The glittering green pines and burst of jasmine lake beyond almost made me forget about the aches in my legs that slowly developed after the promised hour-long hike ran into the third hour. And, oh, there were my hips, showing up to remind me I was no longer in my 20s. I didn’t mind, though, because the vision that surrounded me during our guided walk through Garibaldi Park to Cheakamus Lake in Whistler, British Columbia, with Mountain Skills Academy and Adventures proved worthy of a thousand postcards.

Part of the reason I didn’t worry about my discomfort was knowing the next day it would melt away at Scandinave Spa. I traveled with a group who quickly became friends as we shared outdoor adventures. Scandinave Spa is housed in and around a spacious, modern log cabin. When we walked in, we saw people in robes milling around a wood-paneled reception area, some snacking around the bistro, some sipping coffee. A wall of windows opened onto a bright alpine summer day. A shag rug of trees carpeted its way to distant mountains.

At a capacity of 300 guests, Scandinave Spa can usually accommodate walk-ins, but advanced reservations come with a complimentary robe rental. Massages are also available. The front desk staff gives first-time visitors an overview of the spa since they’re unable to physically tour guests around, as the outdoor spa is designated a silent zone.

© Scandinave Spa

I felt excitement and trepidation as our spa guide explained the Thermal Journey. The idea is to take the body through a spectrum of temperatures from hot to cold and then relax it before doing it again two or three times. Hot elements include two heated pools, two eucalyptus steam rooms, a wood-burning sauna and a Finnish electric sauna. Cold experiences are two plunge pools, a
Nordic waterfall and a Nordic shower.

Relaxation zones spread around the outdoor spa include a collection of hammocks, three solariums, a yoga room and lounge chairs spread around a fire pit.

I mostly looked forward to the heat. I knew my aching legs would love the embrace of warm water while I sat outdoors surrounded by old-growth rainforest in 25,000 square feet of outdoor bliss. But the cold portion of the cycle had me worried. I’m not a cold-temperature person. However, I’d heard and read about how ice baths and cold plunges improve physical and mental health and can enhance circulation, among other benefits. So I bookmarked the possibility in my mind.

Acres of green pines, hemlock and ancient cedar surrounded me as I cycled through the Thermal Journey. First, I walked into the eucalyptus steam room. I felt the moist heat envelope my body and the soothing scent relax my mind. Then, unsure what to do next, I was still reluctant to submerge into the cold. I chose instead to dip into the large hot tub, shaped like a clover with pockets for privacy. Throughout this journey, I barely heard a sound from the people around me as everyone respected their inner navigator.

© Scandinave Spa

Then, I knew. It was time for the cold plunge. I assured myself I could do it. Even if I just went in and came right back out. The next pool down the path was the cold pool, with a sign depicting the frigid temperature range. It was smaller than the hot pool, and only one other person braved the water. I decided I had nothing to fear except for temporary discomfort; no one was holding me down; and if the cold could reduce the inflammation of my sore muscles, it would be worth it. I walked down the steps into the pool, blue sky and evergreens framing my sight, and ignored the shock of cold as I pushed through my panic. I only lasted 10 seconds instead of the recommended 30, yet I was proud to have done it. The dopamine flowed, and I rode it to Hammock Haven, tucked behind a solarium, facing a grove of old-growth trees.

The next time I chose the sauna, and this time when I went into the cold pool, I counted and kept counting past the 30 seconds to 56 until I climbed out, feeling proud and great. I lay by the fire, alone yet surrounded by others experiencing this ritual, knowing this journey was mine, yet I shared it with others.