Ice Floating, the ultimate relaxation experience

Ice Floating originates from Finland. Unlike many other après-ski activities, it is not about thrills, speed, or heights. Instead, it focuses on relaxation and calm. Yet, the experience still offers a rush of sensation, especially when immersing yourself in the icy, deep blue water. Discover this unique activity you can share with your family this winter on the snow.

What is ice floating?

Ice floating is an off-ski activity that originated about 200 years ago in northern Finland. Today, it is very popular there but remains relatively unknown in France, although it is starting to develop in many French ski resorts.

This meditative activity involves relaxing in icy water, usually between 2 and 5°C, depending on the lake. These temperatures might sound chilling at first, but you won’t actually feel the cold thanks to a waterproof suit that fully encloses your body. This allows you to truly enjoy this unusual moment of relaxation.

Once properly equipped, you’ll have a preparatory briefing with an instructor before entering the water. Getting into the water is often the hardest part and offers sensations similar to other unusual off-ski activities like snow tubing, paragliding, or zip-lining.

Once you’re floating on the lake, there’s only one thing to do: let go. This is when the relaxation really begins. The suit keeps you dry and buoyant, allowing you to clear your mind and simply be present in nature’s calm embrace.

In some resorts, a little skiing might be required to reach the frozen lake via the ski slopes. This activity is accessible to everyone, with no intermediate or advanced skill level needed to take the plunge.

What equipment do you need for ice floating?

Proper gear is an important and even essential step to fully enjoy this experience. Indeed, in water temperatures close to 0°C, you need to take time to put on the right equipment to stay warm. You should bring the usual gear you wear at a ski resort. So, opt for a ski suit, warm layers underneath like fleeces, ski socks, and finally ski goggles or sunglasses to protect your eyes. A small tip: if you have long hair, remember to bring a hair tie.

As for dry suits and all the specific equipment for this activity, don’t worry—everything is provided by the resort or the organisation running the experience.

To recap, here are the essential items you need for ice floating:

Where to practice ice floating?

Ice floating is still a rare activity in French ski resorts. First, because it remains relatively unknown, and secondly because it requires a lake to take place. These factors mean that only a handful of resorts currently offer this experience. Most of the time, the activity is organised by independent companies such as Evolution2 or Manawa. In some resorts, you’ll have the chance to try ice floating at night. The darkness creates a magical atmosphere, immersing you under the vast starry sky.

You can practise ice floating in the following resorts:

Ice floating prices

The ice floating experience lasts on average one hour, including preparation and time in the water. You can expect to pay between €40 and €50 per person, depending on the resort.

For more information, we invite you to contact the tourist offices of the relevant resorts. Here are their details:

Ice floating Tignes :

Address: Several tourist offices are located in Tignes.

Phone: +33 4 79 40 04 40

Ice floating Val d’Isere

Address: Place Jacques Mouflier

Phone: +33 4 79 06 06 60

Ice floating Val Cenis

Address: Several tourist offices are located in Val Cenis.

Phone: +33 4 79 05 99 06

Ice floating Val Thorens

Address: Maison de Val Thorens, Grande Rue

Phone: +33 4 79 00 08 08