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Feeling Knotty? Here Are The Top Spas in Ski Country

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Ski towns are already hotbeds of hedonism, packed with bars, restaurants, and spendy shops and galleries. So, we say, why not throw all caution to the wind and get that massage or facial? Polish those toes. You deserve it.

Even if you don't, Curbed Ski's list of North America's best alpine-inspired, après ski spa treatments from Whistler to Taos is worth a look, if only to inspire you to be better-behaved, next time. And remember: day passes are usually available for less than a 50-spot, and include use of hot tubs, steam room and sauna, and often, a fitness center.

Note: The hotel spas are listed based on geography, not in any particular ranking. Want to recommend a stellar spa and treatment? Send us an email or let us know in the comments.



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Four Seasons Resort Whistler

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But of course the Signature Treatment at this modern, airy spa contains Canadian Maple Syrup! Mixed with brown sugar, it forms a luscious body scrub. After your exfoliation and rain shower, you’ll be slathered in a warm clay and algae body wrap, and have an Argan oil scalp massage and conditioning treatment. The nurturing concludes with a full-body massage using organic body butter. Delish.

Solace Spa & Salon at Big Sky Resort

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With two locations in Big Sky, one at the Huntley Lodge at Mountain Village and the other at the Moonlight Lodge, the Solace Spa is Big Sky's best bet for pampering. Set yourself up for high-elevation activities with the Altitude Adjustment Massage, a combination of Swedish, Craniosacral, and Neuromuscular disciplines designed to increase circulation and minimize headaches.

Zenergy Day Spa

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For some reason, Sun Valley properties are lacking in the spa department (that will change when the Sun Valley Lodge renovation is completed in 2015). Local hotels instead refer guests to this tony health club, which has nine treatment rooms. Go for a post-sweat sesh Swedish or hot stone massage. There’s also yoga, a lap pool, and a huge outdoor saltwater hot tub with views of Mt. Baldy. Tip: Stay at the top-notch Knob Hill Inn in Ketchum, and they’ll make all the arrangements and provide transportation. Win, win.

Waldorf Astoria Park City

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Curbed Ski’s favorite part of this spa? The Repose Room, which has artful, heated, contoured tile lounge chairs (trust us, it’s the most relaxing thing, ever) located in front of a fireplace. After a day on the slopes, they’re nothing less than a slice of heaven unless you also spring for the Mountain Salvation Sports Massage. Designed to decrease lactic acid build-up and get you back in action asap, this deep tissue treatment can be customized to your needs, and includes a special blend of oils, and peppermint-based Yoga Balm (sold in the spa). It did the trick, along with our therapist’s strong, intuitive touch.

Montage Deer Valley

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In this most luxurious of hotels lies a 35,000-square-foot holistic retreat that boasts a Grecian-influenced indoor pool and state-of-the-art fitness center. Part of the appeal is the view of the ski slopes and Wasatch Range: there are six dedicated Mountain View treatment rooms (be sure to ask when booking, as not all have a view). Service and attention to detail excel, even the reception area is stocked with an apothecary’s worth of beauty products. The Core Balancing Treatment is a 90-minute über-indulgence that begins with a soothing abdominal “core” massage, and an application of herbal-infused clay. You’ll then be wrapped in a reflective blanket and given a facial massage and scalp treatment, followed by a warm-and-cold Vichy contrast shower and body-brushing. The session ends with the application of a hydrating lotion or oil. Tip: Schedule late in the day, and plan to move no farther than your room the remainder of the night. Relaxation like this doesn’t come cheap, but it’s worth every penny.

The St. Regis Deer Valley

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This St. Regis-branded spa is every bit as swank as you’d expect for Deer Valley (and there’s 14,000 square feet of it, not counting the adjacent, 3,000-square-foot Athletic Club), with warm, attentive service to match. The soothing lounge features creamy neutral tones and a river rock-lined pool; the hot tub, with its marbled walls and mosaic-backed waterfall has almost the feel of a Turkish bath. The Remède Customized Massage (60 or 90 minutes) provides your choice of essential oils and technique (Curbed Ski choose a combination of Swedish and deep tissue to take the tension out of our calves after a morning of cross-country skiing). A scalp massage and paraffin foot treatment were included in the treatment; all together, we left feeling not just human, but rejuvenated.

