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Inspired by the Nordic (i.e. Scandinavian) hot-then-cold bathing rituals, Nordic Station offers three sweat bathing options alongside three bracing cold baths.

In their recently published research of spa trends, the International Spa Association (ISPA) revealed that spa-goers are especially drawn to outdoor treatments and indigenous practices. While the word indigenous may conjure up thoughts of Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage or ancient Mayan healing rituals, the rustic day spa Nordic Station (www.spanordic.ca) offers visitors a unique spa experience that is as back-to-nature as you dare to make it.

Situated in the mountainous countryside between Montreal and Sherbrooke, Spa Nordic Station is a favorite apr s-ski stop for weary downhillers from Mont Orford and Mont Glen. Of course, as ski season approaches, some of Nordic Station's outdoor facilities may well reach extremes that go beyond invigorating, testing the fortitude of even the hardiest of native Canadians.

nordicstation-1Inspired by the Nordic (i.e. Scandinavian) hot-then-cold bathing rituals, Nordic Station offers three sweat bathing options alongside three bracing cold baths. All of the hot options are excellent and spacious, starting with the Turkish Hammam, or eucalyptus steam, which tops 110 F. Emerging from the Hammam, in cold weather, you would find a toasty wood stove in the indoor relaxation area, but in fine weather the terrace is a delightful spot to pause, read, sip water. The outdoor showers here provide the mildest of the three cold water options. Surrounded by tall pines, you can hear the Castle Brook River splashing over the rocks below as well as the burbling of the manmade brook cum cold bath.

Eventually the large 18-jet California hot tub will lure you into its 104 waters. Once maxed out on your time there, work up the courage to tiptoe through the babbling brook, which is just a few steps away. Ferns thrive around this coldwater rock pool, where the water is pumped over a rock formation to keep it cold and pure. If you were becoming somnolent in the hot tub, this will be quite an eye-opener! A quick pass is best.

The superb Finnish sauna is accessed from the terrace, which will be a bit of an adventure in itself when snow and ice blanket the landscape (and provide yet another cold-contrast possibility). Specially constructed of imported Finnish pine with a ventilation system that keeps fresh air circulating, the huge sauna is light, open, and airy, with windows giving onto the serene natural setting. Nonetheless, its two Finnish boilers keep it intensely hot--95 C (or about 200 F).

Now, if you really want to go from one extreme to the other, head from the sauna down the steep wooden steps to the Cascade, or natural River Bath. Spa Nordic Station's brochure promises that all this will stimulate circulation and boost the heart rate and immune system; after wading waist deep into the stream, I d had all the boosting I could take. Though I remain incredulous, proprietor Patrick Rake assures me that people do indeed brave the River Bath, even in the winter months just for a moment.

nordicstation-2In addition to its amazing outdoor bathing facilities, Nordic Station offers superb Swedish massage, in keeping with its Scandinavian theme. There are four indoor treatments rooms, including a room suitable for couples massage, which is available in any weather. But for an incredible back-to-nature experience, whenever possible opt for a massage in one of the open air gazebos or the semi-permanent tents overlooking the river.

As expert fingers pull and coax the tension out of your limbs, the sounds of nature--rushing water, birds twittering, and trees rustling in the gentle breeze--can lull you into an incredibly restorative trance, no new age music cd necessary. For those of us who spend more time working at a computer than getting in touch with nature, it can be a truly peaceful interlude when the smell of fresh pine brings an awareness of the forest into your unguarded consciousness.

Admission to Spa Nordic Station is $30 a day, but the true value is the $80 for the 60-minute Swedish massage, which includes use of the facilities. BYO: bathing suit, towel, robe, shower shoes, and padlock. Affiliated with Le Nordique Spa et D tente in Stoneham, near Quebec City, the Spa Nordic Station is a certified member of the Spas Relais Sant of Canada.

Spa Nordic Station

www.spanordic.ca

285, chemin des P res
Magog, Qu bec, Canada
(866) 414-5200
(816) 843-5200

Spas Relais Sant

www.spasrelaissante.com
(800) 788-7594