A ski vacation isn't complete without a soak in a hot tub and a sports massage to soothe sore muscles after a day on the slopes. The glow that follows a good rubdown is a better souvenir than a shapeless fleece jacket or post-meal paunch. Here's a peek at just a couple of America's best slopeside spas for skiers also interested in relaxation.
Spa at Viceroy Snowmass, Colorado
The women's locker room is relatively small at the Spa at Viceroy Snowmass; while there's a nice hot tub with waterfall in the facility, there's only one shower for women to share. However, the spacious relaxation lounge is sublime - eight chaise lounges surround a water feature over which a massive antler chandelier hangs. The subdued lighting and rich fabrics give it a mellow, yet luxurious, feel. When I last visited, I made sure to schedule plenty of time for repose in the relaxation lounge, and I enjoyed a wonderful, complimentary footbath, as well as a glass of bubbly. Treatments are inspired by Nordic, Native American and Asian cultures; I've had a few massages here, but especially liked the Sacred Stone Massage
Photo Courtesy of Viceroy Snowmass
Amatsu Spa at Sky Lodge, Park City, Utah
The intimate Amatsu Spa has a distinct Asian vibe, with its Tea Room (where you wait for your treatment) and Zen garden. In fact, I felt as if I could be in Japan when I eased into one of the authentic wooden "ofuro" tubs on my most recent trip to Park City. These soaking tubs feel amazing after a day of skiing; they're so deep, you can definitely get all body parts covered! The water is traditionally piping hot, but you can cool down with icy washcloths over your face. If you want still more warmth, consider the sauna or steam room after your treatment. Here, services are called "rituals" -- choose from massage, body scrubs and moisturizing treatments, or hydrating facials.
Spa and Wellness Center at Stowe Mountain Lodge
Now I haven't experienced the Spa at Stowe Mountain Lodge (it's been years since I've skied back East!), but I have East Coast friends who have enjoyed treatments here, and they report it's divine. The 21,000-square-foot facility has many amenities: full-service fitness center, outdoor swimming pool with indoor access, hot bus, a relaxation lounge and 18 private treatment rooms. I love the sound of the KidSpa services: Mini Me Massage, Mini Me Facial, Tasty Toes Pedicure (with Ice Cream Treat foot bath) or Princess Manicure. I appreciate that parents need to be in the room during kids' massages or facials; as a mom, that would give me great peace of mind - and I know my tweens would love their own special treatments!
What are some of your favorite ski resort spas? Let us know in the comments!
-- Kara Williams, blogger for The Vacation Gals.