The Best Outdoor Saunas for Cold Snowy Climates: A Comprehensive Guide

When the snow piles up and temperatures drop, there's nothing quite like the soothing warmth of an outdoor sauna. But choosing the right one for snowy climates requires some careful consideration. From insulation to construction materials, several factors determine how well your sauna will perform in harsh winter conditions. Let’s dive into the best outdoor saunas for snowy climates, their features, benefits, and what to look out for when making your choice.

Why Choose an Outdoor Sauna?

Outdoor saunas offer a unique blend of nature and relaxation. Whether nestled in your backyard or overlooking a snowy landscape, they provide a serene escape from the cold. The therapeutic benefits of saunas are well-documented, including improved circulation, detoxification, and stress relief. But in snowy climates, the design and build quality of your sauna become even more critical.

Key Features of the Best Outdoor Saunas for Snowy Climates

1.  Insulation and Heating Efficiency

   • Solid Wall Construction: Essential for maintaining heat in freezing temperatures. Look for saunas with thick, single or double-walled construction.
   • Efficient Heating Systems: Electric or wood-burning stoves should be powerful enough to quickly heat the sauna to the desired temperature, even in sub-zero conditions.

2. Durable Materials

   • Weather-Resistant Wood: Cedar, aspen, hemlock, and spruce are popular choices due to their natural resistance to rot and insects.
   • Protective Roofing: A sturdy angled or curved roof that can withstand heavy snowfall is crucial. Look for saunas with pitched roofs to prevent snow accumulation.

3. Ventilation

   • Proper ventilation is necessary to ensure air quality and prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold and mildew.

4. Accessibility and Safety Features

   • Non-Slip Floors: Essential for preventing accidents on wet surfaces.
   • Secure Doors and Windows: Ensure they are tightly sealed to maintain heat and prevent drafts.
5. WiFi Heater Controls

• Purchasing an electric heater with WiFi controls allows you to pre-heat your sauna from the warmth of your home or office so you do not need to step out in the brisk weather twice.

6. Changing Room

• Having a changing room is highly recommended so that you do not need to step out in the cold weather with your minimal sauna bathing attire. It also gives you a place to store your phone, cold drinks, and other electronics that you do not want to overheat.

Top Outdoor Sauna Recommendations

Here are some top recommendations for outdoor saunas that are perfect for snowy climates. Each model is designed to withstand harsh winter conditions while providing a luxurious and relaxing experience.

1. Dundalk Leisurecraft Canadian Timber 6 Person Georgian Cabin Sauna with Changeroom | CTC88CW

This Canadian Timber Georgian Cabin Sauna is handcrafted from Eastern White Cedar, making it strong for all-weather outdoor use, resistant to rot and decay, and featuring a beautiful light-colored finish. The door is 0.2 in (5mm) bronze tempered glass with a wooden frame and pre-hung on the front wall for easy installation. This sauna comes packaged in a ready-to-assemble kit. It features a 2-level L-shaped bench for up to 6-person seating and 2 front windows & 2 door windows to enjoy the view outside. This special sauna includes a separate changing room, so you can get ready for your sauna session in privacy.

Features:

• Seats: 2-6 people in the sauna and up to 4 more in changing room
• Outside Dimensions incl roof: 8.2' wide x 12.1' long x 8.4' tall at peak
• Interior Dimensions: 7'W x 11'L x 7'H (353 cu ft sauna section - 539 cu ft total)
• Wood: Eastern White Cedar
• Walls: 1.5" thick solid Cedar
• Door: Full-Sized Door with Bronze-Tempered Window for Easy Access
• Windows: 2 double paned bronze-tempered windows
• Heating Time: ~20 minutes depending on outside temp
• Weight: 2,624 lbs
• Shipping Dimensions: 144" x 45" x 44"
• Made in: Canada
• Recommended Heater: 8 kW electric heater or wood burning sauna stove

Includes:

• Pre-cut tongue & groove white cedar for full sauna structure
• Prefab 2-tier solid benches with bottom L bench in sauna and 2 benches in changeroom
• 2x Bronze tempered glass windows
• Cedar roof boards
• Premium metal shingle roof
• 2x Doors w/ bronze tempered glass windows
• Hardware
• Installation guide & video

Check out the Dundalk Leisurecraft Canadian Timber 6 Person Georgian Cabin Sauna with Changeroom here.

