Chief Ice Officer
INTRODUCING
Chief Ice Officer ®
The Most Advanced Cold Plunge Instructor Training & Certification
CHIEF ICE OFFICER ®
Educate. Motivate. Support. Inspire.
As a certified Chief Ice Officer®, you will guide others through safe and effective cold water immersion, teaching beneficial breathing techniques, ensuring safety, providing mental preparation, and offering support throughout the ice bath experience. You will be trained by a team of international top-class trainers, including world record holding athletes, physicians, and paramedics.
Join our programme today to become a certified cold plunge expert and build a business in a fast-growing multimillion dollar market.
WHY BECOME A CERTIFIED CHIEF ICE OFFICER®?
YOUR BENEFITS
LEARN FROM RENOWNED EXPERTS AND RECORD HOLDERS
YOUR TRAINERS
Breathwork
Certification
Mindset
Cold Exposure I
Cold Exposure II
Medical
Safety
BECOME A CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR AND HELP OTHERS MASTER THE COLD
TRAINING MODULES
Module 1: Medical
Cold therapy uses the body's physiological responses to cold to promote health benefits. In this module, our medical experts will provide you valuable insights into the science behind cold exposure that enable you educate and prepare others for their first cold plunge.
When exposed to cold, our body initiates a survival response, constricting blood vessels to preserve core temperature, activating brown fat to generate heat, and releasing stress hormones like adrenaline. For a cold plunge instructor, understanding these physiological and mental reactions is crucial for safely optimizing cold exposure’s benefits, such as improved circulation, enhanced resilience, and better mental focus, while minimizing risks like hypothermia.
Cold plunging offers several health benefits, including improved circulation, enhanced immune response, reduced inflammation, and faster muscle recovery. It can also boost mental resilience and reduce stress by stimulating the release of endorphins.
But cold plunging also comes with risks, such as hypothermia, frostbites, or cardiac stress, especially for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or those unprepared for extreme cold. That’s why proper guidance and preparation by a cold plunge instructor are essential for safe practice.
Certain medical conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, asthma, and Raynaud’s syndrome can increase risks with cold exposure. That’s why a cold plunge instructor must be aware of the participants’ contraindications to ensure their safety. By understanding these medical concerns, instructors can modify or avoid practices that might endanger participants’ health, creating a safer and more personalized experience.
For a cold plunge instructor, a comprehensive understanding of available medical applications of cold therapy, such as its use in reducing inflammation, aiding recovery, and managing chronic pain, is essential. Our medical experts will give you an overview of emerging treatments, like cryotherapy and targeted cold exposure, ensuring you are up-to-date on the latest advancements in the field.
In this module, frequently asked medical questions related to cold plunging will be adressed. Should I eat before or after a cold plunge? Should I expose myself to cold in the morning or in the evening? How does cold exposure affect sleep quality, weight loss, or muscle recovery? Which water temperature brings health benefits? How long should I stay in cold or icy water?
Module 2: Breathwork
Controlled breathing and focus are key to a beneficial ice bath experience. In this module, a renowned apnea diver and breathwork trainer will teach you a safe breathing technique that helps reduce the cold schock and relax in ice-cold water.
Certain breathing patterns can directly influence our muscle activity and the body’s ability to cope with the shock of cold exposure. You will explore the mechanics of breathing, focusing on the patterns of external and internal respiration and the role of key respiratory muscles. You will gain an understanding of how the diaphragm, intercostal muscles, and other muscles contribute to efficient, effective breathing.
Breathwork is a powerful tool for activating the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation, and reducing the stress response during cold exposure. Our breathwork expert will teach you an effective breathing technique to calm the mind and body before entering cold water.
Understanding the balance between oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels is crucial for every cold plunge instructor. Over-breathing or hyperventilation can reduce CO2 levels too much, leading to lightheadedness or even fainting. That’s why instructors need to be aware of safe breath-holding practices and avoid pushing participants into dangerous zones.
Proper breath control helps to manage the body’s initial “cold shock” response (rapid breathing and panic) when entering cold water. Our breathwork expert will teach you a breathing technique specifically designed to support a safe and relaxed cold plunge experience. You will learn how to use controlled breathing to prepare mentally and physically before entering the water and to manage your body’s response to cold shock during immersion.
One key focus of this module is to go through practical breathing exercises to build mental focus and resilience, enhancing endurance in icy water and managing stress in daily life. Through guided techniques, you will develop tools to stay calm, centered, and focused under pressure.
