Ice-Cold Awakening: Ice Bathing at Valsegg

Let’s be honest: the word "ice bathing" tends to polarize people.
Some say, "That’s only for crazy people!" while others think, "I’ll definitely try that someday."
 

At Valsegg, ice bathing isn’t a dare. Instead, we allow you to immerse yourself in a completely new sense of physical awareness. Leave old hurdles behind and conquer your inner doubts. With ice bathing, you don’t just take your body and mind to a new level — you experience your own strength instantly and firsthand.

Guided Introduction to the Cold
However, caution is advised. Since ice bathing is an extreme situation for the body, it involves certain risks, explains our cold expert Sarah. "The body first reacts with a cold shock. Doing it for the first time can feel overwhelming. You instinctively gasp for air, which can lead to panic. Our instinct wants us out: it tells us 'get out, get out!“ Sarah explains, "and unfortunately, too many people don't know how to handle that." This makes it even more important that your first few times are guided. Sarah discusses everything regarding the cold and the body’s state with participants beforehand. She also explains how to behave before, during, and after the ice bath to ensure nobody feels overwhelmed.

Where Does Ice Bathing Come From?
Ice bathing dates back to the Scythians, a nomadic people who lived around 700 BC in the vast Eurasian steppe. The Scythians bathed their children into ice-cold water to acclimate them to harsh climatic conditions from an early age. A short ice bath was a way to effectively boost circulation and resilience. Due to these positive effects, it was also practiced by adults. What first began as a millennia-old practice with medical, religious, and cultural roots has become a modern trend today.

What are the Health Benefits?
Sarah explains that the human body always tries to keep its core temperature constant. When this balance is disrupted by cold stimuli, it first triggers a cold shock reaction, followed immediately by peripheral vasoconstriction. The blood vessels then expand to increase circulation. "This reaction is trained through regular exposure to cold water and has a positive effect on the body," Sarah continues.

• The immune system is strengthened
• Stress resilience is increased
• The circulatory system is supported
• A sense of vitality and liveliness is created
• It builds mental strength
• Endorphins and serotonin are released, among other benefits

Attention: This Causes High "Addiction"
Sarah describes an ice bath like this: "For me personally, an ice bath is like a reset button for body and soul. Instead of hours of meditation, the experience happens for your body instantly—and every single time you step into the water. I recommend the benefits of ice bathing to everyone: above all, it promotes stress resistance. You find total peace and you will rediscover yourself."

About Sarah

• Name: Sarah Aschenbrenner
• Residence: Ridnaun (raised in Vals)
• Certifications: Sports Trainer, Forest Bathing Guide, Pilates Instructor, Mental Coach, Integrative Cold Trainer, Sauna Master.
• Profession: Sarah offers a combination of movement training, forest bathing, and Pilates.