Any good ski trip includes a visit to the spa — whether that’s to help with post-slope aches or because you’d rather spend your time getting pampered. To help you narrow down where to book your next ski vacation, we’ve picked the top destinations in North America where the slopes and the spa are side-by-side.
Image courtesy Graham Winslet/coastphoto.com.
1. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
As host of the 2010 Winter Olympic games, you know the trails are world class. If fact, these two side-by-side mountain ranges offer over 200 runs, 8,171 acres of terrain, 16 alpine bowls and three glaciers. No worries if you're not at an Olympic level, there are plenty of runs for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Another highlight of hitting the slopes here is that they are able to offer a vast area of backcountry to hit (ie. unmarked and unpatrolled). This type of skiing is definitely for the more adventurous, but if it's something you've wanted to try, consider booking a trail tour or signing up for a class.
Take advantage of booking your lift tickets ahead of time online, there are discounts for doing so.
Visit whistlerblackcomb.com for more details.
Where to Spa: The Four Seasons Whistler Spa
Luxury lovers let yourselves be completely indulged at the Four Seasons Resort Whistler spa. A top-rated spa resort, you'll find 11 treatment rooms and two couple rooms to be pampered in. The intimate space means less foot traffic and more opportunity to relax. We suggest trying their signature treatment ($315 for 100 minutes), which includes exfoliating Canadian maple syrup and brown sugar scrub, followed by a full body massage with detoxifying body butter.
Image courtesy Park City Mountain Resort.
2. Park City, Utah
Not one, but three world-class resorts comprise the Park City region. A 35-minute drive from the Salt Lake City International Airport, Park City Mountain Resort offers up more than 3,000 acres of terrain to ski and snowboard. Of the three, Park City Resort is the most accessible, as it's the only mountain directly connected to the downtown, where you can literally get a lift up to the mountain off Main Street. Deer Valley Resort is all about exclusivity -- they liken your ski experience to a five-star hotel. First there is only skiing here (sorry boarders!), plus they limit lift sales so the mountain will never be overcrowded. Not to mention gourmet dining, on-site child care and gorgeously groomed slopes. Canyons Resort is third option in Park City, but don't be fooled -- it doesn't lack in luxury or slopes. Featuring 182 runs, as well as 6 bowls and 5 half-pipes, there is serious skiing and snowboarding to be done here. Though there are certainly a large portion of intermediate and expert runs, beginners won't feel left out. Plus you can always sign up for a lesson!
Where to Spa: Spa Montage Deer Valley
For a complete retreat try the Spa Montage Deer Valley. A 35,000 square-foot alpine oasis with 29 treatment rooms, including two incredible couples' suites, a variety of hydrotherapy and a full service salon makes it easy to waste a day away in pure bliss. After a day of activities on the mountain, why not try their Mountain Body Therapy ($195 for 60 minutes), designed to revitalize stressed muscles, helping to eliminate lactic acid buildup and get you ready for more fun on the slopes.
Mount Mansfield behind Stowe Mountain Resort.
3. Stowe, Vermont
A 40-minute drive from Vermont's International Airport, Stowe is a historic village built around Mount Mansfield -- the state's highest peak. Stowe Mountain Resort divides Mount Mansfield into six distinct areas, allowing for a wide variety of trails for all levels. Beginners should hit up the Lower Spruce area, while the Mansfield Gondola will get you to the top of the summit!
Where to Spa: Stowe Mountain Lodge
Conveniently located at the base of Mount Mansfield, you can literally go from swishing down the slopes to recuperating at the Stowe Mountain Lodge's on-site 21,000 square foot spa. Even if you're not a guest of the hotel, spa guests have access to the hotel's full wellness facilities, which include an indoor/outdoor pool, Jacuzzis and fitness centre. Take a Swedish massage ($160 for 50 minutes) to the next level with a Therapeutic Mud Pack ($20) or Chakra Balancing ($50).
Image courtesy Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
4. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Prefer to avoid the crowds and craziness of other popular ski destinations? Then this is where you should plan your next ski getaway. Jackson Hole's out-of-the-way location (near Yellowstone National Park and four hours from Salt Lake City) make it still feel untouched in ways other mountains are. Your best bet will certainly be Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, where you'll find 116 trails, half of which are at the expert level. Beginners not to worry, there are plenty of non-expert runs too. Get a lay of the land with a complimentary Mountain Tour, available everyday at 9:30 a.m.
Where to Spa: Solitude Spa at Teton Mountain Lodge
Reconnect at the three-storey spa at Teton Mountain Lodge where natural elements are incorporated into all aspects of your experience, including the treatments. You'll find a tranquility lounge, steam rooms, an indoor and outdoor pool, plus five hot tubs (two of which are outdoors). Combat the cool air with their Fusion Super Hydration Facial ($190) designed to create a luminous effect.
The Back Bowls of Vail. Image courtesy Jack Affleck.
5. Vail, Colorado
When it comes to terrain, Vail is a beast. Offering 5,289 acres of diverse runs, not to mention boasting over 300 days of sunshine a year, it's hard for any skier not to be lured by this destination. The sheer range of options for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, makes it ideal for group travellers or those who want new scenery daily. Vail Mountain can be accessed by three different base points. Whatever you do, don't miss out on the Back Bowls where the views are simply spectacular.
Where to Spa: RockResorts Spa at The Arrabelle at Vail Square
Indulge yourself in complete bliss at the RockResorts Spa at The Arrabelle. With panoramic views of the Rockies, this slope-side retreat offers natural and botanical treatments, in an eco-conscious environment. Help combat the natural elements with an energizing facial like their Antioxidant Glow ($150 for 50 minutes).
Image courtesy Banff Lake Louise Tourism/Paul Zizka.
