clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Mapping the 15 Best Hot Springs in Ski Country

View as Map

With the temperature dropping and ski areas opening all over the country, it's time to revisit the ultimate post-skiing luxury: the hot springs. There's only one way to make a top-ten ski day even better, and that's to add hot, therapeutic water. Luckily for snow lovers, the mountains across North America are chock-full of natural and developed hot springs just waiting for you to take a wintertime dip.

Please note: the following list is not ranked. Did we miss one? Leave a note in the comments or send us an email; we'll be updating this list again soon.


-With research and writing by Laurel Miller

Read More

Burgdorf Hot Springs

Copy Link

If the Old West is your thing, you’ll love this 1870s retreat in Idaho. The property is on the National Register of Historic Places, and accordingly, all 15 cabins have wood stoves, oil lamps, firewood, and beds, but you’ll need to bring your own bedding. More important, the lithium-rich springs surrounded by evergreen-forested hills will soothe what ails you.

Scandinave Spa Whistler

Copy Link

Specializing in hydrotherapy (aka contrasting water temperatures, said to rev up circulation and “produce the effect of increased wellness and intense relaxation.”), this place is amazing. Besides an adorable little eco-spa and other out-buildings that look like they’re from Middle Earth, there are woodsy, manicured grounds and sparkling pools. The Scandinavian Bath experience includes a eucalyptus steam room, traditional wood-burning Finnish sauna, hot baths, cold plunges, and a thermal waterfall.

Hilltop Hot Tub

Copy Link
IHotspring

Homestead Crater

Copy Link

Although it’s located at a resort near Park City, don’t let that put you off. The 10,000-year-old crater, formed from snowmelt, harbors a geothermal spring within its 55-foot-high limestone walls. Swim, scuba dive, snorkel, take an SUP yoga class, or simply float on your back in the mineral-rich waters, taking in the freaky rock formation above.

Ouray Hot Springs

Copy Link
Ouray Hot Springs

Strawberry Park Hot Springs

Copy Link
TripAdvisor

Penny Hot Springs

Copy Link

Looking for a natural hot springs? Check out Penny Hot springs in Carbondale, just a 35 minute drive from skiing in Aspen. Soak in this natural pool in the Crystal River, off of Highway 133. You’re likely to have some company, but the location on McClure Pass is tough to beat in terms of pure Colorado beauty.

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa

Copy Link

These hot springs may be located about 45 minutes from the town of Taos, but trust us, they are worth it. The sulphur-free, geothermal mineral waters flow from a subterranean volcanic aquifer to supply a large family pool and several quieter pools perfect for relaxing. Pro tip: check out the mud pool, where guests can slather mud all over to help refresh and clean your skin.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs

Copy Link

The recently opened Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado is perfect for skiers headed to Aspen or Southwest Colorado. Located alongside the Colorado River and across from the tram at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Iron Mountain Hot Springs boasts 16 mineral soaking pools with temperatures ranging from 99 to 108 degrees. The soaking pool area is serene; peaceful music and discreet signs encourage visitors to keep things quiet and relaxed. Pro tip: head to the pools closest to the river for the best ambience and views.

Old Town Hot Springs

Copy Link

Located conveniently in downtown Steamboat Springs, the Old Town Hot Springs is a perfect mix of family fun and comfortable relaxation. There are hot soaking pools, waterslides, aquatic climbing walls, massage therapy, childcare, eight lap lanes, tennis courts, and a fitness center with classes, cardio equipment, and a weight room. Everyone will be happy here.

Gold Fork Hot Springs

Copy Link

The Gold Fork Hot Springs is located just south of McCall in the small town of Donnelly in the beautiful foothills of the North Fork Range. Services might be a bit sparse compared to other hot springs resorts, but the mineral-rich waters and hydrotherapy jets will still do the trick after a day of skiing.

Mt. Princeton Hot Springs

Copy Link

Recent upgrades have turned Mount Princeton Hot Springs into a top-notch destination in the Colorado Rockies. Located between Buena Vista and Salida (not too far from skiing at Monarch Mountain), this retreat has large family pools, spa facilities, and even a water slide. But the best part is the riverside pools, where swimmers can move rocks to create just the right temperature.

Dunton Hot Springs

Copy Link

Located about 45 minutes from Telluride, Dunton Hot Springs is a breathtaking retreat with six secluded hot springs scattered throughout the grounds. The resort offers gorgeous accommodations whatever the season, but you'll never tire of the pools, which range in temperature from 85 to 106 degrees.

Grover Hot Springs State Park

Copy Link

Don't expect fancy amenities at this state park, but if you're looking for hot, therapeutic water, Grover Hot Springs delivers. Located on the east side of the Sierra at the edge of the Great Basin Province, the hot springs sit in a beautiful area not too far from Lake Tahoe. The mineral baths have a hot and cold pool, changing rooms, and reasonable admission fees.

