The great thing about Vermont is that instead of dreading the winter, we choose to embrace it when the snow starts to fall. From snow skiing and snowboarding to snow tubing and ice skating, there is so much to enjoy in our beautiful winter wonderland of a state. But swimming in an ice pool? Well, that may be something new and not for the faint of heart.

The Memphremagog Winter Swimming Festival takes place every year on the beautiful Lake Memphremagog in Newport, Vermont.
Newport, Vermont/Facebook
Before the competition can begin, the pool has to be created and cut with an ice saw.
Newport, Vermont/Facebook
Once complete, the pool becomes the only 25-meter winter swim pool cut in the ice in all of the Americas.
Newport, Vermont/Facebook
Swimmers have their chance to compete in a variety of distances ranging from the 25-meter breast stroke to the 200-meter freestyle.
Newport, Vermont/Facebook

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The swim competition is open to many levels, but all swimmers must be able to swim at least 25 meters in a water temperature of 41 degrees or less.
Newport, Vermont/Facebook
For swimmers competing in the 100-meter events, they must have swum 50 meters in water with a temperature of 41 degrees or less and all 200-meter event participants must have completed 100 meters in water with a temperature of 41 degrees or less.
While the water is much colder than most recreational swimmers are used to, the support from the those putting on the event makes it worth it and much more enjoyable.
Newport, Vermont/Facebook
Following the swim, competitors are invited to celebrate with a Buffet Dinner and Award Ceremony at The Eastside Restaurant.
East Side Restaurant/Google reviews
The $185 entry fee for the competition also includes complimentary Buffet Dinner at Eastside Restaurant.
Interested? The Memphremagog Winter Swimming Festival takes place February 28th, 29th, and March 1st, 2020. Whether you want to swim or prefer to watch, it's a great winter experience all around!
Newport, Vermont/Facebook

For more information and to register, visit their website by clicking here.

For more activities in Newport check out: You’ll Fall In Love With This Quiet Vermont Town That Has More Books Than People.

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