From Hot to Cold: The Best Skiing and Hot Springs near Salida

Salida, Colorado is a beautiful town located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. With its stunning scenery and abundant outdoor activities, it's no wonder that Salida is a popular destination for skiers of all levels.

And what better après ski activity is there than to warm the bones with a nice soak in a natural hot spring? In this article, we’ll visit the best of both near Salida.

The Best Ski Slopes Near Salida, Colorado

Monarch Mountain 

Monarch Mountain is the closest to Salida only 20 miles away. This resort has 63 runs and 8 lifts so you can easily spend several days skiing here. While it is closest to Salida, it is also a bit more remote than Ski Cooper or Copper Mountain. This means that you may have the slopes more to yourself and the crowds might be less. The remoteness also means that dining and lodging options near the slopes are limited, so you may find that staying in Salida will give you more options.

Ski Cooper 

Ski Cooper is located 60 miles from Salida near Leadville, Colorado. This resort has 64 runs and 5 lifts. While it is further away from Salida than Monarch, it is closer to I-70 so it is a bit easier to access if you are coming from Denver or Summit County.

Ski Cooper is a great place for beginners because they have a separate beginner area called Tenderfoot Hill. This area has its own lift so beginners can focus on learning without having to worry about more advanced skiers and snowboarders flying by. Advanced skiers will find some more challenging terrain in the Chicago Ridge area, which is accessed by a short hike. There are also some groomed black diamond runs if you are looking for a challenge.

Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain is located 81 miles from Salida. It is the furthest resort from Salida, but it is also the largest with 140 runs and 23 lifts. It is a good option if you want to plan a longer ski vacation because there is more terrain to explore.

Copper Mountain has a good mix of terrain for all ability levels. Beginners will find plenty of green circle runs to explore, while advanced skiers can head to the back bowls for some more challenging terrain. There are also plenty of blue square runs for intermediate skiers. Copper Mountain also has a Woodward terrain park if you are looking to practice your tricks.

The Best Hot Springs Near Salida, Colorado

Hot springs are natural springs that contain heated water. The water is typically rich in minerals, which can have a variety of health benefits. Soaking in hot springs can help to relax muscles, relieve pain, and improve circulation.

There are a number of hot springs located near Salida. Here are a couple of the most popular:

Salida Hot Springs

Located in the heart of Salida, this hot spring and aquatic center features a variety of pools, including a large outdoor pool, a leisure pool, and private soaking pools. Salida Hot Springs is a great place to relax and enjoy the healing waters of the hot springs.

Salida Hot Springs is fed by natural mineral waters from mountains eight miles away. Their main pool, measuring 82 feet long with lap lanes and boasting water temperatures between 87-104 degrees Fahrenheit is the main draw for guests while other smaller pools and private hot tubs offer higher water temperatures - perfect for an hour-long soak.

Mount Princeton Hot Springs

Mount Princeton Hot Springs in Nathrop, between Buena Vista and Salida, offers an expansive property filled with geothermal soaking experiences. There's the main lodge, numerous cabins dotting the cliffsides and hillsides, and outdoor pools for exercise or relaxation like the historic bath house, Creekside hot springs, and infinity pool; additional offerings such as in-river hot springs or pools equipped with waterslides are also available.

This hot spring is one of the most unique experiences available in Colorado and is situated on a private bluff overlooking the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Visitors can relax in an adjustable concrete soaking pool/hot tub that draws more river water or hot springs to their pool/tub; they may also opt for dry sauna use or enjoy massage treatments on site.

So, start planning your trip to Salida today!