By Kate Bartlett
Peak Heat Saunas will be celebrating their one-year anniversary in Ellicottville this January. This mobile sauna company offers an 8-person Finnish wood-burning sauna and cold plunge experience complete with everything needed for a sauna session, delivered right to your driveway.
Two-time Olympian Tricia Mangan founded Peak Heat with her brothers, William and Peter, and they began rentals in January 2024. She was inspired to bring this wellness trend to the area after experiencing the vibrant sauna culture in Europe. As a life-long skier and member of the US Ski team, Tricia discovered how saunas bring people together while offering profound health benefits. “Saunas are a staple at so many European ski destinations,” explains Tricia. “They create this amazing social atmosphere while delivering incredible health and wellness benefits, which I’m excited to bring to Ellicottville.”
Peak Heat mobile saunas are available for day, weekend and week-long rentals, equipped with everything needed for an elevated group experience including robes, sauna hats, essential oils, a cold plunge tub and small deck. “Our favorite way to use it is a 20-minute sauna session followed by an invigorating cold plunge, then back to the warmth of the sauna to repeat,” says Tricia. “With good music playing and eucalyptus essential oil filling the air, it’s truly my favorite post-skiing activity.”
According to Tricia, the alternating hot-cold cycle provides an exhilarating experience and triggers a cascade of physiological responses that helps reduce inflammation, boost circulation, and release endorphins making it perfect for post-exercise recovery or simply unwinding with friends. “The intense temperature contrasts create this natural euphoria that’s even better when shared with friends,” explains Tricia. “Everyone’s laughing and having fun as they challenge themselves to brave the cold plunge before rushing back to the warmth of the sauna.”
Saunas are both a sanctuary for health and a space for connection. “Extensive research has shown that consistent sauna use strengthens cardiovascular health, boosts metabolism, enhances respiratory function, and supports both physical and mental wellbeing,” explains Tricia.
Over the past year, Peak Heat has delivered their mobile sauna to various residences and businesses in the Ellicottville area. “It’s been incredible to see how different groups use the space,” says Tricia. “Whether it’s families bonding, athletes recovering together, or colleagues building connections during corporate retreats, the sauna creates this unique shared experience that people really enjoy during the long winter months.”
Looking forward to 2025, Tricia aims to make the sauna experience accessible to more groups. Peak Heat is planning partnerships with HoliMont for events throughout the season and upgrading their amenities to enhance the immersive group experience.
For more information and booking visit peakheatsaunas.com, follow on Instagram @peakheatsaunas and HoliMont events, and read The Villager for upcoming opportunities to experience Peak Heat Saunas.