Swiss Powerlifter Sets Guinness World Record by Being Buried in Snow Over 2 Hours

Swiss athlete endures 2 hours under snow to claim endurance record

A Swiss man has done what most of us couldn’t imagine—willingly transforming himself into a human popsicle. On June 9, 2025, Swiss powerlifter Elias Meyer broke the Guinness World Record for the longest time spent buried in snow. Wearing only swim trunks, Meyer endured an astonishing 2 hours and 7 seconds under more than a meter of snow in Andermatt, Switzerland.

How It Happened

Preparation and Safety

Before the attempt, Meyer worked with a volunteer team and emergency personnel to ensure the conditions were safe. Medical observers were on standby to monitor for hypothermia or complications. The burial site was carefully chosen in the Swiss Alps, known for its deep and dense snowpack.

Record-Breaking Burial

Volunteers packed snow around Meyer, leaving only part of his face exposed for breathing. Once fully buried, the clock started ticking. Surpassing the previous world record of 1 hour, 45 minutes, and 2 seconds held by Polish endurance athlete Valerjan Romanovski, Meyer stayed under snow for 2 hours and 7 seconds.

The Mental and Physical Challenge

After emerging, Meyer shared that the greatest difficulty wasn’t just the cold—it was the immense weight of the snow pushing against his body.

“The heavy snow pressed me down, causing my shoulders and elbows to ache,” he said in a post-event Instagram update reposted by Guinness World Records.

Why This Record Is So Impressive

This feat is not just about cold resistance—it’s about mental resilience and physical discipline. Snow burial records are unique in that they test a person’s ability to remain calm and composed while encased in freezing, heavy snow with minimal movement.

• Endurance under hypothermic conditions
• Pressure management from snow weight
• Mental strength in claustrophobic conditions

Meyer, a competitive powerlifter, said he wanted to show the world that “the human body is capable of incredible things if trained properly.” He’s now awaiting final confirmation from Guinness World Records, but officials on-site timed and documented the entire event according to GWR guidelines.

The Reactions

The story quickly made international headlines. Outlets like UPI, Guinness World Records, and Newser highlighted Meyer’s courage and physical tenacity. The event also sparked curiosity around other extreme endurance feats, with many online commenters calling it “the coldest flex of the year.”

What’s Next for Elias Meyer?

Elias Meyer says this is only the beginning. While he hasn’t revealed his next challenge, he hopes his record-breaking performance will inspire others to push their limits—safely and with proper training.

“Whether it’s in the gym, the snow, or everyday life—set a goal, train your body, and trust your mind,” Meyer stated.