The St. Regis Aspen Resort

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Feeling hedonistic and perhaps, a bit parched? The signature Champagne and Chocolate Truffle Decadence Body Facial is exactly that: decadent. After a thorough exfoliation with a champagne oil and brown sugar scrub, you’ll be slathered in a warm, hydrating chocolate mask. While you’re marinating, you’ll enjoy a scalp and foot massage. Hop in the rain shower, then submit to a 30-minute massage with a heavenly, brownie-batter-scented chocolate lotion that will leave you soft, smooth, and enveloped in a cloud of anti-oxidant-and-endorphin-stimulated serotonin for the remainder of the day. Pre-treatment, be sure to take advantage of the steam room, then rev up your circulation in the beguiling, well-liked cold/hot tubs (bring a swimsuit for the spa's co-ed grotto pool). There's also a separate oxygen lounge if you're feeling the effects of the altitude. Note that the spa will be undergoing renovations this spring; call in advance for appointments.

Viceroy Snowmass

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One would expect no less than off-beat, killer design from a Viceroy spa, and this one delivers. From the circular lounge with its stunning, silver-gilt antler chandelier and horizontal reclaimed wood panels, to the bronzey tiles and waterfall in the hot plunge pool, this place is stylish without being intimidating. The two-hour signature Sami Zen Ritual is based upon the traditional holistic folk medicine still practiced by the indigenous people of the Arctic Circle. Even if you’re the spiritually bereft type, it’s an insanely relaxing experience. Following an exfoliation with a mild scrub and candlelit herbal aromatherapy bath, you’ll be massaged in rhythm to traditional Joik chanting and Sami folk music, using hot “botestenar,” or healing, stones and birch oil. The ritual is believed to “promote tranquility and balance of the body and soul.” Whatever, we just felt…fucking amazing.

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa

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For over 145 years, Ojo’s geothermal waters (sulfur-free and high in lithia, iron, soda, and arsenic) and rich mud have provided a panacea to white folk, but the ancient Tewa people were indulging thousands of years ago. Three buildings on the property are on the National Registry of Historic Places, including the bathhouse. Today, there are elegant, adobe accommodations for those who decide to make an overnight pilgrimage, although Ojo is just 45 minutes from Taos. The spa itself is funky and rustic, with outdoor mineral pools (swimsuit required, folks), private pools with their own kiva, and treatments featuring indigenous ingredients, like the Blue Corn & Prickly Pear Salt Scrub.

Four Seasons Resort Whistler

But of course the Signature Treatment at this modern, airy spa contains Canadian Maple Syrup! Mixed with brown sugar, it forms a luscious body scrub. After your exfoliation and rain shower, you’ll be slathered in a warm clay and algae body wrap, and have an Argan oil scalp massage and conditioning treatment. The nurturing concludes with a full-body massage using organic body butter. Delish.

Solace Spa & Salon at Big Sky Resort

With two locations in Big Sky, one at the Huntley Lodge at Mountain Village and the other at the Moonlight Lodge, the Solace Spa is Big Sky's best bet for pampering. Set yourself up for high-elevation activities with the Altitude Adjustment Massage, a combination of Swedish, Craniosacral, and Neuromuscular disciplines designed to increase circulation and minimize headaches.

Zenergy Day Spa

For some reason, Sun Valley properties are lacking in the spa department (that will change when the Sun Valley Lodge renovation is completed in 2015). Local hotels instead refer guests to this tony health club, which has nine treatment rooms. Go for a post-sweat sesh Swedish or hot stone massage. There’s also yoga, a lap pool, and a huge outdoor saltwater hot tub with views of Mt. Baldy. Tip: Stay at the top-notch Knob Hill Inn in Ketchum, and they’ll make all the arrangements and provide transportation. Win, win.

Waldorf Astoria Park City

Curbed Ski’s favorite part of this spa? The Repose Room, which has artful, heated, contoured tile lounge chairs (trust us, it’s the most relaxing thing, ever) located in front of a fireplace. After a day on the slopes, they’re nothing less than a slice of heaven unless you also spring for the Mountain Salvation Sports Massage. Designed to decrease lactic acid build-up and get you back in action asap, this deep tissue treatment can be customized to your needs, and includes a special blend of oils, and peppermint-based Yoga Balm (sold in the spa). It did the trick, along with our therapist’s strong, intuitive touch.