Module 3: Safety
Safety always comes first when immersing in cold water. In this module, a licensed paramedic will inform you about potential safety risks when cold plunging and how to minimize them. You will also receive a guidance on how to react in case of an emergency.
An online training does not replace a physical first aid course, which every cold plunge instructor should complete before giving courses.
Cold plunge instructors must be able to quickly identify when a participant is in distress, whether it’s due to cold shock, breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, or any sudden medical condition. Immediate action is crucial, including alerting others and initiating emergency protocols.
After an emergency is identified, instructors need to quickly assess the participant’s vital signs—checking if the airway is clear, and if they are breathing. If the person is unresponsive or their vital functions are compromised, this should trigger immediate life-saving interventions.
Cold plunge instructors should always be certified in CPR and prepared to administer it when needed, especially since cold exposure can lead to cardiac arrest in extreme cases. Cold water immersion can exacerbate heart conditions, so being able to perform chest compressions and rescue breathing correctly and efficiently can save lives. Furthermore, trainers should know how to handle defibrillators if available.
Handling afterdrop after cold exposure is essential for ensuring safety and comfort during a cold plunge training. Afterdrop refers to the continued drop in body temperature that can occur even after exiting cold water, potentially leading to hypothermia if not managed properly. To mitigate this, participants should be instructed to warm up gradually using layers of clothing, warm drinks, and gentle movement, while avoiding sudden exposure to heat sources, which can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure and lead to shock.
Hypothermia is a major risk during cold exposure, especially outdoors. Cold plunge instructors should be able to identify symptoms, which may range from shivering and confusion to severe lethargy and unconsciousness. Knowing how to treat mild to moderate hypothermia through gradual rewarming and when to call for emergency help for severe cases is critical.
Module 4: Cold Exposure I
As a cold plunge instructor, you help others discover the power of cold. In this module, you will learn from an experienced ice swimmer and coach the key elements of a successful cold plunge training and how to motivate others overcome fear of cold water.
Effective cold exposure coaching requires a deep understanding of both the physical and psychological aspects of cold plunging. Instructors should focus on helping participants build mental resilience while guiding them through the physiological responses to cold water. Key coaching elements include gradual exposure, proper technique, motivation, and emotional support. Cold plunge instructors should also be able to assess individual readiness and tailor the training to each participant’s abilities and needs.
Instructors need to be skilled in organizing structured cold plunge sessions. This involves selecting appropriate environments (safe water conditions, clean entry/exit points), setting time limits based on participant experience levels, and providing step-by-step guidance. Proper planning ensures a smooth flow of activities, including pre-immersion preparation, the cold plunge itself, and post-immersion recovery. Instructors should also factor in group dynamics, ensuring that each participant receives personalized attention.
Safety is the top priority in cold exposure. Trainers must clearly communicate potential risks and obtain informed consent from participants before any session. A thorough safety briefing should include warnings about cold shock, hypothermia, frostbite, and pre-existing medical conditions that could exacerbate risks. Participants should sign disclaimers acknowledging the risks and their responsibility. Trainers must also provide emergency protocols and have first aid and emergency contact measures in place.
Breathwork is a critical tool for managing the body’s response to cold exposure. Thus, cold plunge instructors should teach appropriate breathing techniques to help participants remain calm and manage the initial shock of the cold water. During the plunge, instructors should support participants by providing calm guidance, emphasizing deep breathing, gradual immersion, and offering reassurance to maintain focus and safety. After the plunge, warm-up routines, including light movement and recovery breathing, can help participants return to a balanced state and prevent cold-related injuries.
Building a consistent cold plunge routine is key for long-term benefits. Trainers should guide participants on how to gradually increase the frequency and duration of cold plunges, integrating it into their daily or weekly schedules. Trainers can also help participants track their progress and set goals. A well-designed routine should include mental and physical preparation, safe execution of the plunge, and effective recovery. Establishing rituals around cold plunging (e.g., breathwork before and after, reflection periods) can help participants stay committed and motivated.
Module 5: Cold Exposure II
Cold exposure requires physical and mental preparation. In this pre-recorded module, a cold plunger with a world record of more than 4 hours in ice-cold water will show you how to create an training plan with all relevant aspects for becoming comfortable with the cold and expand your individual boundaries.
Preparation is everything! Designing an effective cold exposure training plan involves balancing gradual exposure with rest and recovery. You should start with shorter immersions in moderately cold water and gradually increase the duration and intensity. A well-structured plan includes scheduled sessions (cold showers, cold plunges, ice baths) and is tailored to the individual’s progress, focusing on incremental adaptation to avoid physical and mental burnout.
