2024 - Vail Arctic Dip

10th Annual VAIL Artic Dip

VAIL ARCTIC DIP POLICIES  This is a family event and the event committee reserves the right to remove any participant and/or spectator from the grounds for behavior that does not adhere to the existing policies, and/or is deemed offensive to others. This includes possession of open containers or other illegal substances, public intoxication, lewd or inappropriate costumes, or otherwise disorderly conduct, among other things.  We are guests of Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley and all visitors will obey park rules.  Absolutely NO DIVING allowed.  Participants MUST enter the water in the designated area. Only registered participants and chaperones of minors (15 years of age or younger) will be granted admission to the secure area.  Anyone of any age can participate, but participants under age 18 must have signed parental permission from a parent or legal guardian.  T-shirts are guaranteed on event day only to pre-registered participants who gathered the minimum $75 in sponsorships by event day. If it is not available onsite, it will be made available post-event to all other participants.  No change will be given at registration. Please have exact change only.  Only funds received on-line and at the event registration table before 1:00 PM will be included in the consideration of top-earner prizes. Dippers are encouraged to register and turn in funds as early as possible.  No information will be given about any person’s registration status or funds raised.  Attire is a swimsuit and/or athletic gear (shorts, t-shirts, etc.). Wetsuits, however, are not allowed.  In the event that there is ice on the lake, absolutely NO WALKING OUT ON ICE.  Bare feet are not recommended. Shoes or water shoes are strongly recommended. ARCTIC DIP FIRST-TIMER TIPS You have signed up for an unforgettable experience! In order to help you successfully navigate your very first Arctic Dip, we have some words of wisdom to offer: DO  Wear your swimsuit under the clothes you wear to the event – then you don’t have to change into it just to change right back out of it.  Choose your post-dip clothing with simplicity in mind – you will be cold and possibly numb, so loose-fitting, easy-on clothes without a lot of snaps, zippers, or buttons are best.  Bring a loose pair of shoes to wear after the dip – something that will slip on easily and doesn’t have tricky laces.  Take a dip with friends! It’s more FUN! DO NOT  Dive in – this is a safety regulation and will be enforced by event staff!  Feel pressured to fully submerge in the water – we recommend you do not go into the water above your abdomen. The water is cold (it is February after all!) and can take your breath away.  Forget your teammates – many people will be behind you. Don’t stop suddenly or cause anyone else to stumble. Look around and make sure all of your teammates are accounted for upon exiting.  Worry about “missing” the dip – if you want 10-15 minutes until the crowd thins out, you’ll still get the full experience . . . but in a less congested way. This also makes it easier to have a photo taken. THINGS TO BRING:  A plastic bag for wet clothes  A backpack to hold street clothes and your new t-shirt  Two medium sized towels – one to dry off with and one to stand on  A dry partner to hold your valuables while you are in the water  River shoes for going into the water, the sand and water are very cold on bare feet  Clean, dry under garments to wear after dipping  A waterproof camera that you can carry into the lake with you . . . even if your cheering section can’t get a close-up of you in the water, feel free to ask a fellow Dipper to capture your big moment.