Press Kit for Local & National Media

Media Contact:

John Mitchell (owner)
Cell: (919) 901-2057
info@riverbirchsauna.com
Instagram: @riverbirchsauna
Google Maps: maps.app.goo.gl/GU4VjbLfoVFoBK62A
Book a session: book.peek.com/s/9c0bbf73-2460-47fa-86d4-504afae5c5a0/BLeN2

Main Points & Quick Facts:

• River Birch Nordic Sauna was founded in 2021 by John Mitchell to bring traditional Nordic sauna and cold therapy to the High Country of North Carolina.

• River Birch Nordic Sauna incorporates contrast therapy by pairing wood-fired sauna heat with cold exposure, including ice bath–style plunges and cold water immersion to support circulation, recovery, and mental resilience.

• Pricing for onsite sauna sessions starts at $59 per person for one hour and includes access to cold water bucket showers as part of the contrast therapy format.

• The business operates in Valle Crucis, NC, at The Mast Farm Inn and serves guests from Boone and the surrounding High Country region.

• The sauna is a custom-built cedar structure, wood-fired and off-grid, set near the Watauga River and deeply connected to the surrounding Appalachian landscape, where wildlife sightings such as deer are common during sessions.

• The cedar-lined, wood-burning sauna accommodates private sessions and small groups of up to eight people and is paired with cold options including a cedar barrel plunge, bucket shower, and access to a natural mountain stream.

• In addition to onsite sessions, River Birch offers a mobile pop-up sauna rental near Boone, North Carolina, featuring a fully transportable, six-person wood-fired sauna for cabins, backyards, events, and wellness gatherings.

• Each session, onsite or mobile, is facilitated to help guests safely alternate between heat and cold, supporting recovery, relaxation, and mental clarity.

• River Birch Nordic Sauna serves locals, visitors, athletes, wellness-focused individuals, and small groups, with select services eligible for payment using Health Savings Accounts.

• Future plans include expanded mobile sauna offerings, special events, and collaborative wellness gatherings, with a recently added wood-fired portable tent sauna rental program and updates shared through Instagram.

Founder quote explaining why River Birch Nordic Sauna was started

“After 25 years working in corporate America I was looking to start my own business. My mother is Finnish and I thought sauna would be the perfect way to honor her and my heritage. The majority of Americans have only ever been in a claustrophobic gym or hotel sauna and came away underwhelmed. I wanted to change the perception of sauna in America, especially in the southeast, by offering a truly authentic Finnish sauna experience.”

Short brand origin story (what inspired John Mitchell to bring Nordic sauna culture to the High Country)

“In 2021 when I launched the business we were living in Hillsborough. We decided to relocate to Boone in May 2022 and since the sauna is mobile it was an easy transition. The High Country is a place where people come to get away from the frantic city life. A wood-fired sauna and cold plunge was a perfect addition to such a relaxing place like Boone.”

Reviews for River Birch Sauna

My husband and I had a wonderful experience at River Birch Nordic sauna. We did not do the ice bath but we did do the cold plunge bucket. Alternating that with high heat and eucalyptus essential oils was magnificent. Highly recommend! Wonderful location. We both felt excellent after.
- Stephanie Y. (Google)

My husband and I shared a sauna/cold dip experience at River Birch recently when we were in Valle Crucis. It was a clear and chilly night and so magical to be in a warm, aromatic space with calming music playing in the backroom. We did several sauna/cold dip cycles and left feeling refreshed and relaxed. John was very professional - gave us all the guidance needed, then left us to ourselves for the hour with one check-in midway. I highly recommend the River Birch Nordic Sauna!
- Jane A. (Google)

Awesome experience in lovely nature setting.Highly recommend the sauna and cold plunge combo. Relaxing, invigorating- an overall lovely & unique experience!
- Rachelle M. (Google)