How to use a sauna tent in winter – Tips for Nordic climate

Bathing in a sauna in the middle of winter is something truly special – imagine sitting in the warmth while the snow sparkles outside! With a sauna tent, you can take that experience wherever you want, even in the cold Nordic climate. But winter comes with its challenges, such as snow, cold, and frost. In this post, we share our best tips for using a sauna tent in winter, so you can enjoy a cozy and safe sauna session – no matter how cold it is outside.

1. Choose the right place for your sauna tent: 
   When setting up your sauna tent in winter, it is important to consider the ground. Try to find a spot that is as level as possible, and shovel away snow if necessary. If the ground is frozen, it may be wise to use a fabric floor or lay down a deck under the tent to protect it and provide some extra insulation against the cold. Avoid setting up the tent under tree branches that may be weighed down by snow – you don't want to risk snow falling and damaging the tent.
2. Support the tent against the snow:
   One thing many forget is that snow can become heavy, especially if it snows a lot while the tent is set up. To avoid your sauna tent collapsing under the weight of the snow, you need to support it properly. Use extra tent pegs and tighten the lines well so that the tent stands stable. If you know it will snow a lot, you can use a brace to reinforce the roof from the inside so that the structure does not collapse due to the weight of the snow. Hott Saunas sauna tents are made to withstand Nordic winters, but a little extra caution never hurts when the snow falls!
   
   
   Here you can see an example of when the tent's roof has collapsed due to the weight of the snow when no support has been used.
   
3. Keep the fireplace efficient in the cold
   The wood-burning stove is the heart of your sauna tent, but the cold can make it a bit more challenging to get the heat up. Start by using dry wood – damp wood burns poorly and creates more smoke. Store the wood in a dry place before lighting, and feel free to bring newspaper or fire starters to get the fire going quickly. Once the stove is on, make sure the chimney is free from snow and ice so that the smoke can escape properly. Hott Saunas' stoves are designed to provide even heat even in sub-zero temperatures, so you can enjoy a comfortable sauna temperature in no time.
4. Dress smart for winter sauna
   Going from the cold outside to the warmth of the sauna tent is a lovely contrast, but it requires some planning. Bring warm clothes that you can wear before and after the sauna – a thick jacket, hat, and gloves are a must. Also, bring a pair of slippers or shoes that can withstand snow, so you don't freeze your feet when you step outside. The slippers are also good to use inside the tent as the ground cools from below. So even though the sauna is warm, it will be colder right against the floor.
   "Don't forget to bring a bucket of water to create steam – it makes the sauna even more enjoyable in the winter cold!"
5. Insulators for extra heat
   A sauna tent is already designed to retain heat, but in really cold temperatures, you can do a few simple things to insulate even better. We recommend using the included insulating window patches. Windows leak more heat than the insulating walls, so to be able to sauna at -30 degrees, it is important to have as good insulation as possible and to let as little heat as possible escape. 
6. Safety tips for winter sauna
   Safety is always important, but in winter you need to be extra careful. Keep a bucket of snow or water nearby in case you need to extinguish the fire quickly. Make sure the stove is stable on a fireproof surface, and avoid leaving the fire unattended. If you are saunaing in a group, ensure that everyone knows how to enter and exit the tent without tipping over the stove. Hott Sauna's sauna tents are built with safety in mind, but it's always good to be cautious.
7. Make it cozy – winter sauna is magical!
   There is something magical about bathing in a sauna in winter. To make the experience even better. If you sauna in the evening, bring a headlamp or battery-operated lights to create atmosphere (but never live candles inside the tent). The stove often has a glass panel which creates a cozy glow inside the sauna. With a sauna tent from Hott Sauna, you can create those unforgettable winter memories, whether you are at the cabin or out in the woods.

Using a sauna tent in winter is not only possible – it is a fantastic experience! With the right preparations, you can enjoy the warmth and relaxation, even when it is cold outside. Our sauna tents are made to withstand the Nordic climate, so you can feel secure regardless of the weather. 

Check out our selection of sauna tents here