When planning a winter ski trip, it’s important to decide on a location that fits in with what you want to do during your trip. Skiing may not be for everyone in your group, and if you’re not too keen on hitting the slopes, there are plenty of resorts around the world that offer more relaxing things to do.
For example, why not enjoy a massage in a mountainside spa, or beat the winter chill with a dip in a hot tub, or perhaps pamper yourself with a range of treatments, such as aromatherapy? Many resorts also have on-site restaurants, giving you the chance to warm up with some fine cuisine after a day on the slopes.
Spa resorts are popular with those who are looking for a bit of luxury and pampering as part of their skiing holidays, and what could be more refreshing than a dip in some nice warm water after a day on the chilly ski slopes?
Avenue Lodge, Val d’Isere, France
Spa resorts are popular with those who are looking for a bit of luxury and pampering as part of their skiing holidays, and what could be more refreshing than a dip in some nice warm water after a day on the chilly ski slopes?
Avenue Lodge is a four-star hotel situated at the heart of the Val d’Isere region, within easy reach of the ski slopes and local activities such as ice skating rinks and husky sled rides. The hotel also includes a spa, where you can indulge and relax with treatments such as massages, beauty treatments as well as sauna and Jacuzzi facilities to help you relax and revive your tired muscles after a day on the slopes.
*From €340 (£312) per night, prices of treatments vary
Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler, Canada
Photo: The Ski resort of Whistler, Canada
One of the venues for the Winter Olympics in 2010, Whistler is one of the most popular ski destinations in Canada, attracting over two million visitors per year. The resorts of Blackcomb-Whistler range from private chalets to family-friendly hotels with activity centres to keep the kids busy both on and off the slopes.
At the Westin Resort & Spa there are a number of heated outdoor pools and hot tubs to help you relax and beat the winter chill, as well as a fitness centre to help keep you supple for when you want to go skiing.
For a dose of relaxation during your holiday on the slopes, the on-site Avello Spa has over 75 treatments available – from soothing massages and relaxing soaks to help ease tension and soothe muscles after a day of skiing to exfoliating mud wraps, or simple treatments such as manicures are also available.
*Standard room from CAD315 (£198) per night, prices of treatments vary
Haus Hirt, Bad Gastein, Austria
Photo: The Ski resort of Bad Gastein, Austria
The town of Bad Gestein is a popular ski resort in Austria, and is also famous for its thermal spring waters, which have attracted tourists for many years. The thermal pools are known for having health benefits, and many are attracted by the prospect of taking a dip in the warm waters.
The Haus Hirt hotel is one of the top spa hotels in the region, and after a hard day on the slopes why not take the time to relax in the hot springs at the Aveda Spa (around €20 for 20mins) as well as treat yourself to a range of beauty treatments, such as massages, body scrubs and packages that include a little bit of everything – so why not treat yourself or your partner to a little luxury during your time in the Alps?
*From €750 (£633) per week, prices of treatments vary
Park Hyatt Resort and Spa, Beaver Creek, USA
Beaver Creek is famous as a venue on the downhill skiing circuit, but also as a vast resort for skiers and snowboarders of all ages. The resort is split into villages, each with it’s own characteristics and accommodation options, from private condos to family-friendly hotels, all of which can be reached using a transport system that includes heated walkways and shuttle bus services.
Beaver Creek has a number of spas dotted around the resort grounds, including the Bachelor Gulch Spa in the upmarket Ritz-Carlton and the Allegria Spa at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain.
At the Allegria Spa you can indulge in a variety of treatments, including thermal pools, massages and body scrubs. Day packages are also available, for when you want some time away from the ski slopes.
*From $418 (£264) per night, prices of treatments vary
Copperhill Resort, Åre, Sweden
Photo: Copperhill Mountain Lodge, Åre
The Copperhill Resort is one of the newest ski resorts in Sweden, and offers the chance to relax in beautiful surroundings whilst staying warm in a very Scandinavian setting. During the summer months there are activities such as kayaking, horse riding and cycling to keep you active, and in the winter the landscape changes to a winter wonderland where you can ski, take a ride on a snowmobile or even ride on a dog sled.
The resorts’ spa has a range of treatments, including massages, body wraps and the traditional sauna, as well as a number of treatments influenced by the native Sami people. Body wraps, hot stone massages and saunas are just some of the treatments available to help you relax after a day on the slopes.
Spa excursions can be a delightful way of relaxing during your holiday, and when combined with some ski time can provide a means of relaxing, warming up and soothing any aching muscles at the end of each day.
**Bronze Rooms from SEK1950 (£180) per night, spa packages available
* Rates are based on two adults sharing for the period between the 10th Jan 2011 and 17th Jan 2011
** Rates are based on two adults sharing for the period between the 13th Jan 2011 and 20th Jan 2011