Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is the ideal hot springs base camp
Glenwood Springs, Colorado (January 2, 2026) – It’s hard to beat the steamy and snowy combination of hot springs, skiing and snowboarding in Glenwood Springs, with Glenwood Hot Springs Resort and Sunlight Mountain Resort providing the perfect solution. There also is a whole menu of winter activities from December to April that go beyond hitting the slopes.
Hot Springs, Skiing & Snowboarding Nirvana
Glenwood Springs has been known as a hot springs getaway since Glenwood Hot Springs Resort opened on July 4, 1888. The rich tradition continues with the resort’s seven geothermal hot springs pools fed by the on-site Yampah Source Spring and the historic Stone Bath House that features the new Hotel 1888 and the full-service Athletic Club. There also is the Lodge at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort that wrapped up a full refresh of all 107 guest rooms in March 2025; the poolside Grill and Snack Bar that have new menus filled with meals and tasty treats; and the Shop for a selection of swimwear, apparel, souvenirs, gifts and more.
Sunlight Mountain Resort, located between Glenwood Springs and Carbondale, is ideal for all levels of skiers and snowboarders at a price that is much less than bigger ski areas. Lessons are available, parking is free and all runs eventually lead back to one base area, making Sunlight an easy place for family members and friends to cross paths and meet up for lunch and après ski at the lodge.
One of the best deals that combines action and relaxation is the Ski Swim Stay package. The package includes one Sunlight Mountain lift ticket per adult, one free lift ticket for kids ages 12 and under per paying adult, a free shuttle ride to and from the slopes, 10% off accommodations at the Lodge at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, complimentary breakfast at the resort’s poolside Grill, and unlimited hot springs pool access during business hours. Ski Swim Stay is available until April 5, 2026 and subject to availability, so booking early is advised. Free children’s lift tickets are not available over holidays and certain spring break weeks in March, but $45 lift tickets for kids are available with the package during those times.
Winter Fun for Non-Skiers & Days Off
For those who need to give their bodies a break or people who get the shivers just thinking about schussing down the slopes, here is a sampling of things to do that don’t involve strapping into a snowboard and clicking into a pair of skis.
To relax and refresh before or after heading out for a day of adventures, shopping and dining, head to the hot springs pools at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. Day and season pass holders can go as much as they please from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and no reservations are needed. Don’t miss gathering around the cozy fire at the center of Yampah Mineral Baths, featuring five pools of varying temperatures that become adults only at 5 p.m. Also consider renting a cozy cabana with a fire pit for the ultimate winter day and booking a romantic overnight stay at the poolside Hotel 1888 with 16 luxurious guest rooms and suites.
Hit the Trails
Sunlight Mountain Resort in Glenwood Springs is more than a great place for skiing and snowboarding. The resort has 29 kilometers of groomed cross-country and snowshoe trails that wind their way through a beautiful high valley, Babbish Gulch. Cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals are available on the mountain or at Sunlight Ski & Bike Shop in town, and there is no charge for trail use. For those who prefer breaking their own trail, a wide range of backcountry trails and equipment rental options are available at outfitters around Glenwood Springs.
Hanging Lake Adventure Co-op and its partner Glenwood Canyon Bikes offer winter e-bike and fat tire rentals as much of the Rio Grande Bike Path is accessible and ridable on nicer winter days. Trail conditions vary day-to-day, so check with these outfitters for current information.
Easy & Adventurous Snowmobiling
Sunlight Mountain Resort is one of the few ski resorts that offer guided snowmobile tours. The one-hour family tour starts in Sunlight Meadow at 10 a.m. and traverses into the White River National Forest through tall pines and aspen groves. Participants must be ages 6 and older, and all abilities are sure to enjoy this 16-mile, easygoing journey. Adventure rides for ages 10 and up cover 30 miles, last 2.5 hours and treat participants to magnificent mountain views and play time in Baylor Park.
Rivers & Rinks
Fly-fishing in the mountains isn’t limited to summer and fall. Winter is when there is the least amount of pressure on hatcheries and can be one of the best times to cast away for trout. Check in with local outfitters to book a guide, buy gear and land tips about where it’s best to go during snowy months.
For those who prefer their water frozen, the outdoor covered ice-skating rink at Glenwood Springs Community Center is a hive of activity throughout winter until mid- March, weather permitting. The NHL-sized sheet of ice hosts hockey for kids through adults, learn-to-skate programs and public skate hours. Skate rentals are available.
Mountaintop Amusement Park with Caves
At Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, enjoy magnificent views on a scenic gondola ride to the top of Iron Mountain, zoom down one of Colorado’s longest alpine coasters, tour the famed Fairy Cave and King’s Row Cave, test skills with a game of laser tag and watch a movie in the 4D Theater. The park is open Friday through Sunday during much of the winter but has extended hours during the holidays and a more frequent schedule starting in early March. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort offers a package that includes Funday Pass at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, 10% off a stay at the Lodge, complimentary breakfast and unlimited access to the hot springs during business hours.
Beverage Hopping
Colorado is known as a craft beer mecca, and Glenwood Springs has its fair share of local suds. Head to Glenwood Canyon Brewing Company and Casey Brewing & Blending Taproom in downtown Glenwood Springs to indulge in a pint. For those who prefer spirits, check out Stoneyard Distillery Tasting Room featuring spirits, liqueurs and bitters made from Colorado beet sugar. If warming up is the primary goal, there also are a variety of coffee houses downtown, which is an easy walk to Glenwood Hot Springs Resort over the pedestrian bridge that has a staircase down to the pools.
Glenwood Springs as a Winter Base Camp
With a convenient location at the crossroads of Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 82, Glenwood Springs and Glenwood Hot Springs Resort are the ideal base camp for all sorts of memorable day excursions. Head south on Highway 82 and stroll the charming downtowns in Basalt and Carbondale on the way to Snowmass Village and Aspen. Or head east on Interstate 70 from Glenwood Springs to visit Beaver Creek and Vail.
Visit www.hotspringspool.com for more information about Glenwood Hot Springs Resort and call 800-537-7946 for lodging reservations.
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Media Contacts:
Aly Ackley, Resort Sales Manager
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, 970.945.3324, [email protected]
Beth Buehler
Buehler Communications Inc., 970.901.6970, [email protected]