Physical readiness is key for optimizing cold exposure. Proper nutrition supports the immune system and provides energy for the body’s response to the cold. Incorporating regular exercise strengthens the cardiovascular system and enhances circulation, which is vital during cold plunges. Quality sleep allows for recovery, while meditation and relaxation techniques prepare the mind and body for stress management. That is why cold plunge instructors should emphasize the importance of a holistic approach, where all these elements work together for optimal cold adaptation.
A strong mindset is essential for enduring cold exposure. You can cultivate mental resilience through practices like mindfulness, visualization, and mental fortitude exercises. Fostering a positive attitude towards the cold is crucial—viewing it as a challenge to be embraced rather than a threat. Cold plunge instructors should teach strategies to maintain focus and composure, helping participants break through psychological barriers and build the mental strength necessary for longer, more intense exposures.
You will get valuable insights from our expert, how he physically and mentally prepares for extreme cold exposure, emphasizing the importance of building resilience and staying focussed. You will receive guidance how to overcome your own mental barriers and build mental toughness in cold environments, while staying mindful of essential factors like sports, nutrition, and sleep to maintain overall balance and well-being.
Module 6: Mindset
Ice-cold water is mind over matter. You will have a chance to learn from a record breaking ice swimmer how to exceed your own limits and build resilience.
The mind is hardwired to seek comfort and avoid discomfort, which is why cold water immersion feels so challenging. This module will explore the psychology of the comfort zone and how it limits personal growth. Learning to rewire the brain to see cold exposure as a positive challenge is the key for overcoming body’s natural resistance and unlocking greater potential, both in cold water and in life.
Building mental resilience for cold exposure requires specific mental strategies that help push through the discomfort. Cold plunge instructors can teach mind tricks such as visualization, where participants imagine themselves calmly enduring the cold, and reframing techniques to stay present and maintain control in the water. Participants will receive tools to help break free from mental barriers by using mental achors, micro challenges, and practicing grounding techniques, such as focusing on breathing and body sensations. These mental tools can help participants push past their perceived limits.
Repetition and routine are critical for building cold endurance. By consistently exposing the body and mind to cold through structured routines, participants can progressively increase their cold tolerance. This module will highlight how setting a regular schedule for cold plunges and integrating rituals, like pre-immersion visualization and breathwork as well as post-immersion recovery and shivering, can condition the body and mind to handle cold more effectively. You will learn that consistency over time is the secret to mastering cold exposure.
Cold plunging is the gateway to more advanced cold exposure challenges, like ice swimming. This module will guide you on how to gradually progress from short, controlled plunges to longer durations in ice-cold water, emphasizing the importance of both physical conditioning and mental readiness for more extreme challenges. You will also learn the physiological differences between cold plunging and ice swimming, and how to mentally prepare for extended exposure to frigid water.
Safety is paramount in cold exposure training, especially when progressing from cold plunging to ice swimming. This module will cover essential methods to ensure safe practice before and after each swim. Pre-swim preparation includes proper warming up and breathwork techniques to calm the body and mind. Post-swim methods focus on gradual rewarming, hydration, and controlled breathing to restore the body’s balance and prevent cold-related injuries. You will also learn the importance of monitoring your body’s signals during and after the swim to avoid pushing beyond safe limits.
Module 7: Certification
After completing modules 1 to 6, you will be able to present your learnings both in theory and in practice. You will summarize the main outtakes from the training and take a practical test before becoming a certified Chief Ice Officer®.
The final module before completing the certification begins with a comprehensive review of the key concepts covered throughout the training. You will summarize your outtakes, including techniques for safe cold exposure, breathwork, mental resilience, and coaching strategies. This ensures that all critical aspects of cold plunging have been understood and internalized. We will focus on assessing how well you can apply these learnings in real-life scenarios.
A key component of the certification process is a practical test, where you demonstrate your ability to lead a cold plunge session safely and effectively. This includes guiding participants through breathwork, cold exposure, and recovery techniques, as well as handling safety protocols and responding to potential emergencies. The exam ensures that future Chief Ice Officers® are fully equipped with the skills necessary to be a competent and confident cold plunge instructor.
After completing the test, we will provide you personalized feedback, offering insights into your strengths and areas for future improvement. If necessary, we will also answer any outstanding questions you might have. Our main goal is to ensure that you feel confident and well-prepared to lead your own cold plunging trainings and events as a certified cold plunge instructor.
Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive an official certification as a Chief Ice Officer®. This step marks the transition from trainee to certified instructor, empowering you to take your knowledge and experience into the world, guiding others through the physical and mental challenges of cold exposure.
ONE PRICE WITH A BAG FULL OF BENEFITS
PRICING
Chief Ice Officer® Certification- Master the cold -
- ✅ 100% Return on invest with only 17 participants
- ✅ World record holders as trainers
- ✅ Online from wherever you are
- ✅ Flexible time allocation - whenever convenient for you
- ✅ Fast pace to certification (finish within 1 month)
- ✅ Physicians, medical professionals and first aid trainers
- ✅ Online training including 7 modules
- ✅ Unique and state of the art training methods
- ✅ Online exam including practical test
- ✅ Certification valid for lifetime
- ✅ Up to 50% discount on cold plunge equipment
- ✅ Access to our international cold plunge instructor community
CHIEF ICE OFFICER ® Guarantee
We offer a complete Satisfaction Guarantee for our customers. If you are not 100% satisfied with your training within 14 days, you will get a full refund. Even if you have already participated in our courses. We want to ensure you are really satisfied with your training!
WHY DOES THIS CERTIFICATION PAY OFF?
RETURN ON INVEST
We understand that completing the Chief Ice Officer® certification is an investment for you. That’s why we want to help you earn your money back as soon as possible!
We have created sample calculations of how you can earn money with your Chief Ice Officer® certification and build a solid side income. We are looking at 3 different scenarios where you put either a low, medium, or high amount of effort into your cold plunge trainings. We have done the calculation in a rather conservative manner, but still wanted to show you that even with a low effort you could earn 2 x the price you paid for our certification within the first year.
For a 100% return on invest, you only need 17 participants in total, each paying a moderate price of $ 120 for your cold plunge training.
Of course, the earnings potential is unlimited, but we believe that every cold plunge instructor should be able to do a few thousand up to ten thousand dollars per year with medium effort. Not to forget that you will enjoy working with people outdoors and doing something good for them and yourself!
We consider $ 120-130 per person/course to be a reasonable fee you can ask for as a certified cold plunge instructor.
Additionally, you can offer your participants cold plunge retreats that last a weekend or a whole week. For a week with around 8 participants, you can ask for around $ 1,200 per participant. 50% of the fee cover food and accomodation, the remaining 50% are your earnings as the instructor of the retreat. This, you could earn $ 600 * 8 = $ 4,800 per retreat.
Health facilities, gyms, and hotels are another potential income source. Depending on the number of participants, you could earn around $ 1,000 per session.
Moreover, as a certified Chief Ice Officer® you will have access to our online shop on hardware for cold plunging such as tubs and chillers. You can resell these products to participants who want to create a cold plunge routine after visiting your class.
Low effort
- 1-3 participants per month (12-36 participants per year). This is a very achievable goal even for a newbie who doesn’t put much work into his/her business
- $ 120 per participant
- You decide not to do any retreats
- You have very low marketing and sales efforts for your trainings
- Potential earnings are $ 1,440 – 4,320 per year (36 students * 120 = $ 4,326/year)
- With coaching only 17 participants, you already have a breakeven for your investment in our instructor certification. In this calculation, we have left out retreats, reselling cold plunge hardware, and cooperations with health facilites
Medium effort
- 4-9 participants per month (48-108 participants per year). This is an achievable goal with some extra work and advertising.
- $ 130 per participant
- You will do 1-2 retreats per year with around 8 participants per retreat. This will lead to around $ 4,800 additional income
- You post about your trainings on social media and you start building your own personal brand as a cold plunge instructor
- From time to time, yu reach out to potential clients in your region (hotels, gyms, treatment facilities, event organizers) and offer your trainings. You will convince around 1-2 clients per year and provide them a training for around $ 1,000 each.
