Spotlight On: Mammoth Sauna Company

Spotlight On: Mammoth Sauna Company

I’ve been a fan of saunas and steam rooms since I was 26, and now, at 47, that habit has become a steady part of my overall wellness routine. There are many well-documented advantages to using a dry sauna, from improved circulation to stress relief. Over the years, I’ve noticed not just the immediate relaxation they provide, but also the cumulative benefits: better sleep, reduced muscle tension, and an overall sense of balance. When I found out about this local business, I immediately wanted to share their information with the rest of the Owens Valley.

As part of our ongoing series, we are interviewing people of interest in the area who are having a positive impact on our community. This time, we reached out to Dakota Tolkinen from Mammoth Sauna Company.

What need or gap in the Mammoth Lakes community did you feel most clearly when you decided to start Mammoth Sauna Company?

We felt two major gaps were needed to be filled in Mammoth Lakes. The first being that Mammoth has no true saunas! The second being that Mammoth has limited spaces for people to gather in evenings that don’t involve partying and alcohol. The sauna and cold plunge provide an alternative place for people to be with each other.

You’ve both traveled widely and experienced global heat and cold traditions. What specific influences shaped the design and philosophy of your sauna here in Mammoth?

One of the biggest aspects was making sure that the sauna included steam or as the Finnish say, Löyly. America has confused saunas with being dry or wet, however it is not a sauna if it does not include steam! This is also a feature of many heat therapy traditions around the world. Additionally, things like proper ventilation, heat source, and bench height were important to providing the best experience.

What moment made you realize, “We need to bring a real, wood-fired sauna to Mammoth?” Was it frustration, inspiration, or something else?

There was not a singular moment of realization for us, however there were multiple disappointing moments of experiencing poorly designed saunas that did not provide good heat or an enjoyable experience. We did take inspiration from listening to our community on the need for a healthy place for people to gather and enjoy each other’s company. This became even more apparent as we learned how the dark and cold winters can affect small remote mountain communities like ours.

How have you seen sauna and cold exposure improve the lives of people in the community—physically, mentally, or even spiritually?

We have grown our local community and love our “regulars”. We have watched as many have turned the sauna and cold plunge into one of their weekly rituals. They have mentioned how it provides an opportunity to “reset”, relax, and calm their mind. Of course, in the winter, many skiers and boarders tell us how much it helps their recovery after a day of playing on the mountain. We personally love it after our trail runs!

After everything you’ve experienced — from Finnish saunas to Cherokee sweat lodges — what does “good heat” truly mean to you?

Good heat is when a perfectly designed room can allow a person to relax and enjoy themselves. The sauna itself should never distract from a person being able to sit in the heat and being able to let go of any stress they carried with them to the door.

A special thank you to Dakota for answering our questions! If interested, their hours are Thursday-Saturday 5-9PM as well as brand new local Tuesdays from 5-9PM.

https://www.mammothsaunaco.com/

https://www.facebook.com/mammothsaunaco

TM Rush