If you've ever finished a perfect day on the Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center trails and wished for a cozy way to thaw out before heading back to your cabin, you're going to love our newest winter experience.
This ski season, YMCA of the Rockies is thrilled to introduce Cedar Sauna House, a wood-fired, mobile sauna parked right at the Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center. It's a unique blend of wellness, community, and classic après ski sauna culture in the heart of the Rockies.
What Is Cedar Sauna House?
Cedar Sauna House is a beautifully built, mobile sauna designed and operated by owner/proprietor Joe Timm, right here in Colorado. While the sauna can travel, this winter it's settling in at Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center for the full ski season.
Inside this 20-person wood-fired sauna, you'll find:
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A wood-burning stove with about 800 pounds of rocks for deep, radiant heat
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Temperatures targeting 160–175°F, with the ability to reach up to about 195°F
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Tiered benches, so you can sit higher for more heat or lower for a gentler experience
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On-site changing rooms, lockers, and a cozy warming hut
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Towels provided, making it easy to drop in even if you didn't plan ahead
You'll find Cedar Sauna House conveniently located in the Nordic Center parking lot at Snow Mountain Ranch, making it the perfect add-on to a day of Nordic skiing in Colorado.
A New Type of Après Ski at Snow Mountain Ranch
Cedar Sauna House offers 75-minute sessions, giving plenty of time for multiple heat cycles, relaxation, and even hot–cold contrast (more on that below).
Here's how sessions work:
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Special pricing for Grand County locals
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Standard rates for visiting guests of Snow Mountain Ranch and day users
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Six-visit punch passes for those who want to make the sauna part of their winter routine
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$100 unlimited monthly memberships for frequent visitors who love regular sauna time
Because this is a new YMCA of the Rockies sauna experience, we recommend reserving your spot in advance—especially on weekends and holiday weeks.
Book sessions, punch passes, and memberships at: cedarsaunahouse.com
Walk-ins are welcome when space allows.
Age info: Cedar Sauna House welcomes guests ages 12 and up. All participants must complete a waiver during booking.
Private Sauna Rentals & Group Experiences Near Granby, Colorado
Planning a winter getaway with friends, a retreat, or a team trip? Cedar Sauna House also offers private sauna rentals near Granby, Colorado, including:
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Exclusive use of the Snow Mountain Ranch sauna and warming hut
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Space for up to 20 people in the sauna and 10 in the warming hut
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A cozy, screen-free environment that's perfect after a day in the snow
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The option to have hot drinks like tea, cocoa, or coffee on hand
This unique group sauna rental near Winter Park / Granby, Colorado is ideal for:
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Nordic or alpine ski teams
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Small group retreats and leadership groups
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Bachelor/bachelorette parties seeking something different
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Families and friend groups who want a memorable après ski gathering
Private rentals are booked by the hour (two-hour minimum) and must be scheduled in advance to respect regular public session times.
For private-group availability and pricing, visit cedarsaunahouse.com.
Why Sauna? Warming Up Body & Mind After a Day on the Trails
For Cedar Sauna House owner Joe Timm, sauna has long been part of winter life. Growing up in the Midwest, he spent countless cold nights cycling between the freezing air outside and the warm glow of a sauna after skiing or being outdoors.
That same philosophy is alive and well at Snow Mountain Ranch:
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A wood-fired sauna at Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center is a gentle way to warm your core after cross-country skiing.
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The space is intentionally social—a chance to meet other guests and locals who love the outdoors.
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Phones are not allowed in the sauna, making this a rare opportunity for a true digital detox sauna experience.
In a world full constant notifications, Cedar Sauna House invites guests to step away, take a breath, and simply enjoy the experience.
Hot Sauna, Cold Snow: The Magic of Contrast Therapy
One of the most exciting parts of this new Snow Mountain Ranch sauna experience is the option to combine sauna time with the natural environment right outside the door.
Many guests love exploring hot and cold contrast therapy, which often looks like:
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Relaxing inside the wood-fired sauna until you're comfortably warm and starting to sweat.
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Stepping outside into the crisp winter air—and, when the snow really piles up, briefly standing or walking in the snow.
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Heading back into the sauna to warm up again and feel your muscles relax.
This style of sauna and snow contrast therapy is not only invigorating and memorable, it can also support muscle recovery after skiing and help you feel more refreshed after a long day on the trails.
Safety note:
If you have heart conditions, circulatory issues, are pregnant, or have any medical concerns, consult your healthcare provider before using a sauna or trying hot and cold contrast therapy. Always listen to your body and skip anything that doesn't feel right.
Wellness Benefits: Sauna After Skiing at Snow Mountain Ranch
Many guests are curious: Is sauna good after cross-country skiing? While everyone's body is different, sauna has long been associated with:
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Helping muscles relax after physical activity
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Encouraging calm, deeper sleep after a big day outdoors
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Creating a mindful, tech-free space to unwind and de-stress
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Supporting whole-person wellness—spirit, mind, and body—which aligns closely with the mission of YMCA of the Rockies
When you combine the rhythmic motion of Nordic skiing on our trails with time in a sauna near Winter Park, Colorado, you create a powerful winter wellness experience at altitude.
Hours & How to Visit Cedar Sauna House at Snow Mountain Ranch
Cedar Sauna House plans to operate throughout the Nordic ski season, generally:
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Closed Monday & Tuesday
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Open Wednesday–Sunday, typically 10 a.m. to 6–8 p.m. (hours may vary day-to-day)
Holiday weeks like Christmas, New Year's, and Presidents' Day may feature expanded hours and additional open days. For the most accurate schedule, always check:
You can:
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Add a sauna session onto your Nordic Center ski day
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Incorporate Cedar Sauna House into your winter stay at Snow Mountain Ranch
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Book a private sauna rental as part of a retreat, family reunion, or group event
A Partnership Rooted in Wellness & Community
Our partnership with Cedar Sauna House reflects what YMCA of the Rockies stands for: connection, wellness, and time together in the outdoors.
Whether you're here for a weekend getaway, a family reunion, a conference, or a full week of skiing, we invite you to experience Cedar Sauna House as part of your winter activities at Snow Mountain Ranch.
Plan your sauna session: cedarsaunahouse.com