2. Dundalk Leisurecraft Canadian Timber 2-3 Person Granby Cabin Sauna | CTC66W

The Granby Cabin Sauna is a smaller sauna which features a 2-tier seating arrangement, providing optimal comfort and functionality for both sitting and laying down. The design incorporates a full-sized door with a bronze-tempered window. The Eastern White Cedar boasts remarkable resistance to decay and insects, providing exceptional durability with a lifespan of 30+ years.

Features:

• Seating capacity: 2-3 people
• Heating time: Approximately 20 minutes, depending on outside temperature
• Flat floor
• 5mm bronze tempered glass door
• Premium metal shingle roof
• Vents for heat control
• Solid wood benches: Sturdy bench design for sitting up or laying down
• 2-tier benches on the back wall with return L Bench that can be installed on the left or right side
• 28-gauge steel roof panels in a black matte textured color
• Weight: 1230 lbs
• Made in Canada

Dimensions:

• Sauna interior size: 158 cu ft
• Interior Dimensions: 5' x 5' x 7' tall at ceiling peak
• Overall Exterior Dimensions including roof: 6'2" x 6'2" x 8.1' tall
• Walls: 1.5" thick solid Cedar

Included with your purchase:

• Full sauna kit, including wood, windows, door & hardware
• Premium metal shingle roof and roof membrane
• Solid Wood Benches
• Installation guide

Check out the Dundalk Leisurecraft Canadian Timber 2-3 Person Granby Cabin Sauna here.

3. True North 5 Person Outdoor Cabin Sauna

This beautiful cabin sauna is handmade in Ontario, Canada, and developed for outdoor use in nature. It can withstand any weather and comes with different window options. You can choose if you want a wood stove or an electric heater inside. The sauna comes as a kit that requires assembly.

Features:

• Seats 5 people or 2 laying down
• 3 wood options: Pine, White Cedar, or Red Cedar
• Comes with ice & water shield underlayment & 2nd layer of roof boards
• Fascia boards to protect the end grain of the wood
• 2 tier benches for sitting or reclining
• Partially pre-assembled construction with built-in venting holes

Includes:

• 3 peg towel hanger
• Vent kit and cover
• Screws for assembly
• Flat floor
• Door handles
• Wood framed glass door
• Benches

Specs:

• Seats: 2-5 people
• External Dimensions: 85.5"W x 61.5"D incl porch x 90.5"H
• Bench Dimensions: Upper 80"L x 17.4"W, Lower 80"L x 13.6"W
• Bench Slats: 3/4" thick x 2 1/2" wide
• Wood: Pine, White Cedar, or Red Cedar
• Walls: 1.55" thick solid wood
• Door: Wood-framed glass
• Heating Time: ~30 minutes depending on outside temp
• Made in: Canada

Check out the True North 5 Person Outdoor Cabin Sauna here.

4. True North 5 Person Outdoor Quattro Cabin Sauna

This beautiful cabin sauna is handmade in Ontario, Canada, developed for outdoor use in nature, and can withstand any weather. Includes 2 front windows & glass door, and you can choose if you want a wood stove or an electric heater inside. The sauna comes as a kit that requires assembly.

