Two of Norran's reporters who participated in the Winter Swim competition in 2024.
As in previous years, Norran will provide extensive coverage of the Winter Swim, from the opening ceremony through the entire competition.
The registration deadline for the Winter Swim is February 10, and already, swimmers from 19 countries have registered.
– It's amazing how much international interest this competition has generated, says project manager Thomas "Linge" Lindgren in a press release.
The organiser, Mörkrets och Kylans Glada Vänner (Happy Friends of the Dark and Cold) in collaboration with the International Winter Swimming Association (IWSA), confirms more than 400 starts at Kurjoviken’s marina in Skelleftehamn.
– As this year's event is the Winter Swimming World Cup finale, where the competition's overall winner will be decided, there's extra focus from winter swimmers vying for the coveted trophy, says Lars Westerlund from Mörkrets och Kylans Glada Vänner.
The World Cup began in Argentina in August, with upcoming events in Poland (February 8-9) and Morocco (February 14-16).
– We're really looking forward to welcoming all these world-class winter swimmers to Skellefteå, but just as welcome are all the enthusiastic amateurs brave enough to join this unique competition, says Jarkko Enqvist from Mörkrets och Kylans Glada Vänner.
As in previous years, Norran will provide extensive coverage of the Winter Swim.
The opening ceremony will feature the popular "poetry in the hole" and "music in the hole" events.
– This time, for the first time, there will be opera singing in the ice hole (swimming pool), which should be exciting, says Thomas.
During the competition, attendees can also enjoy music, dance performances, pony rides, and dog sledding tours.