There are few events that capture the bold spirit of Colorado’s high country like the Polar Plunge. This annual tradition is not for the timid. It’s a celebration of courage, community, and the kind of chill that leaves a memory etched in your bones.
Every winter, locals and brave-hearted visitors gather near the icy edge of Grand Lake. They strip down to swimsuits, some in costume, some in teams, and one by one, they take the plunge into waters barely above freezing. It’s ridiculous. It’s exhilarating. And it’s all for a good cause.
What is the Polar Plunge?
The Polar Plunge is exactly what it sounds like. You sign up, you show up, and you jump into a hole cut through a frozen lake. There’s music, cheering, and a crowd ready to celebrate each icy splash. It’s fast, it’s loud, and it’s the kind of winter tradition that brings the town together in the most unexpected way.
The event is a fundraiser, with proceeds typically going to local nonprofits or health-related charities. Plungers raise pledges in advance, often collecting donations from friends and family to support their icy commitment. Some participants are first-timers. Others are yearly regulars who wouldn’t miss it for anything.
There are often prizes for best costume, top fundraisers, or group challenges. But more than anything, the Polar Plunge is about showing up for the community—and showing how much fun cold weather can be when you lean into it fully.
What to Expect on Plunge Day
The atmosphere is part festival, part spectacle. As the crowd gathers, event volunteers get everything ready by preparing the plunge zone and setting up safety teams. Participants check in early, sometimes layering up in bathrobes or full-on animal suits before stripping down for their moment in the water.
Spectators line the shore with phones ready. Music plays over loudspeakers. Emcees keep the energy high. Some people jump and immediately scramble back onto the ice. Others stay in for a beat or two longer, grinning through the shock. Everyone leaves the water breathless and completely alive.
Hot chocolate, food vendors, and warming tents usually accompany the event. Families bring signs. Dogs wear scarves. The whole scene feels like a winter block party—with a twist of arctic madness.
Why It’s Worth Watching (Or Joining)
Whether you’re planning to plunge or just want to watch from a safe, dry distance, the Polar Plunge is one of the most entertaining events of the season. It’s fun for all ages. It creates a sense of shared adventure. And it gives visitors a chance to see the local community at its best.
The laughs are real. The shivers are too. But what makes this event different is how genuine it is. This isn’t a commercial production or some scripted attraction. It’s just people showing up, doing something a little bit crazy, and raising money for causes that matter.
If you’re the type who loves a challenge, consider signing up. If you prefer to cheer from the sidelines with a warm drink, you’ll be in good company. Either way, you’ll leave with a great story.
Make a Full Winter Weekend of It
The Polar Plunge doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s part of a larger pattern of winter traditions that Grand County knows how to host. With snow-covered trails, charming downtowns, and plenty of good food and drink, the area makes it easy to turn one icy event into a full mountain weekend.
Pair the plunge with a snowshoe hike, an evening by the fire, or a visit to a nearby brewery. There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy winter once you’ve taken the plunge—or watched someone else do it.
Stay Warm After the Cold
When the adrenaline wears off and the cold starts to really sink in, you’ll need somewhere welcoming to return to. That’s where The Jabberwocky comes in.
Just minutes away from Grand Lake, The Jabberwocky offers more than a place to rest. It’s where bold winter days meet calm mountain nights. You’ll find warm interiors, thoughtful design, and the kind of hospitality that fits the season perfectly.
Whether you plunged into freezing water or stood clapping with hot cocoa in hand, The Jabberwocky helps you close out the day on the right note. It’s quiet, cozy, and exactly where you’ll want to be once the sun dips behind the peaks.
Book Your Stay Before the Freeze Hits
The Polar Plunge draws a crowd, and lodging fills up fast. If you’re planning to join—or just want to be part of the fun—make your reservation now.
Book your stay at The Jabberwocky and turn one of Colorado’s wildest winter events into your favorite weekend of the year.
