Learn the Art of Aufguss: A Two-Day Sauna Ritual Workshop at Ritual Nordic Spa

July 23–24, 2025 | 8:00am–4:45pm daily

If you love saunas, heat, cold plunges, and the magic of intentional wellness rituals, this is your invitation to go deeper. Join us at Ritual Nordic Spa for a unique two-day introductory Aufguss workshop designed for those with little or no experience in sauna rituals. Led by seasoned ritual guide Laura Cordon, this immersive, hands-on training explores the art, science, and soulful practice of guided sauna experiences—known as Aufguss in the European tradition.

Whether you’re a wellness professional, spa enthusiast, or simply sauna-curious, this workshop offers the perfect opportunity to expand your understanding, learn towel-waving techniques, and gain confidence to lead others in the healing power of heat and cold contrast.

What to Expect

Day 1: The Essentials

On Wednesday, you’ll explore the foundations of sauna rituals:

• Start the day with a warm welcome, then experience a live ritual and plunge
• Dive into the history and science behind ritual work and contrast therapy
• Learn classic towel-waving and infusion techniques using essential oils
• Practice speech, safety, etiquette, and how to guide guests mindfully
• End with in-sauna practice and personalized feedback

You’ll walk away with an understanding of what makes a ritual effective—from heat distribution to scent layering—and how to show up with presence for your guests and yourself.

Day 2: The Experience

Thursday builds on the basics and adds depth, creativity, and storytelling:

• Strengthen your voice and learn to guide guests with confidence
• Explore performative towel-waving and themed ritual creation
• Practice designing experiences with music, mood, and meaningful intention
• Spend time in the sauna offering and receiving rituals with peer feedback
• Conclude with a special session just for Ritual staff: integration and application

About Ritual Nordic Spa

Opened in 2022 as Victoria’s first Nordic spa, Ritual Nordic Spa brings the time-honored tradition of hot-cold-heat cycles to Vancouver Island. Inspired by Scandinavian wellness culture, Ritual offers a modern yet grounding experience where guests can move between sauna, steam, cold plunge, and rest—supporting physical recovery, mental clarity, and emotional wellbeing. As leaders in the West Coast contrast therapy movement, Ritual is proud to support the evolution of wellness rituals, both for guests and the next generation of sauna guides.

Meet Your Guide: Laura Cordon

Laura Cordon is a wellness facilitator and sauna ritualist with over a decade of experience in yoga, meditation, breathwork, and guided journaling. For the past three years, she has been performing sauna rituals and refining her craft through training with master Aufguss performers in both Canada and Europe. Laura’s approach blends presence, intention, and artistry to create wellness journeys that are both restorative and inspiring. Whether she’s waving a towel or guiding reflection, her work is grounded in joy, clarity, and embodied self-discovery.