Find peace and quiet through ice bathing

This spring, Markus Blum and his daughter skied across Greenland. No wonder he also enjoys taking a dip in the icy water! But you don't have to be an adventurer to go ice swimming – in this interview, he explains how it's done.

Markus Blum, what fascinates you about the cold?
Nobody likes being cold – not even me! I'm interested in how one can adapt to and endure the cold. When I travel to cold regions, like Greenland this spring, I'm primarily looking for peace and quiet, a reduction to the essentials, and the opportunity to discover new things. All the stimuli we're constantly exposed to in everyday life simply disappear there. Furthermore, on my expeditions, I move through habitats that are actually neither designed for humans nor animals. You have to be aware of this challenge and prepare carefully for it.

How did you get into ice swimming?
The trigger was Wim Hof, the Dutch extreme athlete who popularized ice swimming. I was fascinated by how relaxed he was sitting in the ice water – that challenged me and made me curious. Of course, I'd bathed in cold water before, but never as consciously as he did. Ice bathing has become a way for me to find peace and quiet at home – without having to go on an extreme adventure. The cold water immediately brings you into the here and now.

Do you do it every day?
For a while, yes – but you can overdo it (laughs). Three times a week is enough! I have an old, repurposed freezer in the garden for that.

You're an adventurer. How do you manage to get into icy water if you're not that tough?
Most people manage it much more easily than they think! Of course, the cold is a powerful and intense element – you shouldn't underestimate it. But many concerns quickly disappear as soon as you try it. The key lies in breathing: When you get into the water, your body needs the chance to get used to the cold. Conscious breathing helps with this, and we practice it together.

What effect does ice swimming have?
After two minutes, everyone climbs out of the water with a smile on their face – and the atmosphere is fantastic. This is thanks to adrenaline and endorphins. Many are proud and at the same time a little perplexed that they actually managed it. The magical moments arise when you leave your comfort zone.

How do you explain the great popularity of ice swimming?
We all live under too much stress, and many are looking for a way to find peace. Ice swimming offers a short break. The exciting thing about the cold is: you can't fight it – relaxation only comes when you let go.

Ice Swimming with Markus Blum and AdventureHealth
From December 9, 2025, to March 31, 2026, an ice swimming and breathing workshop will take place every week as part of the winter guest program. Every Tuesday, from 7 p.m. to approximately 8:30 p.m., at the Davos Sailing Club, near the Davos lido. Registration and further courses: mb@adventurehealth.ch