15 Dec From Thrill to Chill: Conquering Peaks and Calming Muscles
Sunlight Mountain Resort and Iron Mountain Hot Springs have more in common than a middle name. When you combine the two—skiing and soaking—you have the makings of the ultimate Colorado winter vacation day in Glenwood Springs.
A Colorado winter day gets a bump up when you combine skiing at Sunlight Mountain Resort with soaking at Iron Mountain Hot Springs. When it comes to fun and relaxation, the combo is a classic you can count on for high-energy activity and laid-back tranquility in Glenwood Springs. Let’s break it down.
Slope-side Recreation
Sunlight Mountain Resort
, the hometown hill, opened for the 2022-23 season on Dec. 9. With recent snowfalls, conditions are prime for skiing and riding at the family-friendly resort. Still one of the most affordable options in the state, Sunlight gives skiers and riders a full day on the slopes for about half the cost of the mega resorts. Other perks include free, close-in parking and a mountain layout where all trails lead back to the lodge for easy meet ups with friends and family.
The resort also has a satisfying array of runs for skiers and riders of all abilities. Beginners can get comfortable on easy, gentle slopes like Midway or ride the lift to the top of Compass Peak and take the green cruiser Ute all the way to the base. At 2.5 miles long, Ute is one of the longest runs in the state. Most of Sunlight’s runs hit the sweet spot between beginner and expert. Blue runs of note include Sun King, Joslin, Beaujolais and White River. Here you’ll find accessible steeps and bumps, as well as swaths of groomed terrain and plenty of powder bumpers on the sidelines. Fearless expert skiers and riders will want to gravitate to the East Ridge where double black diamond runs dominate. The steepest is Heathen with a pitch of 52 degrees!
Pool-side Rejuvenation
Give tired muscles the love they deserve after a day at Sunlight Mountain. For après ski, nothing feels as good as a steamy soak at Iron Mountain Hot Springs. Located in the heart of Glenwood Springs, it is the perfect place for post-slope relaxation.
The soaking pools at Iron Mountain are filled with geothermal water that contains 14 dissolved minerals, each one possessing a unique therapeutic benefit. Not only do the minerals go to work on your body, but the heat also does wonders to take the edge off the day. Ticking in at different temperatures, the soaking pools range between 98˚ and 108˚F. Whether you like your water comfortably warm or a little more toasty, you can find the pool that’s just right for you. For a full body cool down and a refreshing respite from the heat, take a dip in the freshwater family pool.
Another perk of visiting Iron Mountain Hot Springs after a day on the slopes is that you can also enjoy a delicious adult beverage while immersed in the hot springs. The Sopris Café is stocked with your favorite beer, wine and cocktails, all served in pool-friendly cups or containers. If you do imbibe, remember to do so responsibly; the hot water can amplify the effects of alcohol.
Colorado Winter Vacation Combo
Put it all together—affordable skiing at Sunlight Mountain Resort and easy-going relaxation at Iron Mountain Hot Springs—and you have an unbeatable winter vacation combination. Learn more and make reservations to soak today!
Karin Gamba
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