Dinner reservations are fine. A wood-fired sauna in the backyard, a cold plunge, and eight of your favourite people is better. Here's how to plan a sauna party or group weekend in Squamish.
Why a sauna works for groups
Everyone's doing the same thing, nobody's on their phone, and the hot-cold rounds give the night a natural rhythm: heat, plunge, rest, talk, repeat. It works for birthdays, bachelorette and bachelor weekends, family reunions, team days and just "everyone's in town" weekends.
How many people fit?
Our barrel sauna fits 8 people comfortably. Bigger group? People naturally rotate between the sauna, the plunge and the rest area, so a larger crowd can take turns.
Where to set it up
The sauna comes to you anywhere in Squamish, Whistler or Pemberton: your home, a cabin, or a rental you're staying at with the owner's OK. Describe your spot in the booking request and Glenn will confirm whether it works before anything is locked in.
A 24-hour session is longer than you think
Every booking is a private 24-hour window, so you're not racing a timeslot. A lot of groups do an evening session, sleep, then a slow morning sauna before everyone heads home. For a longer stay, a full week is $1,500.
Add-ons that make it a party
- Fire pit ($20) for the rest breaks
- Tent ($20) for shelter from the rain between rounds
- Towel & robe kits ($45 per person) so guests don't have to pack
- Sauna hats ($5 each), which also make great group photos
- Essential oil setup ($15)
- Extra firewood ($15 a bundle) if you plan to keep it going all night
Hosting tips
- Light the fire well before guests arrive so it's hot when they walk in.
- Fill the cold plunge ahead of time.
- Set out lots of water. Save the drinks for after the last round.
- Have a warm, dry spot for rest breaks, especially in fall and winter.
- Pack out what you bring and leave the spot as you found it.
What it costs
$325 for a private 24-hour session, with delivery, setup, firewood and the cold plunge tub included. Split eight ways, that's about $41 each.
How booking works
Hit Book Now, pick your dates and any add-ons, and send a request. Nothing is charged to send it, and you can include questions. Your dates are held for 48 hours while Glenn reviews the request. Once it's approved you'll get an email link to pay a $100 deposit, which confirms the booking. The balance is sent as a payment link three days before your session.
A few safety basics
- Drink water before, during and after. You sweat more than you think.
- Skip the alcohol until you're done. Heat and drinks don't mix.
- If you're pregnant or have a heart condition, low or high blood pressure, or another medical condition, check with your doctor before using a sauna or cold plunge.
- Get out if you feel dizzy, nauseous or unwell, and never sauna or plunge alone.
- Keep the fire contained and the area around the stove clear.
More reading: How to Sauna: A First-Timer's Guide to Wood-Fired Sauna & Cold Plunge · Squamish sauna guide