Active events aren’t just for the summer! There is a huge variety of different activities and festivals throughout Europe that both embrace and celebrate the cooler weather. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular events.
Ice Swimming, Sweden
Scandinavia is well known for its freezing temperatures, cool blue waterways, and snow-capped peaks. The Scandinavians have had a long-standing relationship with freezing waters – be it the Vikings who conquered the frosty seas or the first people to theorise on the benefits of taking a dip in the very same icy waters.
In fact, Scandinavian culture is so inextricably linked to ice, snow, and frozen waters, that it can be seen through its depictions and representations in a wide range of media – from the online slot games that you can play at Betfair https://casino.betfair.com/p/slots such as Ice Cave, Vikings of Fortune, Ice Heist, and Volatile Vikings, to its idyllic snowy backdrop in a wide range of TV shows and films. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that numerous icy festivals are held across Scandinavia every year.
In Sweden, the tradition of ice swimming is celebrated with the Open Scandinavian Winter Swimming Championship, where swimmers dive into a 25-metre pool cut into the frozen Skellefte River, Skellefteå. This event takes place every year, occurring this time on 15th February. During the festival, brave swimmers compete in all the classic swimming disciplines, but there are also prizes given out for best costumes and ‘ice hole’ poetry.
Snowbombing, Austria
This popular event in Mayrhofen, Austria, in the Tyrolean Alps, is a festival in two parts. During the day, Snowbombing consists of epic slopes for skiing and snowboarding, suitable for all abilities. Once the sun sets, the slopes turn into the party of a lifetime, with big names from dance music and comedy playing exclusive sets.
Not ready for bed? After the music has died down, there are a number of parties held around the resort, so you can make the break as wild as you want. For those of a calmer mindset – or for a bit of peace and quiet to rebalance the senses – there are also mountaintop meditation sessions, for some unparalleled views of the surrounding area. This mountainside music festival is set to be held between 8th and 13th April 2024.
Chilly Hilly, Isle of Wight
Of course, we couldn’t mention other active events without celebrating those we have on the Isle of Wight – particularly the biannual Isle of Wight Walking Festival. Next taking place between 7th and 15th October, 2023, you’ll find the routes here: https://isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/autumn-walks/.
That said, the event we are here to highlight is Chilly Hilly, a community run along a route taking you around the West Wight, with epic views of the coastline. Organised by West Wight Sports & Community Centre, runners begin and finish their circular route at the community centre itself, on Moa Place in Freshwater.
This year, which marks the ninth annual Chilly Hilly, the run will be held on the 10th December, and promises Christmas music galore to bring a little warmth despite the cool winter temperatures. But remember to dress up warm – in previous years, Chilly Hilly has been blessed with icy temperatures and vast snowfall – whether that’s real or artificial snow alike.
You can find out more information about Chilly Hilly, and how to sign up as a runner or volunteer race marshal here: https://westwight.org.uk/events/chilly-hilly/.
