Colorado is known for having some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world, but not everyone knows our state is also home to one of the best ways to relax and unwind after a day on the slopes. We’re letting you in on the secret Coloradoans have been enjoying for years – hot springs.
Colorado’s natural hot springs are a timeless way to relax in luxury after a long day of skiing or riding. We’ve compiled a list of hot springs near Colorado Ski Country USA’s member resorts so you can soak away the day’s aches & pains in a natural pool of hot mineral water.
Start your day with world-class skiing or riding at a Colorado ski resort, and end it with a dip in a natural hot spring.
Ski:
Sunlight Mountain Resort located just 12 miles south of Glenwood Springs, prides itself on its big mountain experience at an affordable cost in comparison to the states many mega-resorts, and boasts that you’ll never stand in any aggravating lift lines. The resort often offers visitors affordable ski, swim and stay packages.
Soak:
Glenwood Hot Springs has the world’s largest hot springs pool, and is amongst Colorado’s most popular hot springs destinations. Here you can comfortably mix a relaxing swim with après ski. The facility also features a full-service fitness center.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs is another great Glenwood Springs option that pairs perfectly with Sunlight’s Slope and Soak 4 Pack. This new hot spot features 16 mineral hot springs pools varying in temperature to satisfy both hot springs veterans and newcomers.
Ski:
Loveland Ski Area has been adored in the hearts of many Coloradoans for generations. They receive an average of nearly 400” of snowfall annually, which is more than any other Front Range or Summit County resort.
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is considered by many Coloradoans to be legendary. Receiving more than 350” of annual snowfall and boasting one of the longest ski seasons in North America, A-Basin has something every skier or rider from high-alpine groomed runs to bowls, chutes and glades.
Echo Mountain in Idaho Springs is the closest ski resort to Denver, making it a family favorite among Denver residents. With 275” of snow a year, Echo offers an opportunity for great skiing and riding close to the Front Range.
Soak:
Indian Hot Springs in Idaho Springs is the closest mineral spring to Denver, and has been rated in the top ten hot springs in the world. There they have a large public pool, private hot tubs and several clothing optional geo-thermal caves.
Ski:
Granby Ranch is a great place for novice to intermediate skiers and riders, or for those that have never been on the mountain before. This family friendly mountain on the western edge of Rocky Mountain National Park provides visitors with stunning scenery, sunny skies and consistently groomed trails.
Winter Park Mountain Resort is Colorado’s longest operating ski resort, having operated continuously for 74 years. 300 inches of annual snowfall and 300 sunny days a year pairs nicely with the resorts award winning terrain. From groomers, terrain parks, deeps, steeps, trees and the legendary bumps of Mary Jane, Winter park has something to offer everyone.
Soak:
Hot Sulphur Springs is nicely situated on a hillside and features 21 outdoor mineral pools of various sizes, some equipped with waterfalls. There is also an indoor pool to take some laps in without enduring the elements.
Ski:
Steamboat, also referred to as ‘Ski Town USA,’ was affectionately named after early settlers noticed how the sounds of nearby hot springs made them think of a steamboat charging down the river. Known for their Champagne Powder and western hospitality, Steamboat is truly a unique mountain experience. This family friendly resort boasts more than 3000 skiable acres and 3,668 of vertical feet.
Soak:
Old Town Hot Springs in downtown Steamboat springs has 8 remodeled outdoor mineral pools that are open year round. The facility is full service, and also provides a fitness center, exercise classes, and massages services.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs just outside of Steamboat Springs offers patrons 4-6 mineral pools to soak in, and is surrounded by a creek that will allow you to cool off and take a break from the warm pools. In the winter, snow tires and a four wheel drive vehicle are needed to access these springs.
Ski:
Telluride Mountain Resort is considered by many to have some of the most majestic scenery of any resort in Colorado. The historic town of Telluride is rich in western history. Today the town offers some of the best skiing and riding in North America with 2000 acres of inbounds terrain. The free gondola offers easy access between the town of Telluride and the resorts modern European luxury village.
Silverton Mountain: Receiving upwards of 400” of snowfall annually within its 1819 skiable acres, look nowhere else if you’re looking for a high-end skiing or riding adventure. Silverton’s 100% expert terrain is serviced by a single chairlift, and with no groomers or clear-cut runs, this is a big mountain experience like no other. Silverton also offers heli-ski trips that provide access to an additional 22,000 acres of backcountry terrain.
Soak:
Orvis Hot Springs is a clothing optional mineral pool that doesn’t either heat or treat their water. They offer both indoor and outdoor pools, as well as private tubs and massages. They’re natural Lithium water promises to leave you rested, relaxed and rejuvenated when you leave.
Ouray Hot Springs is operated by the city of Ouray and is similar to the pool at Glenwood springs except on a smaller scale. The pool, which tends to be busy, is divided into several sections and allows for lap swimming or just a relaxing soak.
Ski:
Purgatory is a beautiful winter paradise located in the heart of Colorado’s San Juan Mountain Range that features scenery that is considered by many to be unmatched. Just 25 miles north of historic Durango, CO, which was named one of America’s best small towns by Outside Magazine, this family friendly resort offers 1360 acres for skiers and riders of all abilities. If you like to eat, Durango also has more restaurants per capita than San Francisco.
Hesperus Ski Area, located just 11 miles west of Durango, is known among Durango locals for night skiing and riding until 9 p.m. This family friendly resorts also offers tubing, rentals, ski and ride school and a snack bar and lodge.
Soak:
Trimble Hot Springs is Durango’s only hot springs, and features two saunas and an outdoor heating mineral swimming pool. Massage services and body treatments are also available.
Ski:
Wolf Creek Ski Area is located in the rugged San Juan Mountains, and is known for its deep powder. This family friendly resort, which first opened in 1939, averages 465” of snowfall annually; more than any other resort in Colorado. Wolf Creek is also well known for incredible food including their Sante Fe style green chili. After a day on the slopes, you can take a relaxing dip the nearby hot springs.
Soak:
The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs is the largest in the area, having around twenty mineral pools spread throughout their resort. They also offer private exclusive pools and full spa services for an additional cost.
Ski:
Monarch Mountain is the essential getaway for skiers and riders that want to get away from the hustle and crowds at the states larger resorts. Monarch Mountain also holds some of the finest glade skiing in Colorado, with 90% of them remaining virtually untouched. If you’re looking for something more than just a regular day on the slopes, Monarch offers visitors an additional 1000 acres of steep trees, chutes and bowls that are accessible through the resorts snowcat service.
Soak:
Salida Hot Springs aquatic center is the largest indoor mineral pool in the country. Water for this pool is actually collected underground and piped 8 miles from its source. The large pool is divided into different sections with private pools also available.
For more information about Colorado’s hot springs, check out the Quick Guide to Colorado’s Hot Springs and the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop.
