Canada's Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has opened a thermal bathing complex with indoor-outdoor pools and an Aufguss sauna, where 'Aufguss Masters' lead aromatherapy-infused steam ceremonies. Olivia Palamountain reports

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has opened Basin Glacial Waters, a deluxe thermal bathing facility featuring indoor-outdoor pools with glacier views and curated wellness routes that guide guests through traditional sauna rituals.

Cradled by the Canadian Rockies, the complex features a reflexology pool, an infinity pool extending onto an outdoor terrace and multiple saunas including a traditional Aufguss sauna, home to a theatrical German wellness ritual where a trained master, or "Aufgussmeister", pours essential oil-infused water onto hot stones and uses choreographed towel movements to circulate the fragrant steam around participants.

The ceremony combines intense heat, aromatherapy and performance elements to create a multi-sensory experience that stimulates endorphin release, leaving bathers feeling physically invigorated and mentally relaxed. Originally rooted in Nordic traditions but refined in Germany, Aufguss has gained international popularity in the global wellness industry, with competitions and events now held globally, such as the Aufguss World Championships. At Basin Glacial Waters, guests navigate through self-guided journeys between varying temperatures, from crushed ice treatments to steam rooms. Five curated experiences called "Trails" offer targeted wellness outcomes, including the "Stillness Trail" designed to soothe the nervous system and the "Presence Trail" aimed at countering jet lag and calming anxiety.

The facility's indoor-outdoor design adapts to Lake Louise's seasonal changes, allowing year-round operation despite the mountain location's extreme weather variations. Dramatic arched windows flood the interior spaces with natural light whilst maintaining visual connections to the surrounding mountain vistas.The facility includes dedicated spaces for meditation and quiet relaxation, including "Hot Stone" and "Silent Salt Relax" rooms designed as intimate sanctuaries. The Glacier Lounge provides restoration space with light meals and a selection of elixirs, tonics, nootropics and adaptogens alongside champagne service.

Beyond the thermal bathing experience, the resort offers complementary wellness programming including forest bathing sessions, silent meditation walks and guided cold plunge experiences in Lake Louise's glacial waters with breathwork instruction.