Even Wim Hof Would Approve of This Nordic Spa Deep in Alaska’s Wilderness

You don’t have to fly to Sweden to get a dose of Nordic cozy. Alyeska Nordic Spa, which opened in September 2022, is giving achy adventurers an opportunity to enjoy 50,000 square feet of self-care. The alpine sanctuary includes outdoor hot and warm hydrotherapy pools, barrel saunas, massage rooms, a full service cafe, and various wellness treatments. It’s a Norse wellness refuge complete with cold plunges that even Wim Hof himself would approve of.

Dev Walker

Inspired by the wild landscapes of Alaska, the spa is located in Girdwood, just 45 minutes from Anchorage. It’s adjacent to the Alyeska Resort, a snow-sport heaven with 1,610 skiable acres, 76 named trails, and over 669 inches of snow annually.

Courtesy Alyeska Nordic Spa

The property includes a paved forest loop for walking through the Chugach Forest, North America’s northernmost rainforest. With a reservation at the spa, travelers can spend up to 12 hours in the facility, though we doubt you’ll ever want to leave.

John Derting

Far from the rustic thermal pools you might expect, Alyeska’s Nordic Spa includes a Himalayan pink salt sauna, sleek steam rooms, a cedar-lined Finnish sauna, and an exfoliation cabin. There’s also a small cafe called Two Trees Bistro within the spa itself, which can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, cocktails, and dinner. 

Courtesy Alyeska Nordic Spa

Wellness geeks love these thermal pools to relieve symptoms of skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, as well as to help to reduce stress and heart problems. These traditions are all borrowed from Scandinavia’s generally healthy lifestyle, with Nordic countries reporting higher levels of happiness and satisfaction.

Kristian Irey

The adults-only facility is currently open, and reservations for hydrotherapy start at $119 per person. You can book your experience here.

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