Smugglers' Notch Sauna and cold Plunge

Smugglers’ Notch runs a private sauna and cold plunge as part of the resort in Cambridge, in the pass between Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak.

The notch itself is worth understanding. Route 108 climbs through a narrow gap in the Green Mountains with boulders the size of houses on either side, and it is so tight that the road closes entirely from October to May — no plough can get through. The name comes from the War of 1812, when the pass was used to move goods illegally to and from Canada in defiance of Jefferson’s trade embargo.

The resort sits on the Cambridge side and is known primarily as a family destination, with the sort of programming that implies. A private sauna and plunge is a quieter offer within that.

Vermont’s winters make the cold half of the circuit a matter of stepping outside, and Smugglers’ Notch sits high enough that it holds snow well into spring.

Sessions are booked through the resort. Availability is tied to the season and to resort occupancy, so confirm before travelling.