6. Banff-Lake Louise, Alberta
Hit up Banff National Park and you'll have access to three ski resorts: Mt. Norquay, The Lake Louise Ski Resort and Sunshine Village. If variety is what you're after, Lake Louise has the most terrain -- 4,200 acres to be exact -- with more than 145 runs. Plus it also has the accolades of being voted Canada's Best Ski Resort at the 2013 World Ski Awards, making it a good bet if you only have time to cover one of the three resorts. Sunshine Village boasts its incredible powder, with guaranteed snow conditions from December to May, plus it's location means you have the novelty of saying you've skied two provinces in one run! Known as an Olympic training ground, Mt. Norquay is a favourite of locals and has tons of beginner terrain.
Save on lift tickets by purchasing at least 3 days in advance. Tri-Area Lift tickets for adults start at $94 for 1 day.
Where to Spa: Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Banff Springs
The Willow Stream Spa at this Fairmont is one of the largest spa's in Canada with 23 treatment rooms on three levels. It's all about water therapy here, with an indoor European mineral pool, indoor and outdoor whirlpools, plus three treatment waterfall whirlpools. The outdoor whirlpool is all about the view which overlooks the Rockies. Travelled far? Try their Destination Rejuvenation treatment that is designed to help with jet-lag and altitude, focuses on the areas most affected by frequent travel ($195 for 60 minutes).
Overlooking Mont Tremblant.
7. Mont Tremblant, Quebec
A easy drive from Montreal and Ottawa, one of our favourite ways to get to Mont Tremblant is via Porter Airlines, who offers a direct flight from Toronto (in only 70 minutes). In the Laurentians, Mont Tremblant offers skiers and snowboarders four distinct slopes, which include 95 trails. There is plenty of variety (about half of the runs are expert level), and thanks to having over 1,000 snow guns, tons of fresh powder to enjoy.
Check out Mont Tremblant's Ticket Outlet, where you can save up to 35% on lift tickets if you purchase a minimum of 48 hours in advance.
Where to Spa: Scandinave Spa Mont-Tremblant
A ski getaway is the perfect time to experience a Nordic-style spa. On the shores of the Diable River, the natural setting is the perfect atmosphere to relax and rejuvenate. You'll find steam rooms, sauna, hot baths and waterfalls -- not to mention there's always the river you can dip in. To get the full benefits of the hydrotherapy, we suggest indulging in a massage. Swap a traditional Swedish massage for a Hot Stone to help stimulate circulation and relax tight muscles ($192 for 90 minutes).
Image courtesy North Lake Tahoe.
8. Lake Tahoe, California
On the border where California and Nevada meet, Lake Tahoe is more than just the reputation of being the largest alpine lake in North America, it also is home to six world-class ski resorts equally to more than 500 runs. Oh and let's not forget 300 days of sunshine. Heavenly Mountain Resort has a picture-perfect location overlooking the sapphire-blue waters of Lake Tahoe, varied terrain for both skiers and boarders and plenty of après-ski activities to keep you going into the evening.
Where to Spa: The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Lake Tahoe
All of your mountain adventures call for some serious R&R. The Ritz-Carlton Spa in Lake Tahoe merges the natural environment with modern results-oriented treatments. Seventeen luxurious treatment rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, plus a co-ed lap pool overlooking the slopes, means you can either prep or recover from your time on the hills. If you've travelled with your significant other, try the Cozy "Cabin" Couples Massage ($370 for 50 minutes) where you'll feel as though you've been transported to a romantic cabin in the woods.
Image courtesy Aspen Snowmass.
9. Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is known as much for its celebrity visitors as its ski-friendly terrain, welcoming A-listers and royalty since it was put on the map in 1947. Aspen Snowmass is comprised of four resorts including its most notable being Snowmass boasting 3,332 acres of terrain, 94 trails and 21 chairlifts -- as well as advanced terrain. Beginner? Head over to Buttermilk, best for its wide-open, gently rolling trails perfect for those who are just learning and families. The X Games are also hosted here, with a 22-foot superpipe, so serious snowboarders take note.
Where to Spa: Remède Spa at the St. Regis Aspen
Champagne, luxury throws and customized treatments are all par for the course at the award-winning Remède Spa at the St. Regis Aspen. An oxygen lounge, steam caves, cold plunges, and a Confluence waterfall can be enjoyed before or after your treatment, with more than just massages to be had. Energy work, nutritional counselling, salon services, waxing and yoga are just a sliver of the additional services you can book. The latest addition to their menu is an innovative Farm-to-Massage Table treatment that takes the farm-to-table concept to the next level. This multi-dimensional five course experience lets you taste what you've smelled, sensed and seen after you've been scrubbed and massaged.
Image courtesy Big Sky Resort.
10. Big Sky, Montana
With 5,800 acres of terrain, Big Sky has the most skiing of any mountain in the United States with runs almost 10 kilometres long and 4,350 feet drops, there is a lot to be found for every level. The best part is Montana is still an off-the-radar ski destination, meaning very short or non-existent lift lines, so you're not wasting time getting to where you want to be -- on the hill. Off the hill you'll find tons of activities, including cross-country skiing, snowshoe tours, a tube park and plenty of restaurant options (channel the Swiss at the Fondue Stube).
Where to Spa: Solace Spa and Salon
Steps from the slopes, the Solace Spa and Salon is a 3,000 square-foot facility that offers a full service Aveda salon, manicure/pedicures and six treatment rooms where you can indulge in anything from a massage to a body treatment. Getting acclimatized to the altitude can be challenging, combined with physical activity, so we suggest trying their Altitude Adjustment Therapy ($100 for 50 minutes) specifically designed to help your body adjust to 7,500 feet, using a blend of Swedish, Craniosacral and Neuromuscular techniques to increase circulation and minimize altitude headaches.
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