KurSpa at Sparkling Hill Resort in Vernon

Behind door No. 1, it’s about as cold as it ever gets in Calgary. Inside door No. 2, at -60°C, it’s truly polar. Finally, when you close the final door behind you, you’re inside a little steel box that’s colder than anything on earth — a chilling -110°C.

After your skin starts to sting and your breathing quickens, you may question why you’re going through this ordeal. It’s all — hopefully — going to turn back the clock with a rejuvenating and energizing boost of cold (very cold) therapy.

At Sparkling Hill Resort in Vernon, B.C., the IceLab treatment, or cold sauna, is at the core of the KurSpa, a spectacular wellness retreat created with the European commitment to health in mind. The cutting-edge design blends minimalist European style with Swarovski crystal bling — a nod to Gernot Langes-Swarovski, patriarch of the crystal empire, who is behind the $122-million resort.

And while the icy sauna is a signature treatment at the spa (you’ll need at least 10 of them to get the full rejuvenating effect), there are many other experiences available. Have a health consultation with the naturopathic physician to assess your health and determine an ongoing treatment plan, including nutritional counselling and homeopathic medicine; detoxify with fango (mud) treatments; and take a swim in the pool beneath a twinkling crystal “sky.”

Cryotherapy is said to stimulate systems throughout the body, releasing endorphins and offering relief from inflammatory disease, skin conditions and pain. If nothing else, this cool cure is an experience you won’t forget. (sparklinghill.com)