The Baikal is icebound for about 4 months a year. Usually the lake freezes in late December – early January, and rarely in early February. The break of the ice cover takes place in the south of the lake in April or early May, and in the north – in May or early June. Lake Baikal freezes over completely, except a small part in the source of the Angara. It is a natural monument and thousands of birds choose this spot for wintering.

The ice thickness on Lake Baikal depends on weather conditions, snowfall and periods of freezing. The thickest ice layer is formed in the north of the lake and can be up to 2 metres. On the average the ice layer is about 60-90 cm thick, it makes it possible to go on the ice cover not only on foot but also by car (even by truck). In 1904 a kind of railway was laid between the stations of Baikal and Tankhoy. The metals were laid on logs, which played the role of sleepers and were frosted into the ice. Horses hauled carriages, because a locomotive was too heavy and the ice cover could break under it.

While freezing the ice of the lake can take different forms: sokuyi – icy splashes on the lake cliffs, stones and moorings, which can cover up to ten metres; shorokh – bottom grainy ice; slushed ice – tiny floating needles, salo, kolobovnik.

The Baikal ice always heats in the sun and cools at night, that is why the ice compresses or broadens that causes the appearance of trough cracks. These cracks can reach 4 m wide, but usually they are not more than 0,5 – 1m wide. They can cause traffic problems and represent a danger for travellers. However the experienced drivers always carry around several planks to overcome such an obstacle.

One more peculiarity of the winter Baikal is hummocks – heaps of ice splinters. Usually they are formed along trough cracks or along-shore and can be 10-12 metres high. Hummocks are formed during freezing when not strong enough ice is smashed by wind and is thrown out on the shore. Hummocks create landscapes of splendid beauty that resemble the arctic ones. They are especially delightful during the sunset when a red sun plays with millions of glares on blocks of ice.