Features:

• Seats 5 people
• Made from White Cedar
• Comes standard with roof membrane & 2nd layer of roof boards
• Fascia boards to protect the end grain of the wood
• 2 tier benches for sitting or reclining
• Partially pre-assembled construction with built-in venting holes

Includes:

• 3 peg towel hanger
• Vent kit and cover
• Screws for assembly
• Door handles
• Glass door
• Benches
• Two front windows are standard

Optional: Rear window, Porch

Specifications:

• Seats: 5 people
• Dimensions: 8'wide x 6/7/8'deep depending on porch selection x 7'tall
• Wood: White Cedar
• Walls: 1.55" thick solid wood
• Door: Wood-framed glass
• Heating Time: ~30 minutes depending on outside temp
• Made in: Canada

Check out the True North 5 Person Outdoor Quattro Cabin Sauna here.

5. True North Pod Outdoor Sauna

Transform your backyard into a luxurious retreat with this handmade sauna from Ontario, Canada. It has been developed for outdoor use in nature and can withstand any weather. You can select an optional porch (which decreases inside length). Different window options are available and you can choose if you want a wood stove or an electric heater inside. Sauna comes as a kit that requires assembly.

Features:

• 3 wood options: Pine, White Cedar, or Red Cedar
• Comes standard with roof membrane & 2nd layer of roof boards
• Fascia boards to protect the end grain of the barrel wood
• 2 premium benches for sitting and reclining
• Partially pre-assembled construction with built-in venting holes

Includes:

• 3 peg towel hanger
• Vent kit and cover
• Screws for assembly
• Door handles
• Glass door
• Benches

Optional: Front and rear windows, 1ft porch (decreases inside space accordingly)

Specifications:

• Seats: 4-8 people
• Height: 7.4' Tall
• Length: 8', 9', or 10'
• Width: 84.5" Max; 80.25" at base

Bench Length:

• 8' Sauna: 89 ½ no porch or 77 ½” with 1’ porch
• 9' Sauna: 101 ½” no porch or 89 ½” with 1’ porch
• 10' Sauna: 113 ½” no porch or 101 ½” with 1’ porch

Wood: Pine, White Cedar, or Red Cedar

Walls: 1.55" thick solid wood

Door: Wood-framed glass

Heating Time: ~20 minutes depending on outside temp

Made in: Canada

Check out the True North Pod Outdoor Sauna here.

6. SaunaLife 4 Person 6' Long Barrel Sauna | Ergo Model E7

SaunaLife barrel sauna kits are designed to be the most comfortable, durable, and attractive barrel saunas you can buy. They are constructed of the highest quality Nordic Spruce and have ergonomically designed, ultra-smooth Thermo-Aspen benches and backrests. They feature a behind-the-bench white LED lighting system that is Wi-Fi app-based and allows one to set the ideal scene prior to entering the sauna. A shingled roof is included to protect it from the elements.

Features:

• Capacity of 4 persons (171 cu ft)
• Thermo-Spruce barrel & cradles (lasts up to 2X longer than Cedar)
• Contoured Thermo-Aspen benches for comfortable seating
• Industry-leading wall, bench, and backrest material thicknesses
• Superior thermal resistance (R-value)
• Spacious 6’5” interior height
• Black shingle roof kit for weather-tight installation
• White LED Light Bar System with Wi-Fi App & remote control
• Dual floor drains for effective water elimination
• Tempered bronze glass (5/16” thick)
• Heavy-duty stainless steel barrel bands (1-7/8” wide x 1/8” thick)
• Sauna heater guard
• Intake and exhaust air vents
• DIY kit for simple installation (1-day, 2-persons)
• Handcrafted in Northern Europe
• Lifetime Limited Warranty

Specifications:

• Exterior Dimensions: 5'11" Length x 6'9" Diameter
• Interior Dimensions: 5'3" Length x 6'5" Diameter (171 cu ft)
• Bench Depth: 17.8"
• Distance between benches: 27"
• Barrel Stave Thickness: 1.65"
• Bench Thickness: 1.1"
• Glass Thickness: 5/16"
• Weight: 1,212 lbs

Included:

• Staves, Benches & Cradles
• Tempered bronze glass door
• Stainless steel barrel bands
• Black roof shingle kit
• Spruce fascia boards
• Air intake and exhaust vents
• 1x White LED light bar w/ wifi & remote control (Optional second light bar can be added)
• Extra staves (2)
• Fastener kit
• Paraffin oil, 16.9 oz bottle (500ml)
• Installation instructions

Check out the SaunaLife 4 Person 6' Long Barrel Sauna here.

