Residents of western Moscow are embracing an unconventional winter practice this February, braving subzero temperatures to float atop the frozen Moscow River. The activity, known as ice floating, involves participants wearing insulated rescue wetsuits to maintain body heat while experiencing therapeutic weightlessness in water temperatures barely above freezing.
While traditionally popular in Russia's northern Murmansk region and around Lake Baikal, the practice has now reached urban centers. This winter marks the first time Muscovites have systematically adopted the activity, with organized groups gathering weekly despite January and February temperatures regularly plunging to -20°C.
Medical professionals note the activity's reported stress-relief benefits align with growing global interest in cold therapy. However, they emphasize the necessity of professional safety gear and supervision given the extreme conditions. The trend's expansion to Moscow reflects both evolving urban wellness practices and Russians' cultural adaptation to their harsh climate.
