Using the Hot House
The Hot House is self service, but you can reach out if you need help. It is important to drink during your sauna session and even have a light snack. Do not drink alcohol. Parents must be with kids under the age of 16. Please note: people with poor health should consult their physicians before using the sauna.
Hot House Etiquette:
It is considered good sauna etiquette that guests take a shower with soap before their sauna session.
As well, sitting on a double-layer of terrycloth towels to prevent perspiration from getting onto the benches and walls, where the oils will accumulate over time.
After each use, leave the door fully open for the wood to dry out.
Leave the wooden bucket and ladle upside down to promote drying.
Lighting the Hot House stove
You will find wood split and stacked in a rack behind the sauna.
Lay 4 large pieces of dry firewood on the bottom, in a criss-cross (hashtag pattern), then 2-3 pieces of crumpled newspaper
Add a firestarter block and small bunch of kindling sticks and birch bark on top of that. Light newspaper.
Close the door part way until you see the kindling catch, then close fully but leave the ash drawer open a bit until the fire catches well, about 10-15 minutes.
Close the ash drawer and continue to feed as needed until it reaches temp, and throughout your session.
Pre-heat your sauna to the desired temperature (usually between 80-100°C)
Enter the pre-heated sauna, relax and allow your body to perspire in the soft dry heat. Do not throw water on the rocks during the first part of the session.
Cool off with a cold shower, bucket of water poured over yourself or a roll in the snow!
Re-enter the sauna and sprinkle about 1/2 cup water on the rocks. This will increase humidity to about 30% to assist in perspiration. Half a cup every 5 minutes should be enough. Too much water will just cool off the rocks and you’ll get less steam.
After a 20-30 minute sauna, cool off in the shower or snow.
Repeat this sauna/cold shower process as often as desired.
