
Take care of your health and pack your swimming gear.
Step 3: Travel to Mountain Cholomon
Check the agenda of the event and join us in the presentations and swim according to your preference. Our event is not competitive.
Enjoy!
Meet our special guests - ice swimming experts
" I'm a proud single Mum and all of my motivations are for my 11 year old son, Oliver. I had a life changing accident nearly 8 years ago. It has left me with severe disabilities and I'm presently awaiting amputation. I live with severe ill health conditions and pain, retiring as a teache. Since meeting Ger Kennedy, he's changed my life. I have a purpose and have been welcomed into this incredible cold water community. The benefits have helped me with both my physical and mental health. Ger has been my coach since 2022 and his guidance and friendship mean more than any accolades. "
Nicola Doran
1st Para and 1st Irish Female Ice Triple Crown
" 62 years old father of 3 children. I have been swimming every day for 13/14 years now and realised the benefits to my mental health from a very early stage ,I have swam in northern Norway in -15 degrees and also inside the artic circle in Tromso , I alway swan in IISA world championships in bled 200m in feb 2020 Wothersee 2022/2023 , pilot for Ger in Morocco ice mile in feb 2024 "
Jonathan Smith
Founder of BlueBalls Ireland
" 55 years old married with 2 daughters. Competitive Ice swimming 13 years. 2 Guinness world records for Ice 7 challenge and most Ice Miles by Male #16. Coaching and supporting ice/winter swimmers for 10 years "
Ger Kennedy
IISA Ireland Chairperson
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Dive into the following questions to learn more about the event.
Do I need to be a winter swimmer?
Ice swimming is not a sport for the untrained or casual swimmer. Being a winter swimmer is helpful, as you will have experience with the cold water. Please ensure that you are in proper physical condition to try. Our event is not competitive, and we welcome both newcomers and experienced swimmers.
Do you have age limits?
No, but please check your physical condition. As with all sports, a proper checkup is needed.
Are there any risks to my health?
If the swimmer has not monitored his physical conditions, ice swimming can cause hypothermia, cold shock, and other issues. Please consult your doctor.
May I attend the educational program?
Absolutely, and it's highly recommended, as the event is all about creating awareness about the benefits and the risks of ice swimming
Can I join you only on the 16th?
We scheduled a two-day program with activities and opportunities for networking and spending time as a community. It's highly recommended that you attend both days. If you live in Thessaloniki, you may leave the event venue on Saturday afternoon and return on Sunday morning.
I have some more questions, how can I contact you?
Please use the Contact Us form, and we will respond as soon as possible.