Banff Upper Hot Springs

Copy Link

For over 100 years, Banff National Park's only hot springs pool has welcomed travelers to soak in the steamy waters. Skiers can expect water ranging from 98 to 106 degrees, a cafe, day spa, and plenty of parking, all located just 4 km south of the centre of town.

Loading comments...

Burgdorf Hot Springs

If the Old West is your thing, you’ll love this 1870s retreat in Idaho. The property is on the National Register of Historic Places, and accordingly, all 15 cabins have wood stoves, oil lamps, firewood, and beds, but you’ll need to bring your own bedding. More important, the lithium-rich springs surrounded by evergreen-forested hills will soothe what ails you.

Scandinave Spa Whistler

Specializing in hydrotherapy (aka contrasting water temperatures, said to rev up circulation and “produce the effect of increased wellness and intense relaxation.”), this place is amazing. Besides an adorable little eco-spa and other out-buildings that look like they’re from Middle Earth, there are woodsy, manicured grounds and sparkling pools. The Scandinavian Bath experience includes a eucalyptus steam room, traditional wood-burning Finnish sauna, hot baths, cold plunges, and a thermal waterfall.

Hilltop Hot Tub

IHotspring

Homestead Crater

Although it’s located at a resort near Park City, don’t let that put you off. The 10,000-year-old crater, formed from snowmelt, harbors a geothermal spring within its 55-foot-high limestone walls. Swim, scuba dive, snorkel, take an SUP yoga class, or simply float on your back in the mineral-rich waters, taking in the freaky rock formation above.

Ouray Hot Springs

Ouray Hot Springs

Strawberry Park Hot Springs

TripAdvisor

Penny Hot Springs

Looking for a natural hot springs? Check out Penny Hot springs in Carbondale, just a 35 minute drive from skiing in Aspen. Soak in this natural pool in the Crystal River, off of Highway 133. You’re likely to have some company, but the location on McClure Pass is tough to beat in terms of pure Colorado beauty.

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa

These hot springs may be located about 45 minutes from the town of Taos, but trust us, they are worth it. The sulphur-free, geothermal mineral waters flow from a subterranean volcanic aquifer to supply a large family pool and several quieter pools perfect for relaxing. Pro tip: check out the mud pool, where guests can slather mud all over to help refresh and clean your skin.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs

The recently opened Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado is perfect for skiers headed to Aspen or Southwest Colorado. Located alongside the Colorado River and across from the tram at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Iron Mountain Hot Springs boasts 16 mineral soaking pools with temperatures ranging from 99 to 108 degrees. The soaking pool area is serene; peaceful music and discreet signs encourage visitors to keep things quiet and relaxed. Pro tip: head to the pools closest to the river for the best ambience and views.

Old Town Hot Springs

Located conveniently in downtown Steamboat Springs, the Old Town Hot Springs is a perfect mix of family fun and comfortable relaxation. There are hot soaking pools, waterslides, aquatic climbing walls, massage therapy, childcare, eight lap lanes, tennis courts, and a fitness center with classes, cardio equipment, and a weight room. Everyone will be happy here.

Gold Fork Hot Springs

The Gold Fork Hot Springs is located just south of McCall in the small town of Donnelly in the beautiful foothills of the North Fork Range. Services might be a bit sparse compared to other hot springs resorts, but the mineral-rich waters and hydrotherapy jets will still do the trick after a day of skiing.

Mt. Princeton Hot Springs

Recent upgrades have turned Mount Princeton Hot Springs into a top-notch destination in the Colorado Rockies. Located between Buena Vista and Salida (not too far from skiing at Monarch Mountain), this retreat has large family pools, spa facilities, and even a water slide. But the best part is the riverside pools, where swimmers can move rocks to create just the right temperature.

Dunton Hot Springs

Located about 45 minutes from Telluride, Dunton Hot Springs is a breathtaking retreat with six secluded hot springs scattered throughout the grounds. The resort offers gorgeous accommodations whatever the season, but you'll never tire of the pools, which range in temperature from 85 to 106 degrees.

Grover Hot Springs State Park

Don't expect fancy amenities at this state park, but if you're looking for hot, therapeutic water, Grover Hot Springs delivers. Located on the east side of the Sierra at the edge of the Great Basin Province, the hot springs sit in a beautiful area not too far from Lake Tahoe. The mineral baths have a hot and cold pool, changing rooms, and reasonable admission fees.

Banff Upper Hot Springs

For over 100 years, Banff National Park's only hot springs pool has welcomed travelers to soak in the steamy waters. Skiers can expect water ranging from 98 to 106 degrees, a cafe, day spa, and plenty of parking, all located just 4 km south of the centre of town.