When most people think about installing a sauna, they imagine a truck arriving, a structure being placed in the backyard, and enjoying their first sauna session that evening.
Our experience was a little different.
What started as the purchase of a custom-built sauna quickly became one of the most significant property improvement projects we have completed at Fortos Fort in recent years. Along the way, it reinforced something we have always believed: investing in quality, supporting local businesses, and planning for the future often creates opportunities far beyond the original project.
Supporting an Alaska Small Business
For years, Michele and I talked about adding a sauna to our property.
Living in Alaska, a sauna is more than a luxury. It is a place to warm up after long days outdoors, recover from physical activity, spend time with family and friends, and simply slow down for a while.
When we decided it was finally time, we chose to work with Thomas Doak and the team at Solstice Saunas. As an Alaska-based craftsman, Thomas understands the realities of building products that can withstand the unique challenges of our climate.
The result is a beautiful cedar barrel sauna that combines traditional design, exceptional craftsmanship, and practical functionality.
The classic barrel shape is not only visually appealing but also helps circulate heat efficiently throughout the sauna. Combined with the cedar construction and durable roof system, it is a structure designed to provide years of enjoyment in all four seasons.
The Sauna Was the Easy Part
What many people do not realize is that the sauna itself was only one part of the project.
Because of where we wanted to place the sauna on our property, we needed to bring power to the location. That required a substantial electrical upgrade.
Our friend Jim from Duke’s Electric designed and completed the installation. To power the sauna, a new 220-volt electrical line had to be run from our kennel and barn building to the sauna site.
The project required digging a trench approximately 150 feet long and two feet deep across the property.
That meant renting an excavator, planning the route carefully, and spending a day moving dirt before any electrical work could begin.
Once the trench was complete, Jim installed the new service and a dedicated electrical panel designed not only to power the sauna but also to accommodate future expansion.
That electrical upgrade may end up being one of the most valuable parts of the entire project.
The new panel gives us the flexibility to add a hot tub in the future and potentially install a second Tesla charging station. What began as a sauna installation ultimately improved the long-term functionality of the entire property.
Recovery Is Part of Performance
At Alaska Dog Works and Team Ineka, we spend a significant amount of time outdoors.
Whether we are training dogs, leading adventures, traveling, teaching classes, or working on projects around the property, physical recovery plays an important role in maintaining performance.
A sauna provides an opportunity to relax, recharge, and reflect.
For us, it is not simply about comfort. It is about creating intentional time to recover from the demands of an active lifestyle.
That becomes especially important during Alaska’s long winters when temperatures can drop well below zero and outdoor activities often require hours of exposure to the elements.
An Extension of the Classroom
One of the most exciting aspects of this project is how we plan to use the sauna beyond our own family.
In addition to operating Alaska Dog Works, I teach dog mushing and leadership courses through the University of Alaska Anchorage and Alaska Pacific University.
Throughout the winter, students spend long days working with sled dogs while learning leadership, teamwork, expedition planning, winter travel, and outdoor skills. Depending on conditions, students may spend hours on the trail handling dogs and navigating Alaska’s challenging winter environment.
After a long day outside, recovery becomes an important part of the learning experience.
We plan to incorporate the sauna into these educational programs by providing students with a place to warm up, recover, and continue discussions about the day’s lessons.
Some of the most meaningful learning experiences happen after the activity is over.
Conversations around challenges, successes, leadership decisions, and lessons learned often continue long after the sleds have been put away.
In many ways, this sauna will become an extension of the classroom.
It will serve as a gathering place where students can reflect on their experiences, build relationships, and deepen their understanding of what they learned on the trail.
Read More: Walk-in Smokehouse
More Than a Sauna
Looking at the finished project today, it would be easy to see only the cedar walls, the heater, and the comfortable benches.
But for us, this sauna represents much more.
It represents supporting local Alaska businesses.
It represents investing in our property and planning for future growth.
It represents creating opportunities for recovery, wellness, and reflection.
And it represents our ongoing commitment to providing meaningful experiences for our students, clients, and community.
Sometimes the projects that start small end up having the biggest impact.
This sauna is a perfect example.
Watch the Full Video Tour
In our latest YouTube video, we take you on a complete walkaround tour of the sauna, discuss the installation process, share the story behind the electrical upgrades, and explain how we plan to use the space for dog mushing education, leadership development, and recovery.
If you are interested in Alaska living, outdoor adventure, dog mushing, leadership education, property improvement projects, or simply supporting local businesses, we think you will enjoy the story.
Be sure to subscribe to the Sled Dog Jeep channel for more videos about Alaska adventures, sled dogs, outdoor leadership, travel, and life at Fortos Fort.
