The ideal (and affordable) backup plan for a low-snow ski season
When winter doesn’t quite deliver the deep powder that everyone dreams about, it doesn’t mean spring break plans are ruined. In fact, it might be the perfect excuse to try something new and to mix different activities in with just a few days of skiing and snowboarding. In Glenwood Springs, Colorado, outstanding spring break options mean soaking in warm mineral waters, exploring a range of mountain-town adventures, and enjoying a getaway that’s more affordable and less crowded than most ski resorts.
However, Glenwood Springs has its own terrific ski area, Sunlight Mountain Resort, that isn’t overcrowded and has attractively priced lift tickets that don’t break a travel budget. If the snow gods take a year off, Glenwood Springs is always the kind of place that turns a backup plan into a highlight for the family memory books.
Why Glenwood Springs Is Outstanding for Spring Break
Ski towns can be magical, but they also can get expensive and crowded and are dependent on snowfall. Glenwood Springs offers a refreshing alternative.
Here you’ll find:
- Natural hot springs that feel amazing before and after a day outdoors, or all day long
- A walkable downtown packed with locally owned restaurants and shops
- Family-friendly attractions
- Adventure options from easy hikes and snowshoes to thrilling cave tours
- A spring destination that works for families, couples and friend groups
And best of all? Many activities are far more budget-friendly than a spring break ski trip.
Soak, Play & Relax at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
Spring break in Glenwood Springs isn’t just about things to do; it hits outstanding status when combined with where you stay. And there’s no better place to base your trip than Glenwood Hot Springs Resort.
The resort is home to seven pools including the Grand Pool, which is the largest hot springs pool in the world. The Grand Pool, Therapy Pool and Yampah Mineral Baths are filled with naturally heated mineral water that flows from the on-site Yampah Source Spring, which generates an impressive 3.5 million gallons daily.
During spring break, guests can spend pool days:
- Floating and swimming laps in the warm mineral water and enjoying features like the Therapy Pool’s power showers and jetted chairs
- Relaxing under blue Colorado skies on the large geothermally heated pool deck with plenty of lounge chairs and rentable cabanas with lounge furniture and fire pits
- Letting kids splash, play and try out the diving board and Shoshone Chutes river tube ride, open daily during spring break (March 14 – April 5, 2026) from noon-5pm depending on weather and staffing
- Enjoying the calming effects of geothermal soaking after outdoor adventures, including Yampah Mineral Baths with five pools of varying temperatures (don’t miss the two cold plunge pools) and a fireplace to lounge around and share stories from the day
- Indulging in a snack or meal at the poolside Grill or Red Brick Eats food truck, which means there is no need to load up the crew to find food
The experience is simple and unforgettable: mountain air, steaming water, and space to relax together. And visitors and Booking.com have noticed. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort has been recognized with a 2026 Traveler Review Award from Booking.com, which annually acknowledges top-tier international service providers based on guest reviews. The Resort received an average review score of 8.4.
See what our guests are saying:
“Glenwood is my favorite little getaway, and the Lodge is always my first choice.”
“Nice long weekend getaway that translated to relaxation and fun!”
“A perfect quiet, restful getaway.”
“Great place to stay for our budget! Comfy beds, too!”
“Cool spot, close to several top ski resorts, great amenities.”
Turn a Spring Break Day Trip into a Relaxing Overnight Stay
One of the best ways to experience Glenwood Springs is to stay overnight at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort.
The on-site Lodge makes it easy to turn a quick visit into a full getaway. Guests enjoy:
- Comfortable, family-friendly accommodations in 107 guest rooms and suites that were totally remodeled as of March 2025
- Unlimited access to the hot spring pools during business hours
- A complimentary hot breakfast buffet at the Grill
- Easy access to downtown Glenwood Springs by simply walking over the pedestrian bridge that overlooks the Grand Pool
Hotel 1888 is the resort’s boutique lodging option for adults with 16 rooms located poolside within the historic stone bath house. Guests enjoy:
- Complimentary daily breakfast served in 1888 Bistro
- Guest membership to the full-service Glenwood Hot Springs Athletic Club during their stay, including access to fitness classes, towel service, steam room, sauna, hot tub, exercise equipment and more
- VIP entrance to the pools from the historic Stone Bath House
- Complimentary plush robes
Stay overnight, soak in the evening, sleep in and start again the next morning with another peaceful dip in the mineral waters. For families, couples or friends traveling together, it’s the kind of simple luxury that makes a spring break trip feel special without feeling extravagant.
Explore the Caves at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Want a little adventure during spring break? Head up the mountain to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
The park offers:
- Gondola rides to the park entrance
- Incredible cave tours
- Thrilling rides like an alpine coaster
- Family-friendly attractions like laser tag and a 4D motion theater
- Lookout Grille and Smokehouse Restaurant for dining
It’s the perfect mix of adventure and sightseeing, especially when ski conditions aren’t ideal.
Stroll Downtown Glenwood Springs
One of the best parts about the outstanding spring break options in Glenwood Springs is how easy it is to explore when utilizing Glenwood Hot Springs Resort as a base camp.
Spend an afternoon wandering through downtown where you’ll find:
- Cozy cafés and local restaurants
- Ice cream and sweet shops for spring break treats
- Boutiques, souvenir shops and outdoor gear stores
- Riverfront walking paths along the Colorado River
It’s the kind of mountain town where you can slow down, explore and enjoy the atmosphere without rushing.
Try Early-Season Hiking & Outdoor Adventures
Spring break often brings mild temperatures to Glenwood Springs, making it a great time for all ages to get outside.
Popular spring adventures include:
- Hiking trails with canyon and river views
- Bike rides along the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path and Rio Grande Trail
- Scenic drives through Glenwood Canyon
Even if the mountains didn’t deliver the snow you hoped for, the outdoor options for an outstanding spring break vacation are still endless.
A Relaxed, Fun & Surprisingly Affordable Spring Break
Some vacations are packed with schedules and lift lines. Others give you the chance to relax, explore and enjoy time together. Outstanding spring break options in Glenwood Springs provide the second kind.
Whether you’re soaking in warm mineral pools, exploring caves or enjoying a cozy overnight stay at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, it’s the kind of trip that feels fun, spontaneous and refreshingly simple. It’s also a getaway that keeps expenses in check, especially with the resort’s Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Stay & Save, and Gear Up for Adventure packages. A Gear package can include electric bike or ski/snowboard gear.
Plan Your Spring Break Getaway
A lower snow year in the West might just result in the best backup plan you’ve ever put into play. Come soak, explore, stay overnight and make the most of spring—snow or no snow—at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort.
