There’s a particular kind of magic that happens when a group of women decides, together, to do the slightly uncomfortable thing. Last night, eleven of us found out exactly what that magic feels like at Plunj Salt Lake, and I’m still smiling about it.
Alpine Swim Club has always been about chasing cold water and the rush that comes with it. Usually that means a lake tucked into a canyon, a hike to earn the plunge, and that gasp-out-loud moment when you finally get in. Last night we brought the same spirit indoors, swapping the trailhead for the plunge tubs and letting the cold do what cold does best: wake you all the way up and bond you to whoever’s brave enough to get in beside you.
The plunge itself
If you’ve never done a proper cold plunge with a group, here’s the secret. It’s so much easier when you’re not alone. There’s the countdown, the collective deep breath, the nervous laughter, and then eleven women all in it together, cheering each other through it. Nobody talks themselves out of it when there’s a whole crew talking them into it. That’s the whole point of GOAT, honestly, distilled down into one very cold tub: find your people, and suddenly the hard thing gets a lot more doable.
By the end, everyone had that glow. The flushed cheeks, the buzzy calm, the “did we really just do that?” grin. Cold water has a way of clearing out everything that felt heavy when you walked in.
Then came the burgers
Because what’s an adventure without a proper reward? Post-plunge, we walked straight to In-N-Out for burgers, fries, and the kind of easy, no-agenda conversation that only happens when everyone’s a little tired and a lot happy. New faces became familiar ones over animal-style fries. Plans for the next adventure got made across the table. This is the part of the night that never makes the highlight reel but is honestly my favorite: the friendships forming in real time.
If cold water and warm people sound like your kind of night, keep an eye on the calendar. Alpine Swim Club isn’t done yet, and there’s always room for one more in the tub.
