Big Hearts, Icy Water: Billings Polar Plunge Set for a Freezing Friday Night

Billings is about to get slapped with another dose of winter. We’re talking daytime highs in the teens, freezing rain, and possibly substantial snow between Thursday and Saturday.

So naturally… It’s the perfect time for a bunch of brave (or slightly unhinged?) Montanans to jump into freezing water on purpose. It's all for a fantastic cause.

Read More: Montana Under Winter Storm Watch Ahead of Snow and Falling Temps

Come see the Polar Plunge.

The Billings Polar Plunge is back this Friday night, December 12th, at 6 PM. The event was once held at Lake Elmo, but for the last several years, the brisk action has been hosted at REI Sports, at the corner of Shiloh and King Ave.

Volunteers fill a portable pool in the parking lot, which is then topped off with countless bags of ice. My teeth are chattering just thinking about it.

More than 200 local thrill-seekers are expected to participate in the coldest leap of the year, all to support Special Olympics Montana. Polar Plungers (solo, teams, and couples all participate) collect pledges and donations leading up to the annual event.

Most Plungers wear costumes or have a theme, and it's a lot of fun to watch law enforcement and families plunging shoulder-to-shoulder. The best part is seeing the look on their faces when they pop out of the freezing tank of water.

A big chill, raising big money for Special Olympics Montana.

The Polar Plunge isn’t just a goofy stunt. Since the first splash in Whitefish back in 1999, the event has grown into a statewide powerhouse fundraiser with 14 plunges a year and more than $350,000 raised annually.

Every dollar stays right here in Montana, supporting year-round training, competitions, health programs, and leadership opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Bundle up. Bring a thermos. And come cheer on the folks taking an icy dip for a truly inspiring cause.

Find out more about Special Olympics Montana and the Polar Plunge HERE.