Ski & Soak Destinations in the Mountains

3 spots in the Rocky Mountain West the whole family can enjoy

Ski season is just around the corner. What’s more exciting than planning a ski-and-soak trip for the family? This intriguing combo is available across Colorado and the Mountain West.

Photo: Larry Pierce, Steamboat Ski Resort

The history of this famous Colorado ski town is actually centered around their hot springs. According to SteamboatBoatSprings.net, the Yampa Valley was the hunting grounds of the Ute Indians for hundreds of years, and the Yampatika and Arapaho tribes also visited the area to enjoy the “medicine” springs that flowed from the earth here.

Photo: Corey Kopishke, Old Town Hot Springs Steamboat

Today’s visitors still enjoy the Yampa Valley’s hot springs, but they also love skiing the champagne powder at Steamboat Resort. After enjoying a day on the slopes, many families forgo their condo’s hot tub and opt for one of Steamboat Springs’ hot springs destinations. Strawberry Park may be the most famous, but Old Town Hot Springs, located downtown, is the most accessible and is great for children.

Photo: Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development

Showdown is a family-owned ski resort located an hour south of Great Falls in the Little Belt Mountains. Montana’s oldest ski area, Showdown opened in 1936 with a single-rope tow to convey skiers to the 1,400-foot summit. Today, Showdown features four lifts and 640 acres of skiable terrain, with excellent tree skiing and some steep and bumpy runs (onthesnow.com).

After stretching their legs on the slopes all day, families can enjoy a soak at Spa Hot Springs in nearby White Sulphur Springs. This property is also a hotel, so check in for the ultimate ski and soak experience.

White Sulphur Springs is located on Highway 89, also known as the Kings Hill Scenic Byway, so be ready for some awe inspiring views in Big Sky Country.

Photo: Andrew Shrum, Jackson Hole

Best known for its incredible skiing, Jackson, Wyoming is home to a hidden hot springs gem. After tearing it up on Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s 2,500 skiable acres, adventurous families can unwind at Granite Hot Springs Pool.

Granite Hot Springs, Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

Closed at the end of October, Granite Hot Springs reopens in December for winter soakers. These hot springs are remote and during the winter they are only accessible via snowmobile, dog sled, cross country skiing or fat bike. This is why only the most venturesome families get to explore the soaking opportunities here.

There is a small fee to soak at Granite Hot Springs Pool. Please visit the Bridger-Teton National Forest site for directions, hours and more.