Which ski towns have the best hot springs? Well it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that towns with the with the word “springs” in their name might somehow find their way onto this list.
Related:Â Top 5 Ski Bum Hotels
That said, not all of these picks have the telltale word in their municipality moniker. From Mammoth to Sun Valley, hot springs are ever-present in the geological map of the western USA but some ski towns in particular have embraced these hot spots especially.
So shake off the cold, drop the towel, and get weird at one of these amazing hot springs all year round.Â
Ski Towns With The Best Hot Springs
Steamboat Springs, CO | Steamboat Resort + Howelson Hill
Besides its world class tree-skiing, ‘The Boat’ is home to some of the best natural hot springs in the world. The crown jewel is obviously Strawberry Park Hot Springs. A developed series of dammed pools that decrease in temperature as you lose elevation, the hot springs hold a ton of variety. Add in a sandy bottom and you have the go-to relaxation activity after a full day of hiking, skiing, or mountain biking.
Must see hot springs: Strawberry Park, Old Town Hot Springs, and *Hippie Hot Springs
Get Naked:Â Nudity allowed during the evening hours at Strawberry Park
More info here: Strawberry Park Hot Springs
*Hippie Hot Springs is an unofficial hot spring located at the point where Spring Creek meets the Yampa otherwise known as Dr. Rich Weiss Park.Â
Mammoth Lakes, CA | Mammoth Mountain + June Mountain
Don’t like rustic hot springs? Avoid Hilltop. Otherwise, enjoy one of the most scenic hot springs around. With front and center views of the eastern Sierra, Mammoth hosts two main hot springs, both of which are worth the visit. Like I mentioned, Hilltop is the roughing it version whereas Wild Willie’s is more kiddo friendly.
Must see hot springs: Wild Willie’s, Crab Cooker, and Hilltop
Get Naked:Â Nudity allowed at Hilltop.
More info here: California Hot Springs
Taos, NM | Taos Ski Valley
Once high water ends, head to John Dunn Bridge where you’ll find Black Rock Hot Springs just downstream, on the west bank of the Rio Grande. This spring hosts a beautiful natural pool near Taos but if you’re looking for something a little fancier, check out Oja Caliente.
Must see hot springs: Oja Caliente, Manby Hot Springs, Black Rock Hot Springs
Nudity: Nudity allowed at Black Rock Hot Springs
More info here: Taos Hot Springs
Glenwood Springs, CO | Ski Sunlight
Often overlooked as just another town on the long drive to Aspen, Glenwood Springs is an underrated option for families and ski bums alike and nearby Sunlight is a really fun, mom/pop ski hill that gets its fair share of snow. Really can’t go wrong with any of the springs mentioned below. Summer or winter, Glenwood Springs is worth the stop, stay, and soak.
Must see hot springs: Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Glenwood Hot Springs, Yampah Vapor Cave
Nudity:Â Not really?
More info here: Glenwood Springs Hot Springs
Banff, AB | Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, Norquay
https://www.instagram.com/p/BU5hK0BhtvY/?tagged=banffhotsprings&hl=en
When people say that Banff has everything they’re wrong. They have everything and an awesome hot spring. Spoiler: The view DOESN’T SUCK.
Must see hot springs: Banff Upper Hot Spring
Nudity: No.Â
More info here:Â Banff Upper Hot Springs
Pagosa Springs, CO | Wolf Creek
Pagosa Springs is where ski bums can live like kings. Affordable lodging combined with world-class hot springs make Wolf Creek an easy bucket list item for North American skiers.
Must see hot springs: Springs Resort + Spa, Overlook Mineral Springs Spa, and Healing Waters Resort & Spa
Nudity: No.Â
More info here: Pagosa Springs Hot Springs
Ketchum, ID | Sun Valley
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQTfCVqDzBe/?tagged=frenchmansbend
While there’s a few primitive springs that are worth the long drive on dirt road, Easley is the developed hot spring that is especially accessible and family friendly. Natural offerings are also available just make sure to have decent clearance and 4X4.
Must see hot springs: Easley Hot Springs and Frenchman’s BendÂ
Nudity:Â No at Easley. Yes at the natural springs in the area.Â
More info here: Sun Valley Hot Springs
