03/17/2023

Ideas for Spring Break in the Colorado Mountains

Spring break is approaching rapidly and visions of magical and memorable family vacations are dancing in parents’ and grandparents’ heads. Sometimes it’s hard to fulfill the wish lists of an entire crew, but Glenwood Hots Springs Resort serves as the ideal family basecamp and Glenwood Springs is a destination for both low-key relaxation and memorable adventures.

Here are several ideas for spring break in the Colorado mountains.

Family fun at the hot springs

The world’s largest hot springs pool at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort provides plenty of space to spread out and play or indulge in blissful soaks in the mineral-rich hot springs water. Kids and the young at heart will love the diving board and Sopris Splash Zone, while parents and grandparents may choose to enjoy the lap lanes or purchase a day pass to the on-site Athletic Cub to keep wellness routines in check.

Sopris Splash Zone, including Shoshone Chutes, will be open for spring break March 11-April 2, 12-5 p.m., depending on weather and staffing. From April 3-May 26, Sopris Splash Zone is open weekends only from 12-5 p.m., again depending on weather and staffing.
 
With a pool day pass, come and go as much as you like from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. No reservations are required, and there are no limited timeframes. There is no extra cost for Sopris Splash Zone or using the lockers in the newly renovated pool changing rooms.

For the ultimate in poolside luxury and convenience, book a cabana complete with comfy lounge furniture that seats up to five people and a small refrigerator/table combination. Cabanas rentals are for a half or full day and include four towels and four bottles of water.

There is no need to leave when pool-goers get hungry or thirsty as the poolside Grill serves up sandwiches, soup, salads and snacks as well as smoothies, specialty coffee drinks, wine and beer. The Splash and Snack package is available starting March 11 and includes a day pass to the pool and a meal at the Grill (lunch) and Snack Bar (when open during special hours for spring break). Adults can choose from a hamburger or turkey bacon avocado wrap and kids have the choice of either a hot dog or chicken dinosaur nuggets. All meals with this package include fries and a 32-ounce soda, iced tea, lemonade or Powerade served in a souvenir cup.
 
Forget something? No worries. The Shop in the pool’s lobby has a wide range of swimsuits, goggles, flip-flops, clothing, souvenirs, gifts and more. With the Splash and Snack package, receive 10% off at the Shop, a discount that is also always available to pool season pass holders, Athletic Club members, and Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge guests.

Ski Swim Stay Package

Glenwood Springs has all sorts of outdoorsy winter activity options for families, with Sunlight Mountain Resort serving as one of the epicenters. For the ultimate in convenience and savings, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort and Sunlight have partnered to offer the popular Ski Swim Stay package.

Ski or snowboard at Sunlight Mountain Resort for the day, soak and soothe tired muscles in natural hot springs, and spend the night at Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge. All Lodge stays include unlimited soaking during from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and a made-to-order hot breakfast served at the Grill. One child (age 12 and under) receives a free lift ticket to Sunlight with each adult on the Ski Swim Stay reservation. This package is available from now through April 2, 2023.
Another bonus is the availability of a shuttle that picks up at the front of the Lodge at 8:10 a.m. daily (as well as 10:10 a.m. on weekends) and departs from Sunlight at 4:25 p.m. daily (also 2:45 p.m. on weekends). The ride takes approximately 50 minutes and is free to guests purchasing Ski Swim Stay packages or costs $10 per person for other hotel guests. Payment for the shuttle is cash only.

Sunlight is perfect for families, offering a variety of terrain for beginners, intermediates and experts. Ute is the longest green run in the state at 2.5 miles long, while the Heathen has a 52-degree pitch for those who want a taste of double black diamond runs. All runs lead to one base lodge with a restaurant and bar, making it easy for family members and different levels of skiers to meet up. Plus, there are ski lessons available for all ages and abilities.

Plenty of other winter fun

Maybe your family isn’t into skiing and snowboarding. No worries, as there are several ways families can stay happily occupied in Glenwood Springs.

Sunlight Mountain Resort also has snowshoeing and Nordic skiing trails that can be used for free and rents the necessary equipment. Or try out snowmobiling through Sunlight Snowmobile Tours. A good option is the one-hour family tour that traverses 16 miles through the White River National Forest and provides stunning views. Drivers must be at least 16 years old, and the minimum age for riders is 6 years of age. Longer tours are available.
Also considering exploring other Glenwood Springs trails on snowshoes, Nordic skis and fat bikes, which are bikes with huge tires designed to move through the snow.

Or check out Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park featuring a gondola ride to the mountaintop entrance, thrilling amusement rides, tamer but equally as fun activities, cave tours and more. Make sure to check this favorite local attraction’s website for days open during your vacation.

Plus, it’s just fun to stroll, shop and dine in Glenwood Springs’ downtown, located a short walk from Glenwood Hot Springs Resort over a pedestrian bridge that crosses the Colorado River. You will find ice cream, pizza, barbecue, breweries, coffee houses, unique shops and much more.

Our Stay and Save package is ideal for families wishing to book three nights or more. Stay any three nights and receive 15% off the room rate at Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge, or stay five nights or longer and save 20% off the room rate. All Lodge stays include unlimited access to the hot springs and hot breakfast at the Grill. This package is subject to availability.
Family time is just around the corner, so tap these ideas for spring break in the Colorado mountains soon!