- Potential earnings are $ 12,240 – 24,480 per year (108 participants * 130 + 2 * 1,000 cooperation partners + 2 * 4,800 retreats = $ 25,640)
- With coaching only 17 participants, you already have a breakeven for your investment in our instructor certification. In this calculation, we have left out reselling cold plunge hardware
High effort
- 10 – 15 participants per month (120 – 180 participants per year). This is an achievable goal once you have set up yourself as trainer and have regular engagement with clients that also recommend you to others
- $ 130 per participant
- You will do 3-4 retreats per year with around 8 participants per retreat. Each participant will pay $600 for the retreat. This will lead to $ 4,800 additional income per retreat
- You invest time in more intense social media activities
- You reach out regularly to potential clients in your region (hotels, gyms, treatment facilities, event organizers) and offer your trainings. You will convince around 2-3 clients per year and provide them a training for around $ 1,000 each
- Potential earnings are $ 32,600 – 45,600 per year (180 participants * 130 + 3 * 1,000 cooperation partners + 4 * 4,800 per retreat = $ 45,600)
- With coaching only 17 participants, you already have a breakeven for your investment in our instructor certification. In this calculation, we have left out reselling cold plunge hardware
FAQs
Here you can find a selection of the most frequently asked questions about the Chief Ice Officer® instructor certification.
Our training is designed for all cold plungers around the world who are interested in becoming a certified instructor and educating, motivating, and supporting others throughout their ice bath experience. You should have already implemented cold plunging in your routine so that you are familiar with the cold and its impact on your own body and mind. You do not need to have a medical or a coaching background – our experts will lead you through these topics and prepare you to run informative, safe, and effective cold plunge events and trainings.
Our training consists of six live online sessions (mostly 90 minutes per session) that need to be completed before you take the online exam. You are not tied to a strict time schedule but can complete the modules when it suits you best and in whatever order wish. Our experts usually teach on evenings during the week (CET), you will receive an overview of available times and dates to choose from once you have booked the training. With that being said, you can complete your training within only a few weeks or several months. However, we recommend you to stay focused and visit the online sessions regularly to get the best and most efficient training experience.
Yes, the course can be deducted from your taxes if it is related to a professional activity, such as part-time or full-time work as an ice bathing coach or instructor. The prerequisite is that the costs are used for professional purposes, e.g. to conduct your own courses. We will provide an invoice and a certificate of participation to support the deductibility.
We have created a 100% digital training that focuses on all relevant aspects when it comes to safe and beneficial cold plunging. No physical attendance is needed, you can complete the training at home in front of your screen. We welcome participants from all over the world to become a certified Chief Ice Officer® and join our community of cold experts.
Before completing the certification, we want to ensure that you have understood and internalized all relevant aspects of cold plunging that are discussed during the training.
The final test will consist of a short written exam and a practical test which both will take place online. If you have payed attention during the training, you should have not any problems with completing the written exam successfully. This also applies to the practical test where you will be able to demonstrate your ability to lead a cold plunge session safely and effectively.
Please keep in mind that we are here to help you feel confident and well-prepared to lead trainings and retreats as a certified cold plunge instructor. If you have any questions or doubts concerning the final exam, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at any time.
Absolutely! We get inquiries from passionate cold plungers who do not want to train others but would still like to attend our programme to learn more about cold exposure from top-class experts in this field. We welcome anyone who would like to gain valuable insights into cold plunging and meet world record holders and other professionals to join our programme.
If you decide not to take the online test at the end of the training, you will not receive a Chief Ice Officer® instructor certification, but you will for sure have learned many unique things and methods that will improve your personal cold plunge experience.
Our goal is to offer a top-class training that meets the highest quality standards and really is “one of a kind” in comparison to other qualifications available. We have put together a team of medical professionals, world record holders, top athletes, and cold plunge experts to enable the best learning experience and outcome for our participants. Our training concept is not highlighting or promoting individual personalities in the field of cold exposure, but provides our future Chief Ice Officers® the best and latest knowledge on cold explosure and a practical set of tools for coaching others in ice-cold water. By offering a 100% digital certification, cold experts around the world can profit from our offering and become part of a growing international community of cold plunge instructors.
Once you have completed the training and passed the online test, you will be able to:
- Stand out of the crowd as a certified Chief Ice Officer® for cold plunging
- Run cold plunge trainings, retreats, and events
- Make yourself more marketable to potential customers by leveraging the power of an internationally registered brand for cold plunge instructors
- Profit from great discounts on accessories and equipment for cold exposure
- Become part of an international trainer community
All activities will be governed by the Chief Ice Officer® Certification Terms and Conditions.
The Chief Ice Officer® certification is valid for life. After completing the 6 online modules and passing the online exam, you will receive your trainer certificate by email within 14 days.
As our trainers and participants come from different countries, we offer our programme only in English at the moment. You can get in touch with us, if you are interested in another language option.
Let us know if you have any questions and please reach out to us!
Phone | +49 (0)1520 5829133
Mail | contact@chieficeofficer.com