Survive a Cold Sauna

Some things are too extreme to be believed, much less offered to paying guests at one of the Canada’s most spectacular spas. Austrian owned and operated Sparkling Hill is located outside Vernon in BC’s Okanagan, and offers 7 fantastic steam rooms and saunas in its decadent KurSpa, not to mention around $10 million of Swarovski crystals incorporated in the hotel’s design. But thrillseekers who want to be chillseekers should tackle the cryotherapy treatment, the first cold sauna of its kind in North America. Spend three minutes in this -110C room, yes, -110C, and every cell in your body will be recharged.

Length of Trip : 3 minutes (sauna), weekend (spa) Sparkling Hill Kur Spa recommends a 5 day treatment plan of 2 treatments per day for maximum benefit.

Cost : 10 Treatments: $300 Introductory experience: $40

Best time to go : All year, although you might want to wait until you have aches and pains to really appreciate the spa.

Wheelchair friendly : Yes

Family friendly : Teen Up, although they’ll hold a grudge forever.

Where to eat : PeakFine Restaurant, located in the Sparkling Hill Resort.

Official Site : Sparkling Hill Resort

Where to Stay : You can stay on-site at the Sparkling Hill Resort, or make it a day trip and stay with our trusted partner in Vernon, the Holiday Inn Express and Suites.

Getting There : Arriving from the south: From Kelowna, BC proceed north on Highway 97 for approximately 30 kilometers. Turn left on Bailey Road at the flashing light (The Predator Ridge sign is on the hillside above). Proceed on Bailey Road approximately 2 kilometers. Turn left on Commonage Road (T intersection). Proceed on Commonage Road following the signs Sparkling Hill Resort/Predator Ridge. Turn right on Predator Ridge Drive and follow the signs through Predator Ridge to Sparkling Hill Resort, approximately 2.5 kilometers. Arriving from the north: From Vernon, BC proceed south on Highway 97 for approximately 10 kilometers. Turn right on Bailey Road at the flashing light. Proceed on Bailey Road approximately 2 kilometers. Turn left on Commonage Road (T intersection). Proceed on Commonage Road folllowing the signs Sparkling Hill Resort/Predator Ridge. Turn right on Predator Ridge Drive and follow the signs through Predator Ridge to Sparkling Hill Resort, approximately 2.5 kilometers.

Note from Robin : No preparation required. No metal or jewelry, although the friendly spa attendants will advise you of all of this. Make sure your skin is dry (moisture is the enemy!). No exercising, drinking, saunas, hot tubs or steams after the experience. Head into the relaxation room with a glass of tea, and reflect on how good it feels not to be freezing to death!