About Sunshine Saunas

Hi, I am Maxine Panko. I am a pastry chef, seamstress, stained glass artist, alpine lake swimmer, and sauna enthusiast. Born and raised on Maui, I have always been connected to the magic of the natural world. I love spending time with my friends and dog, Jelly Bean, hiking, swimming, and dancing at shows.

In 2023, my husband, Matthew, an artisan and contractor, brought my vision of a mobile sauna to life.

Sunshine Saunas honors the natural world, community, and health. The sauna is available for rentals and includes cut wood (the stove is wood burning), delivery and set-up, and additional services depending on your needs. Let Sunshine Saunas elevate your mountain experience. We’d be honored to brighten your vacation, recovery, or event!

Thank you for your interest in Sunshine Saunas. Mahalo!

Book Our Sauna
A man with a beard and cap sitting on a tree stump looking up at a woman in a yellow and black patterned dress, standing on a trailer in front of a small wooden cabin, with mountains and trees in the background.
A small wooden tiny house on wheels is parked on a grassy area with mountains and snow-capped peaks in the background. A retriever dog wearing a yellow flower garland is sitting beside the house, holding a yellow flower in its mouth.

Custom Built for You

Our sauna is a labor of love, inspired by Finnish tradition and crafted right here in Leadville. Designed and built over the course of 2023 by Matthew Panko, owner of Panko Custom Building, it was constructed during Leadville’s rugged winters in his backyard on the west side of town. With a background in high-end custom builds, Matthew created this sauna to honor both the mountains we call home and the people who live, work, and play here.

Unlike a typical barrel sauna, ours is designed with taller folks in mind—just like the Finnish originals. It’s spacious enough to stretch out fully and enjoy the stunning mountain views through custom windows. With raised seating for authentic heat circulation and a Kuuma Stove—proudly made in Minnesota—it heats up quickly to a soothing 170 degrees, perfect for recovery after a day on the slopes or trails.

This sauna isn’t just for relaxation; it’s for recovery and connection. Serving Leadville and neighboring counties, it’s an ideal space for athletes looking to recharge and unwind after high-altitude adventures. Every component is proudly made in the USA, reflecting Leadville’s hearty spirit and the tradition of making quality goods locally.

If you’ve dreamed of owning your own Sunshine Sauna, Matthew is available for custom projects. With his expertise in high-end builds, he can create a sauna tailored to your needs, blending craftsmanship, tradition, and thoughtful design. Bring your vision to life—reach out to start the journey!

A small sauna room with wooden walls and benches, a wood-burning stove in the center with a chimney, a sauna bucket on the right bench, and firewood in a green container on the floor.
Wooden framing of a small building under construction with a clear blue sky background.
A small wooden structure under construction on a trailer, with snow on the ground and a ladder nearby. The structure is covered in weather-resistant material with the brand name 'Everbilt' and 'Home Depot' printed on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A relatively level space (like a driveway, parking spot, or open field) to park the trailer. We’ll handle the delivery, setup, and any other details to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, whether it’s at your home, by a mountain lake, or close to the finish line of your next race.

  • A sauna works by using a heat source—like our Kuuma wood-burning stove—to create a high-temperature environment. The raised temperature encourages sweating, which helps your body detoxify, relax, and recover. Our sauna’s design includes raised seating for optimal heat circulation, so the warm air surrounds you evenly for a soothing and authentic sauna experience.

  • To make the most of your sauna experience, we recommend bringing:

    • Towels: One to sit on and one to dry off after your session.

    • Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is key before, during, and after your sauna session.

    • Comfortable Attire: Swimsuits or lightweight, breathable clothing are ideal for your sauna session. Alternatively, you can enjoy the sauna with a towel wrap.

    • Footwear: Flip-flops or slippers for stepping in and out of the sauna.

    • A Relaxation Item: Bring your favorite essential oils for aromatherapy or a book to enjoy before or after your session.

    • Finnish Sauna Hat (Optional): Traditional sauna-goers often wear wool or felt hats, which help insulate your head, allowing your body to heat up faster and more evenly.

    • Cold Plunge Gear (Optional): If you’re planning a cold plunge—like in Turquoise Lake or the Arkansas—don’t forget swimwear and a robe for easy layering after your dip.

  • Using a sauna regularly offers numerous physical and mental health benefits, including:

    • Muscle recovery: Perfect for athletes and adventurers after high-altitude activities.

    • Improved circulation: Heat increases blood flow and promotes cardiovascular health.

    • Detoxification: Sweating helps flush out toxins.

    • Stress relief: The calming heat reduces tension and promotes mental relaxation.

    • Skin health: Sweating opens pores and helps cleanse the skin.

    • Community connection: Saunas create a shared space to connect with friends, family, or fellow adventurers, fostering a sense of togetherness and relaxation.

  • Yes, we can deliver the sauna to surrounding areas, including Chaffee, Summit, and Eagle Counties. Additional delivery fees may apply depending on the location.

  • The sauna comfortably accommodates up to six people. For larger groups, we encourage a rotational system, which is a common practice in traditional sauna culture. Typically, individuals enjoy the sauna for 15-20 minutes at a time before stepping out to cool down and rehydrate. This batching process allows everyone to experience the sauna and adds a social element as the group rotates between warming up inside and relaxing outside. It’s a great way to share the experience with friends, family, or event attendees!

Hit the Road! Book Sunshine Saunas!

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