Top 5 Ski Spa Destinations In The West
The ski spa vacation may have been invented in the Alps, but these Rockies' resorts have still got game.
You'd be hard-pressed to find a major ski resort these days without luxury spa accommodations. Not only do long days on the slopes go hand in hand with therapeutic massages and soaks in the steam room, but the wellness trend is taking over as well. It may still be cool to ski powder all day and party at the bars all night, but if you want to indulge in a truly rejuvenating ski vacation, staying at a spa resort is your best bet.
We've compiled the top ski spa destinations in the West, you'll find our top two recommendations for spa hotels, and insider tips on the best rooms and treatments.
Aspen has transformed over the years from 1800's mining town to a ghost town to the ultimate getaway for the rich and famous to its present-day scene: and elegant mountain resort town with world-class offerings and a down-to-earth community feel. Aspen not only gets points for health and wellness offerings but for environmental standards as well. There's plenty of skiing to go around, with Aspen Mountain and Snowmass Ski Resort standing as the main destinations and Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands offering additional slope space. You could spend days wandering around picturesque downtown or hiding away in top-notch hotel spas.
- The St. Regis Aspen Resort is located in historic downtown Aspen, blending contemporary luxury with old West character. Rooms offer mountain, town, or courtyard views. Suites are spacious and decked out in fine leather and wood furnishings. The hotel itself is located just next to the slopes, and a short walking distance from downtown restaurants and clubs. The Remède Spa is incomparable in size and elegance, you must try The Rocky Mountain Ritual, a whole-body treatment that includes exfoliation, aromatherapy bath, and foot and scalp treatments.
- Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection is a true gem and Aspen mainstay that has seen the town transition through its many phases since the 1890's. Finely decorated interiors feature antiques and artifacts with all the modern amenities of a luxury resort. The Auberge Spa is intimate and therapeutic, offering a variety of treatments that draw on local natural products and healing modalities. Experience the Phytomier Contouring Body Wrap, which eliminates toxins and invigorates skin tissues through tapotement-style massage and sea sponge exfoliation.
Vail has reigned king of the I-70 corridor for decades now, and since its humble beginnings, the resort has continuously expanded and flourished over the years. While the extensive resort offerings, luxury hotels, sprawling village and fantastic restaurants tend to attract big crowds, we love it as a ski spa destination because vacationers can hide away in award-winning spas one day and hit the town's hottest nightclubs the next. Even the most elegant hotels are kid-friendly, making it easy for families to indulge in top-notch accommodations. It's easy to spend a pretty penny on a Vail vacation, but the reward is worth it.
- Upscale and European-themed, the Arrabelle at Vail Square is centrally located in Vail Village, with unparalleled views of the mountain and access to all the happenings downtown. Expect the finest service, including pet pampering, immediate access to the Eagle Bahn Gondola, a private après ski deck and luxury rooms. Escape to the 10,000-square-foot Rocks Resorts Spa and pamper yourself with the luxurious Antioxidant Glow Facial.
- Vail Residences at Cascade Village is a complete resort within itself, offering condominium accommodations, an athletic club, a spa, childcare services, and an on-site chairlift to Vail Mountain. It's our top pick for families interested in a fully catered getaway. Condos are spacious and sun-washed, while private home vacation rentals are ideal for bigger groups.
Whistler Blackcomb is a massive resort, with over 8,000 ac skiable terrain, two base villages featuring over 200 shops, world-class dining and night clubs and, of course, fantastic spas. Some noteworthy spa getaways are on the outskirts of the town – but for the sake of access to skiing, we've listed those that are ski-in/ski-out and Village front and center. Whistler is a mecca for big mountain skiing, resort getaways, and indulging in adventure and a vibrant social scene: we love it for a spa getaway because unwinding on your off days will actually enhance your overall ski vacation experience.
- Expect the top-notch service you'll find at any Four Seasons in the world coupled with a rustic mountain elegance unique to that of Whistler. This Four Seasons Resort Whistler boasts private residences, prime access to Whistler Village and the slopes, and a concierge that will do everything in his or her power to help you craft the best ski spa getaway ever. Travel and Leisure named this spa the #1 Hotel Spa in Canada. Experience the comprehensive Sea-to-Sky Massage, which uses warm river rocks and hot towels to stimulate blood flow and release toxins, it doesn't fail to disappoint.
- The Westin Resort & Spa got a facelift just before the 2010 Winter Olympics, and it's now one of the most desired accommodation options in Whistler. Studio, one and two-bedroom suites boast fireplaces, kitchens, and modern décor. Central Whistler Village location is ideal for those who want to bounce around town for shopping and restaurants. And as the name suggests, it's a great idea to wrap up your day with a Detoxifying Moor Mud Soak, a hydrotherapy treatment that absorbs toxins and rejuvenates the skin with vitamins and minerals.
Deer Valley is a favorite for skiers (note: skiers only) who like the red carpet treatment and don't mind paying top dollar for it. This resort, nestled in the Wasatch just 40 minutes drive from Salt Lake City, is renowned for its customer service, and therefore attracts ski vacationers who expect nothing less than the best. As you can imagine, the hotels and spas follow suit, making Deer Valley a destination dripping in attention to fine detail. Don't get us wrong – it's not all about the glitz and glamor: the skiing itself is fantastic, and the prime location less than 4 miles from bustling Park City Mountain offers visitors the best of both worlds: quiet hideaways in luxury hotels with direct access to world-class skiing and nearby shopping and nightlife.
- The Stein Erikson Lodge has won numerous awards over the years: it sets the bar for the epitome of luxury ski and stay accommodation in the West. The hotel sits mid-mountain at Deer Valley with direct access to the slopes and complementary service to downtown Park City. The 23,000-square-foot spa is the only five-star spa in Utah. Remember to try the Nordic Detox Body Wrap, a cacooning body mask that extracts toxins and delivers nutrients.
- The Montage Deer Valley is massive, boasting 220 guest rooms and suites, five restaurants, a 35,000 square-foot spa and even its own bowling alley. Largely family-oriented, you'll find plenty of kid-centered activities for the little ones, outdoor fire pits for daily s'more roasting, and some of the best ski-in/ski-out access in Deer Valley. The alpine-inspired spa features a gorgeous swimming pool, skilled therapists, and weekly wellness classes.
Telluride is Colorado's stunning mountain scene without the scene. Its roots date back to the 1800's when it was established as a silver mining town on the banks of the San Miguel River, and downtown buildings still boast an historic charm far from what one might expect in a resort town. That said, the resort itself is world-class, the Mountain Village area at the base of the resort lies above the town, and a free gondola. For a relaxing getaway cozied up in the mountains, stay at these ski spa hotels, you can ride downtown for the mellow nightlife scene and still be in bed before 12.
- An outdoor heated pool and a prime location in Mountain Village are two of the many perks of staying at The Peaks Resort and Spa. The blend of modern architecture with refined rustic décor offers a sense of quintessential Colorado. Guest rooms and suites offer mountain views on every side, and boast oversized bathrooms, spacious interiors, and some private balconies. Suites are individually designed to suit different themes. Don’t forget to take a day off the slope to check out the spa and get back to your best self before hitting the slopes again.
- Madeline Hotel and Spa, located in Mountain Village, The Madeline boasts luxe rooms with mountain views and some with private balconies. Two on-site restaurants, ski valet, and a gorgeous spa add to the splendor of The Madeline. For families or friends traveling together, the 1-4 bedroom residences offer spaciousness and privacy. The spa is world-class and offers a full treatment menu, fitness classes, and an oxygen bar.