7. Auroom Terra 5-Person Outdoor Traditional Sauna

The Terra is a universally-styled, spacious outdoor sauna model that will be the escape you need, right at home. This sauna is available in a thermo-pine exterior and has the option of left and right-handed door hinges when purchasing. With two size options, you can choose between a sauna only or a larger space with an area for changing and relaxing in addition to the sauna itself. This beautiful sauna is delivered fully assembled and ready to use.

Features:

• Up to 5 person capacity
• Thermo-pine exterior finish
• Durable
• Environmentally friendly
• Warm tone
• Low maintenance
• High grade Thermo-aspen interior for a smooth finish and premium appearance
• Rehpol wooden framed window and door in black
• Left and right-handed door options
• Left or Right door hinges
• Fully Assembled - Requires a large forklift or crane to move.

Specifications:

• Exterior Dimensions:
  • Medium: 7' 2.4"D x 12' 6.8"W x 8' 2.4"H
  • Small: 7' 2.6"D x 8' 5.6"W x 8' 2.4"H
• Weight: 4,630 lbs
• Exterior cladding: Thermally-modified pine
• Interior cladding: Thermally-modified aspen
• Door: Double-glazed tempered glass with pine frame
• Door Dimensions: 24.2"W x 72.9"H
• Door Handle: Stainless steel/wood
• Window: Triple-glazed, tempered glass
• Interior Lights: LED silicone strips

Check out the Auroom Terra 5-Person Outdoor Traditional Sauna here.

8. Saunum AirCube Double 3-Person Outdoor Traditional Sauna

The AirCube Double by Saunum is delivered fully assembled and is a masterpiece of sleek European design and hand-craftsmanship. Its modern, minimalist structure complements patio, garden, and poolside environments, creating the ultimate outdoor wellness sanctuary. Whether you're relaxing after a long day or entertaining friends and family, the AirCube Double offers unparalleled sophistication and backyard luxury.

Features:

• Fully assembled for significant construction savings - Requires a large forklift or crane to move.
• Premium, furniture-grade Thermo-Aspen interior
• Changing Room
• Thermo-Spruce exterior cladding
• Full double-glazed, clear tempered glass front window for stunning sauna bathing views
• Exceptionally luxurious and glass sauna door
• Substantial natural Oak and stainless steel door handle
• Bluetooth speakers
• Massive wall thickness for enhanced insulation and acoustical properties
• Mood setting interior LED dimmable bar lighting behind backrest and under benches
• Exterior, front wall light for outside ambiance
• PVC subflooring with comfortable Alder wood floor grate

Specifications:

• Interior Materials: Thermo-Aspen
• Exterior Materials: Thermo-Spruce
• Interior Dimensions: 65.2"D x 109"W x 74"H (5' 5.2"D x 9' 1"W x 6' 2"H)
• Exterior Dimensions: 80.7"D x 131.8"W x 97.9"H (6' 8.7"D x 10' 11.8"W x 8' 1.9"H)
• Window Wall Total Width: 71.4" (5' 11.4")
• Window Wall Total Height: 75.6" (6' 3.6")
• Window Glass Thickness: 0.16" (0.01')
• Window Glass Type: Double, Tempered
• Door: Self-Closing Door, Lock Included
• Front Wall: Clear Glass Windows and Door with Wooden Frames
• Bench: I-Shaped
• Interior Lights: LED
• Exterior Lights: LED
• Bluetooth Speakers: Yes
• Shipping Dimensions: 134.6"L x 84.6"W x 98.8"H (11' 2.6"L x 7' 0.6"W x 8' 2.8"H)
• Shipping Weight: 4609 lbs

Included:

• AirCube Double Fully Assembled Outdoor Sauna Cabin
  • Luxury Sauna Cabin with Changing Room
  • Upper and Lower Benches
  • Floor Grate
  • Pre-Wired LED Lighting System
  • Installation Instructions

Check out the Saunum AirCube Double 3-Person Outdoor Traditional Sauna here.

