Sauna event aims to help Northside Fire
Brave polar plungers walk into the Pack River following their time in the sauna.
Courtesy photo
SANDPOINT — Next weekend, Bonner County residents will be able to take a traditional cold plunge in the Pack River — with a twist.
On Feb. 18, Toasty Mobile Saunas will be setting up one of its portable steam rooms right on the banks of the Pack in honor of the beginning of National Sauna Week. For the second year in a row, participants will be able to warm up in the cozy sauna before running as fast as they can down the short trail and into the river.
“Build Sisu — physical and mental strength,” said owner Cara Hanson. “Our mission as a company is to provide access to traditional sauna and wellness practices that are in harmony with nature. We see ourselves as ambassadors — not only for the ritual of sauna, but also for creating rich and memorable experiences that connect us to the great outdoors and to each other.”
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., attendees will be able to use the sauna for 50 minutes before or after their plunge. Each session will fit a maximum of eight people in the sauna at a time.
“While we host sauna sessions in Ponderay on Friday [through] Sunday at our retreat in the woods, we also enjoy hosting off-site events about once a month at lakes and rivers in the greater Sandpoint area,” Hanson said. “Late winter/spring is the perfect time to head out to the Pack River because the river itself is cold and fresh, and boating activity on the river is low. Our guests can plunge into fresh snow melt coming down the Pack River and then retreat into our hot sauna sanctuary.”
Hanson said there are numerous health benefits to cold plunges as well as spending time in saunas, and combining both makes the experience even more enjoyable.
“There is an energy to the river in the spring that awakens something in us — something primal and joyful,” she said. “The synergy, known as ‘hot and cold contrast therapy,’ has been shown to improve sleep, reduce inflammation, boost mood and feelings of well-being, and improve cardio health. What better way to fight off the winter blues and enjoy the great outdoors.”
For information and tickets, go online to toastymobilesaunas.com/open-sauna-sessions. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Northside Fire District.