Montage Deer Valley

In this most luxurious of hotels lies a 35,000-square-foot holistic retreat that boasts a Grecian-influenced indoor pool and state-of-the-art fitness center. Part of the appeal is the view of the ski slopes and Wasatch Range: there are six dedicated Mountain View treatment rooms (be sure to ask when booking, as not all have a view). Service and attention to detail excel, even the reception area is stocked with an apothecary’s worth of beauty products. The Core Balancing Treatment is a 90-minute über-indulgence that begins with a soothing abdominal “core” massage, and an application of herbal-infused clay. You’ll then be wrapped in a reflective blanket and given a facial massage and scalp treatment, followed by a warm-and-cold Vichy contrast shower and body-brushing. The session ends with the application of a hydrating lotion or oil. Tip: Schedule late in the day, and plan to move no farther than your room the remainder of the night. Relaxation like this doesn’t come cheap, but it’s worth every penny.

The St. Regis Deer Valley

This St. Regis-branded spa is every bit as swank as you’d expect for Deer Valley (and there’s 14,000 square feet of it, not counting the adjacent, 3,000-square-foot Athletic Club), with warm, attentive service to match. The soothing lounge features creamy neutral tones and a river rock-lined pool; the hot tub, with its marbled walls and mosaic-backed waterfall has almost the feel of a Turkish bath. The Remède Customized Massage (60 or 90 minutes) provides your choice of essential oils and technique (Curbed Ski choose a combination of Swedish and deep tissue to take the tension out of our calves after a morning of cross-country skiing). A scalp massage and paraffin foot treatment were included in the treatment; all together, we left feeling not just human, but rejuvenated.

The St. Regis Aspen Resort

Feeling hedonistic and perhaps, a bit parched? The signature Champagne and Chocolate Truffle Decadence Body Facial is exactly that: decadent. After a thorough exfoliation with a champagne oil and brown sugar scrub, you’ll be slathered in a warm, hydrating chocolate mask. While you’re marinating, you’ll enjoy a scalp and foot massage. Hop in the rain shower, then submit to a 30-minute massage with a heavenly, brownie-batter-scented chocolate lotion that will leave you soft, smooth, and enveloped in a cloud of anti-oxidant-and-endorphin-stimulated serotonin for the remainder of the day. Pre-treatment, be sure to take advantage of the steam room, then rev up your circulation in the beguiling, well-liked cold/hot tubs (bring a swimsuit for the spa's co-ed grotto pool). There's also a separate oxygen lounge if you're feeling the effects of the altitude. Note that the spa will be undergoing renovations this spring; call in advance for appointments.

Viceroy Snowmass

One would expect no less than off-beat, killer design from a Viceroy spa, and this one delivers. From the circular lounge with its stunning, silver-gilt antler chandelier and horizontal reclaimed wood panels, to the bronzey tiles and waterfall in the hot plunge pool, this place is stylish without being intimidating. The two-hour signature Sami Zen Ritual is based upon the traditional holistic folk medicine still practiced by the indigenous people of the Arctic Circle. Even if you’re the spiritually bereft type, it’s an insanely relaxing experience. Following an exfoliation with a mild scrub and candlelit herbal aromatherapy bath, you’ll be massaged in rhythm to traditional Joik chanting and Sami folk music, using hot “botestenar,” or healing, stones and birch oil. The ritual is believed to “promote tranquility and balance of the body and soul.” Whatever, we just felt…fucking amazing.

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa

For over 145 years, Ojo’s geothermal waters (sulfur-free and high in lithia, iron, soda, and arsenic) and rich mud have provided a panacea to white folk, but the ancient Tewa people were indulging thousands of years ago. Three buildings on the property are on the National Registry of Historic Places, including the bathhouse. Today, there are elegant, adobe accommodations for those who decide to make an overnight pilgrimage, although Ojo is just 45 minutes from Taos. The spa itself is funky and rustic, with outdoor mineral pools (swimsuit required, folks), private pools with their own kiva, and treatments featuring indigenous ingredients, like the Blue Corn & Prickly Pear Salt Scrub.