9. Auroom Natura 5-Person Outdoor Traditional Sauna

The Natura is a perfect place to wholeheartedly enjoy the healing sauna, surrounded by a luxurious ambiance. With a 5-person sauna capacity, it has a separate indoor vestibule and an integrated porch where you can take time before and after your sauna to cool off and appreciate nature. The Natura is built to withstand the test of time. It has a reinforced roof to deal with a heavy snow load and integrated gutters for heavy rain. The quality and craftsmanship of this sauna is unbeatable and it comes fully assembled.

The exquisite deep brown of the porch charms with its refined elegance outside while the warm color of the heat-treated aspen coddles you inside. The large front window opens to an enjoyable view of the outdoors.

Features:

• Up to 5 person capacity in sauna
• Covered porch area for relaxing or cooling off constructed of thermally modified brown wood with UV protection
• Designed for outdoor installation with waterproof roofing material and sleek black rain gutter
• Outside cladding featuring black thermally modified and brushed Nordic spruce finished with UV protection for maximum longevity
• Outside wooden door has a brown finish with UV protection and a lock
• Fully insulated floor, roof, and walls
• Triple glazed tempered glass window
• Horizontal Thermo-Aspen interior and ceiling panels
• Interior Premium glass door featuring 8mm tempered glass, stainless steel hinges and wood-metal handle
• Porch and vestibule have spot LED lights. Sauna has warm white LED strips behind the backrests. Lights are dimmable using the remote control unit.
• Left or right handed door options
• Drainage system for sauna floor ensures easy cleaning
• Upper/Lower bench for space-saving seating
• Fully Assembled- Requires forklift or crane to move

Specifications:

• Exterior Dimensions: 138”W x 138”D x 111”H
• Exterior cladding: Thermally-modified and brushed Nordic spruce
• Exterior Color: Black
• Exterior Door: Locking, Thermo-aspen
• Interior Door: Clear 8mm tempered glass
• Interior Door Dimensions: 24.2"W x 105"H
• Windows: Triple-glazed, tempered glass
• Porch: Thermally modified wood, brown finishing with UV protection
• Exterior Lights: LED

Included:

• Complete Sauna Kit:
  • Backrest supports
  • Backrest with LED light strips
  • Upper bench grid
  • Upper bench frame
  • Lower bench grid
  • Lower bench frame
  • Standard base frame
  • Platform
  • Ceiling elements
  • Cladding on 2 side walls
  • Floor grids
  • Vertical moldings
  • Horizontal moldings
  • Fastening screws
  • Molding nails
  • Additional supports
• 2 year Auroom manufacturers warranty
• Premium Sauna Accessories:
  • Bucket
  • Ladle
  • Thermometer
  • Hygrometer
  • Sand Timer
  • Aroma Set
  • Sauna Hat
  • Sauna Pillow

Check out the Auroom Natura 5-Person Outdoor Traditional Sauna here.

10. Auroom Arti 5-Person Outdoor Traditional Sauna

The Arti 5-Person sauna has attractive, modern styling with a contrasting black exterior and wood interior. With features like the covered front porch area and glass wall, you can embrace the views of the world around you. It has the highest attention to detail and is designed to impress from inside or outside.

Features:

• Up to 5 person capacity
• Covered porch area for relaxing or cooling off
• Designed for outdoor installation with waterproof roofing material and sleek black rain gutter
• Horizontal interior and ceiling panels available in Aspen, Alder, and Thermo-Aspen
• High quality sauna LED strips behind backrest
• Drainage in backside of sauna floor
• Left or Right door hinges
• Fully Assembled or Flat Pack Kit Options - Fully assembled requires a large forklift or crane to move.

