Lakeside Saunas: Bringing Fire, Ice and Flow to South Routt
by Susie Mitchelle
This article originally appeared in theWinter 2025-26 issue of Art with Altitude.
Ash and Taylor Moody have always been drawn to the water. Whether plunging into a crisp mountain stream after a long backpacking trip, dunking in the Yampa River or testing their grit in the ice box before soaking away the sting at Old Town Hot Springs, the couple value the healing power of contrast therapy. The rejuvenating mix of hot and cold inspired them to start Lakeside Sauna Club, launched in November 2025 on the beach at Stagecoach State Park.
“The cold water and sauna combination is so invigorating—it’s a ritual people around the world have turned to for centuries,” Ash says. “We decided we wanted to do it as a business when we moved here and looked into several options.”
The Moodys relocated to Steamboat Springs with their school-age family after an extensive search for the right community. They initially considered a franchise opportunity on the Front Range, but logistical challenges and the prospect of family separation led them to pivot in a different direction. After much research, they settled on a standalone endeavor and ordered three custom wood-fired saunas from Foundry Saunas in Fort Collins. They then sought the perfect site in Stagecoach—by the picturesque lake—where clients can plunge in a stunning natural setting.
“Each sauna can seat 12 to 13 people, and the views from the windows will allow people to feel completely connected to nature,” Taylor says. “This new experience will be a great complement to the active, wellness-focused lifestyle that defines Steamboat and the visitors who come here.”
Lakeside Sauna Club offers more than views and cozy heat. Ash and Taylor are passionate about the health and well-being benefits. Regular sauna use is associated with improved cardiovascular function, muscle recovery, and enhanced mood thanks to the release of endorphins. Cold plunging—whether dipping into a frigid stream, a tub of icy water, or the lake itself—has been shown to reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and sharpen mental clarity. The combination of the two creates a cycle of stress and release that many describe as euphoric.
The Moodys see their business as more than just a wellness experience—it’s a gathering place for locals and visitors to heal and recharge. Lakeside Sauna Club opened in late November 2025 and operates seasonally, staying open through April 2026 this season. The saunas will also have the flexibility of being mobile and available for private events. “We hope in the summer months to set up at race locations in particular, so competitors can use them post-exercise,” Taylor says.
Stagecoach—with its wide-open skies and mountain backdrop—is the perfect launchpad for a business founded on self-care. “It’s about slowing down, reconnecting with nature and hopefully bringing people together in a way other cultures have been doing for a long time,” Ash adds.
Elevate the Arts: Take the plunge. Reserve your space at Stagecoach now and be the first to enjoy a hot sauna followed by a cold dip. SM
