Spas

SPRING SKIING AND SPA-ING

After a day attacking the slopes, relax your muscles at a luxurious spa.

BY DIANE BAIR & PAMELA WRIGHT

Warmer temperatures, fewer crowds and end-of-season deals make the waning days of winter a great time for skiing and snowboarding. Hit the slopes, then visit a spa for some aprèsski pampering and relaxation. Not into skiing or boarding? No problem. Let the others schuss the slopes, while you lounge at these top mountain area spas.

DENVER
OXFORD CLUB

1616 17th St
303-628-5435
www.oxfordclubspa.com

Sun-scorched and wind-slapped faces get extra attention at this classy day spa, located in the historic lower downtown (LoDo) district. After a day romping in the Rockies (a slew of ski resorts are easy day trips from Denver), slip onto a heated table and under warm blankets for the 85-minute signature facial ($110). The ultra-luxe, vitamin-enriched treatment—formulated to counteract the high altitude elements—includes foot, hand and scalp massages. The spa is also known for its unhurried massage treatments and the unique 85-minute “herbal steam” ($110), a soft-touch, lymphatic dry body brushing, followed by a session in a detoxifying, herbal steam tent.

STOWE, VT STOWE, VT
THE SPA AT TOPNOTCH

(200 MILES FROM BOSTON)
Topnotch Resort, 4000 Mountain Rd
888-460-5567
www.topnotchresort.com

Surrounded by views of the Green Mountains and minutes from Stowe Mountain Resort (home to Vermont’s highest peak), this spacious spa will tempt you to cut your ski day short. The 35,000-square-foot facility offers more than 120 treatments, including exotic, Eastern-inspired sessions. The perfect antidote for burning thighs and a tired body, the Thai massage ($120-$250) stretches, bends and rubs you into warm, relaxed putty. The Mount Mansfield Saucha session ($170-$205) combines a sea salt exfoliation with hot towels, a body wrap with herb and flower-infused linens, and a full-body massage. Opt to ski just half the day (or take a day off); this is a spa made for lingering.

LINCOLN, NH
VIAGGIO SPA

(95 MILES FROM PORTLAND, ME)
The Mountain Club on Loon,
90 Loon Mountain Rd, 800-229-7829
www.mtnclub.com/nh_spa.html

Don’t worry about arriving in your ski boots at this tranquil spa. “Many guests book a midmorning or early afternoon treatment, and then head back to the slopes,” says Spa Manager Deb Woodman. Located on Loon Mountain at the Mountain Club Hotel, it’s the perfect retreat from your adrenaline-pumping day. Smooth your weather-worn skin with the Signature Pear and Green Apple Sugar Polish ($75), followed by a Hot Stone Massage ($120) that will make you forget that tumble you took on your last run. Guests can also use the pool, hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms, perfect for warming your winter-chilled body.