Specifications:

• Exterior Dimensions: 91"W x 111"D x 98"H
• Weight: 4,630 lbs
• Exterior cladding: Thermally-modified and brushed Nordic spruce
• Exterior Color: Black
• Door: Locking, clear double glazed tempered glass with pine frame
• Door Dimensions: 24.2"W x 72.9"H
• Door Handle: Stainless steel/wood
• Window: Triple-glazed, tempered glass
• Porch: Thermally modified wood, brown finishing with UV protection
• Exterior Lights: LED
• Interior Lights: LED silicone strips
• Lighting Power supply: 3P 400V 50Hz

Included:

• Complete Sauna
  • Exterior Cladding - Nordic spruce thermo-treated, brushed, and painted
  • Interior cladding on ceiling floor and walls
  • Waterproof roof material fo all weather conditions
  • Sleek black rain gutter for rainwater management
  • Terrace has spot LED lights
  • LED strips behind the backrest
  • Double-glazed tempered glass windows and doors
  • Backrest supports
  • Upper bench grid
  • Upper bench frame
  • Bench assistance frame
  • Lower bench grid
  • Lower bench frame
  • Standard base frame
  • Ceiling elements
  • Floor grid
  • Vertical moldings
  • Horizontal moldings
  • Fastening screws
  • Molding nails
• 2-year Manufacturers Warranty
• Premium Accessories Pack
  • Bucket
  • Ladle
  • Thermometer
  • Hygrometer
  • Sand Timer A
  • Aroma Set
  • Sauna Hat
  • Sauna Pillow

Check out the Auroom Arti 5-Person Outdoor Traditional Sauna here.

Tips for Maintaining Your Outdoor Sauna in Snowy Climates

1. Regular Inspections: Check the roof, walls, and floor for any signs of wear and tear. Ensure seals around doors and windows are intact.
2. Snow Removal: Keep the roof clear of heavy snow to prevent structural damage.
3. Proper Ventilation: Ensure vents are not blocked by snow or ice.
4. Interior Care: Use sauna-safe cleaning products to maintain the wood and prevent mold.

Benefits of Outdoor Saunas in Snowy Climates

• Improved Circulation: The contrast between the cold outdoor air and the sauna's heat can boost circulation and cardiovascular health.
• Mental Well-being: The serene, snowy landscape combined with the sauna's warmth can significantly reduce stress and enhance mental clarity.
• Social Bonding: Saunas provide a cozy environment for family and friends to gather and enjoy quality time together.

Where to Buy the Best Outdoor Saunas

When it comes to purchasing a high-quality outdoor sauna for snowy climates, look no further than Havenly. They offer an extensive selection of saunas designed to withstand harsh winter conditions, ensuring you get the best value and performance.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take for an outdoor sauna to heat up in snowy conditions?
A: Depending on the heater type and ambient starting temperature, it can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour.

Q: Can I install an outdoor sauna myself?
A: Yes! Most of our saunas come as easy-to-install DIY kits. Professional installation is also an option for complex models to ensure safety and proper functionality.

Q: Are wood-burning saunas better than electric ones for snowy climates?
A: Both have their advantages. Wood-burning saunas offer a traditional experience and can reach higher temperatures, while electric saunas are more convenient and easier to control.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best outdoor sauna for snowy climates involves considering various factors, from insulation and materials to heating efficiency and maintenance. By selecting a high-quality sauna, you can enjoy the numerous health benefits it offers, even in the harshest winter conditions. Remember, regular maintenance and proper care are key to ensuring your sauna remains a cozy retreat for years to come.

Explore Havenly's range of saunas to find the perfect fit for your snowy retreat. With their top-notch selection and unbeatable deals, you're sure to find the ideal outdoor sauna to enhance your winter wellness routine.