Ice Swim Xmas Cup — Omegna

In the late 18th century, the discovery of a natural mummy on the slopes of the Mottarone mountain, locally known as 'la morta di Agrano', shocked the quiet communities surrounding Omegna. This grim find serves as a stark reminder of the harsh winters that define the landscape of the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola region, a reality that participants of the Ice Swim Xmas Cup embrace every December. Today, swimmers gather in the same cold air to challenge their limits in the waters of the Lake Orta, where the tradition of open water competition has been deeply rooted since the lake hosted the inaugural European Rowing Championships in 1893.

The water and its landmarks

As you stand on the shoreline at Largo Vittorio Cobianchi, the view is dominated by structures that have watched over these waters for centuries. While you prepare to enter the lake, your gaze is drawn to the Porta della Valle, an 11th-century stone gate that remains the sole survivor of the five original medieval access points into the town. A few strokes away, the 15th-century Ponte Antico spans the Strona river with its two arches, its central pillar resting on a massive riverbed boulder that has survived countless floods. The water temperature here is the primary protagonist; the event requires rigorous preparation, and organizers explicitly mandate that only those with previous winter lake swimming experience should attempt the non-wetsuit categories.

Race day logistics

This event is the first of its kind in Italy to focus on cold-water racing, currently in its fourth edition. The schedule is tight: registrations run from 09:00 to 10:30, with the first cold plunges taking place at 11:00. The logistics are designed to support the extreme nature of the challenge, offering separate rankings for 'Gelidisti' (those swimming without wetsuits) and those utilizing thermal protection. If you are looking for other ways to engage with these waters during the milder months, you might consider the 1st Traversata della Nonna which takes place in June, or for a different pacing, the Grand Prix CusioCup later in the season. The event entry fee ranges from 30 to 70 EUR, which covers the race organization and a participation medal. After the final heat, the focus shifts to the heated pavilion near the finish line, where the community gathers to warm up, a welcome contrast to the frigid lake water.