2026-2027 Polar Plunge

Ready to brave the chilly waters on behalf of Special Olympics Northern California?! Your support of our Polar Plunge series fuels free, year-round sports, health, and leadership opportunities for Special Olympics NorCal Athletes.

This December, join us in style at the 2026 Lake Tahoe Polar Plunge, the official launch of our Polar Plunge season! Set against the breathtaking, snowy backdrop of South Lake Tahoe, this signature event will kick off a series of plunges taking place from December through March. Make an impact and do something special with us as we make waves where it matters most.

Step

1

Register

Step

2

Fundraise

Raise a minimum of $125 to support local Special Olympics athletes. Go above and beyond to make a greater impact and earn fundraising rewards!

Step

3

Plunge!

Jump into icy waters and celebrate the difference you’ve made for thousands of athletes!

How it Works

Plungers can join a team, create a team, or sign up as an individual. Every participant must raise a minimum of $125 to Plunge. Additionally, they will receive a Polar Plunge T-shirt and brunch. Cool School participants must raise a minimum of $50 to Plunge, but need to raise a minimum of $125 to earn the T-shirt and brunch.

Everyone is encouraged to raise additional funds and earn cool incentive rewards. The more you raise, the more you can help directly impact the lives of Special Olympics athletes, their families, and our community.

Plungers can brave the waters however they’d like, from dipping in a toe or two to taking a fully immersive splash. Don’t want to get wet? No worries! You can still register for the festivities and help support Special Olympics.

However you choose to participate, it’s time to bear down for a Special Olympics NorCal Polar Plunge.

Did Someone Say Awards?

We also present awards to the top individual and team fundraisers, as well as for best costumes. Everyone is encouraged to dress in costume for the Plunge. They aren’t mandatory, but they’re a fun part of the global Polar Plunge tradition. So go with the flow and dress up, whether with your team or solo.

Everyone wins at the Polar Plunge. Be brave in your attempt and make a splash for our amazing Special Olympics NorCal athletes! All funds raised will support the sports, educational, health and leadership programs our athletes enjoy for free.

By jumping in at the Polar Plunge, you can make a difference for children and adults with intellectual disabilities!

View the 2026 Plunge Photos

Frequently Asked Questions

Plunger/Chicken – Participants are asked to raise a minimum of $125 and will receive a Plunge T-shirt and lunch.
Cool School student – Participants must raise a minimum of $50 but in order to earn a T-shirt and lunch must raise a minimum of $125.

Absolutely not. Participants run into the water, frolic around for a minute or two, snap photos, then out of the water you go!

That is completely up to you! Dip your whole body or your big toe, whatever you decide is fine by us! If you don’t want to get wet at all, register as a chicken. You’ll be excused from plunging but qualify for the same incentive rewards as our Plungers.

Heck no! But lots of people will! When else will you have an excuse to dress in costume in the middle of winter? If you’re part of team, get in the spirit of things and come up with a team theme. Keep in mind this is a family affair so plan your costume or plunge attire accordingly.

You will want to wear some type of water shoe. Don’t forget to bring a towel and a change of clothes too! Some type of plastic bag or backpack to put your wet clothes will probably be a good idea.

No, anyone is welcome to join us. However on Plunge Day, those under the age of 18 must bring a Polar Plunge waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. No waiver, no Plunge, no exceptions!

Nope! Your cheering squad is more than welcome to come and watch the festivities free of charge. Really, they gotta see it to believe it!