TechnoAlpin’s SNOWROOM brings winter conditions to a stunning indoor spa at Austria’s Hotel Krallerhof

When the Altenberger family – the owners of the five-star Hotel Krallerhof in Leogang in the Salzburg region – decided to extend its wellness provision, they included a TechnoAlpin Snowroom in its new ‘Atmosphere by Krallerhof’ spa to provide a rejuvenating snow experience, within a spectacular natural setting – all year round.

Overlooking the Leoganger Steinberg mountain range, the Atmosphere spa – designed by architect Hadi Teherani – fits seamlessly into the dramatic Asitz Mountain landscape. The organically-shaped glass-fronted building has been created with nature and the surrounding landscape central to its design. Made from natural, mostly locally-sourced materials, such as ash and oak, alpine marble, glass and exposed concrete, its open aspect offers a connection to the outdoors, with spectacular views over the spa’s 5,500sq m natural bathing lake and the 50m infinity pool.

Family traditions
According to Philipp Altenberger, the careful use of resources, the preservation of biodiverse habitats and other ecological aspects played an important role in the spa’s design process. Altenberger says his grandfather was enthusiastic about progressive design when he took over the family farm in 1956 and laid the foundations for the current five-star hotel – and his family has continued with this passion for innovation ever since. “Relaxation in a natural environment is becoming more essential for spa-goers, so we wanted to create a wellness facility, designed with water at its centre, that fits within its natural surroundings,” he explained. 

Natural design
The new Atmosphere spa complements the hotel’s existing 17-treatment-room spa – Refugium – and during the initial design phase Alterberger says Teherani devised the perfect architectural vision: to create a spa that ‘integrates seamlessly into the landscape, creating an atmosphere halfway between the water and the mountains. “We wanted to create a place where guests could withdraw from the outside and allow everything to come to life from the inside,” he explains.

The Atmosphere spa entrance opens into an Alpine Zen Garden where the sound of running water can be heard in the background. This leads to the glass-fronted relaxation room where guests can relax or explore the spa’s indoor offering, which includes a Blue Grotto hydrotherapy cave; a Himalayan infra salt room; Finnish and herbal sauna; a steam bath and the TechnoAlpin SNOWROOM. 

The chill factor
With a treatment brief underpinned by the hotel’s philosophy of rejuvenation, relaxation and renewal, the owners decided to include the SNOWROOM because they wanted a contrast to a conventional sauna. While researching they found the TechnoAlpin concept, that ‘brings natural winter conditions indoors’.

“We could see huge potential for our wellness business through choosing the SNOWROOM,” Altenberger explains. “Used in combination with heat, it delivers the most innovative kind of Kneipp therapy, which appeals to guests for whom health and relaxation are important. This fits perfectly with the variety of relaxation and regeneration programmes we offer our guests.

“The SNOWROOM offers a gentle cooling experience, which provides guests with a pleasant chilled feeling without having to endure a shocking wet effect. This means it’s accessible to all our adult guests, who can benefit from a holistic cooling effect that refreshes their respiratory tract and cools their skin.

Background
The Lodge at Woodloch is a five-star, adults-only destination spa resort located in the Poconos in Pennsylvania, on the east coast of the United States. It’s considered one of the top destination spas in the US, ranking #8 in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2022 list.

The Lodge is an intimate, yet sprawling destination spa that celebrates nature and offers guests the opportunity to explore its uniquely beautiful 500-acre sprawl, including extensive hiking trails, a beautiful stream and pristine lake, garden dinners right in the middle of its farm-to-table garden and so much more. There is something for everyone, from archery and biking to fishing, kayaking and paddle boarding to guided, mindfulness nature walks.

When guests are ready to head indoors, the Lodge does not disappoint. Owner John Kiesendahl and his team constantly look to ways to refurbish and improve the property’s offering in a mission to provide something new to delight guests each and every time they return.

A recent update to its 40,000-square-foot spa was the addition of a TechnoAlpin SNOWROOM, along with a Himalayan Salt Sauna and Tyrolean Bucket Shower.

“Everything at the Lodge is based around nature,” said Kiesendahl. “The Snow Room fits right into that. It’s completely natural and totally invigorating. It makes me feel great.”

SNOWROOM Discovery
Kiesendahl first encountered the TechnoAlpin SNOWROOM as part of his own wellness journey while traveling on a cruise. He was immediately captivated and visited the SNOWROOM daily because of the burst of energy he experienced each time he entered. “He knew this was an experience he had to bring back to our guests,” said Brooke Jennings Roe, Director of Marketing & PR.

“Because we use our natural surroundings as our muse, the SNOWROOM was a perfect fit,” said Kiesendahl. “As opposed to other cold experiences like bath plunges, the SNOWROOM feels like a snowy forest (similar to our beautiful forest a few months of the year) and allows the body to cool down more naturally.”

Results
Determining the ROI on a spa amenity like a SNOWROOM isn’t just about numbers, it’s also about delighting guests in a way they never imagined and giving them something to talk about long after they’ve left. The SNOWROOM brings the magical appeal – and accessible cold therapy benefits – of tingling cold and soft powder snow to guests at the Lodge 365 days a year, something that is making a hugely positive impact.

“Guests are happier than ever," said Kiesendahl. "They’re going to come back next year and they’re going to tell their friends. The SNOWROOM is contributing to continuing growth of the Lodge. It’s one of the best things we’ve ever done."

Guest Feedback
The reaction to the SNOWROOM has exceeded all expectations. According to Roe, there is a continual flow in and out of the SNOWROOM and the Salt Sauna of guests explore the benefits of hot/cold contrast therapy. “What’s great is that guests return to experience it again and again – it’s not the novelty that make it appealing, it’s how it makes them feel.”

Roe says this popularity will only continue as more people embrace contrast therapy - and its accompanying health benefits - in the United States.