ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

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Festival History

"Baikal Under Ice " is the only international ice freediving festival in the world

For the 4th year in a row, Baikal brings together the people who live for this — elite athletes and total newcomers, researchers, adventure seekers, and those who care less about how deep they go than how deep they’re willing to look inside themselves.

Mission & Values

Our mission is to show that ice freediving is for everyone

Even those who have never dived in warm water. We believe that cold water and silence beneath the ice aren’t a challenge to endure — they’re a practice: a way to know yourself better, to listen to your body, and to discover where your real limits are.

But our festival is about more than freediving. It’s about discovering one of the most extraordinary places on earth — its food, its nature, its mood and atmosphere. It’s breathwork and sound healing, adventures and excursions, quiet moments and moments of pure joy. And above all, it’s the people — those who are on the same wavelength as you. They’re the ones who can make you truly happy.

Competition medals are created by artist Anatoly Chelyshev — unique glassworks, elegant and fragile like the Baikal ice itself. Art in the form of a sports trophy.

Official Agreement

Agreement with the Government of the Irkutsk Region and the Freediving Federation

On March 17, 2021, the Government of the Irkutsk Region and the Freediving Association signed a cooperation agreement.

The document was signed by Governor Igor Kobzev and Association President Alexey Molchanov. The agreement states that the priority is to establish a partnership, develop effective cooperation aimed at promoting public health, and encouraging people to engage in physical culture and sport, including freediving.

Learn more

Where it happens

Location

Baikal Hotel

The modern Baikal Hotel sits on a hillside in Listvyanka. It features a fitness room and a terrace with magnificent views over Lake Baikal.

13 Akademicheskaya Street, Listvyanka

Ice Camp

Located across from the "Proshly Vek" restaurant — a ~500-meter walk over the ice.

View on map

Rules

Competition Regulations

The official document outlining all the rules and conditions for the Festival’s competitions: who can participate, how to register, when and where the starts take place, how results are scored, and how safety is ensured.

Read the regulations

All competitors are required to undergo a medical examination by the Freediving Federation doctor prior to the start of the festival. The examination will be arranged during the briefing.