Heidi Blog
Find your Zen with these relaxing ski spa holidays in Europe
Are you looking for the perfect indulgent ski escape this winter? Combining days on the slopes with out-of-this-world relaxation, the popularity of wellness ski and spa breaks is rising. Embark on a spa ski holiday to glide down pristine peaks, then soak up the atmosphere in idyllic thermal pools overlooking snow-dusted mountain tops.
If this sounds like your idea of heaven, you’re in luck. Offering a wide range of treatments alongside toasty saunas, stunning swimming pools, and luxurious spa facilities, here’s our list of the best spa ski holiday resorts to help find your inner Zen in the mountains this winter.
Bormio, Italy
Known as the ‘wellness mountain’, Bormio is a true alpine playground that forms part of the wider Alta Valtellina ski area.
If you want to combine your ski trip with some serious spa time, make like Leonardo da Vinci (who visited in 1493!) and head to Bormio for its naturally healing thermal waters. These pools have been soothing the aching muscles of Italians since the Romans discovered them. Nine natural springs supply three spas in the area today, including the original Roman spring, which is still in use.
Bormio Terme has a series of pools great for après-ski relaxation. The two larger spas out of town are QC Terme Bagni Nuovi, an art nouveau spa similar to Gellért Baths in Budapest, and QC Terme Bagni Vecchi, which has stone Roman baths and tunnels, a steam cave excavated in 1825, a panoramic fir-wood sauna, a salt grotto, and an infinity pool that overlooks the mountains. Bellisima!
Saint Gervais, France
With its traditional alpine charm and epic views of Mont Blanc, Saint Gervais is one of the most scenic places to ski in the Alps. Just an hour from Geneva, the resort forms part of a network of hamlets and villages that comprise the Evasion Mont-Blanc ski resort, which offers 445km of slopes ideal for intermediate skiers.
A winter spa holiday in France means profound elegance and relaxation. Saint Gervais is home to a natural hot spring, and a trip to the Bains du Mont Blanc thermal baths is a wellness must. Enjoy pools, flotation basins, saunas, steam baths, a salt cave, a halotherapy grotto, and cascades of pure thermal water.
Brides-les-Bains, France
Brides-les-Bains is a wallet-friendly alternative for those wanting to ski in Méribel without Méribel prices. It offers cheaper access to the fantastic Trois Vallées ski area and is home to one of the largest spa centres in France.
With a long history as a mountain health retreat, no Brides-les-Bains is complete without a trip to Le Grand Spa Thermal. Nestled amid lush green scenery and surrounded by the Trois Vallées mountains, come here to revitalise your skiing muscles with soothing thermal baths, saunas, and pools. Treat yourself to expert facial and body treatments, including massages by qualified physiotherapists.
Bad Gastein, Austria
Contrary to its name, Bad Gastein is actually very good - especially for seasoned skiers and spa-goers. Tucked in the heart of the Gastein Valley ski area, Bad Gastein has excellent lift links to the neighbouring resort of Bad Hofgastein for some real mountain skiing.
Austria is a veritable paradise for skiers and spa lovers, and Bad Gastein’s combo of jaw-dropping mountain landscapes, tree-lined runs and mineral-rich thermal waters makes it a solid ski and wellness holiday choice. We recommend taking a break from skiing to ‘take the waters’ in the public baths of Felsentherme and Alpentherme - a term that originally comes from the town of Spa in the Belgian Ardennes and refers to the belief that water and heat have cleansing and healing properties.
Bad Hofgastein, Austria
Located at the heart of the Hofgastein Valley ski area and with lifts linking to neighbouring Bad Gastein, the beautiful medieval spa town of Bad Hofgastein is a favourite amongst intermediate skiers. Come here to ski vast, cruisy blues and tree-lined red runs meandering through epic mountain scenery.
The Hofgastein Valley is world-famous for its mineral-rich thermal waters, so we’d recommend that a visit isn’t complete without a trip to Alpentherme Gastein. Here, they harness the power of actual 46°C thermal healing waters bubbling straight from the rocks in diverse and innovative ways for holistic regeneration, strengthening, and well-being. Count us in!
Kaprun, Austria
Austria’s Kaprun ski resort is a first-class spot for beginners and families with mellow ski runs and high-altitudes for snow-sure skiing all season long. Nestled in a scenic river valley, Kaprun boasts a rich history and classical Austrian charm. We recommend soaking up panoramic vistas of the Austrian Alps at the overhanging Gipfelwelt glacier viewpoint. Alternatively, head to Kitzsteinhorn Ice Camp for a drink on the sun terrace or get cosy in the igloo Ice Lounge.
Once you’re ready, kick back and relax at the Tauern Thermal Spa. We’re talking 20,000 square metres of facilities containing 12 pools and 13 saunas - surrounded by towering mountains and snow-dusted pine forests. Pick from a range of treatments, including Thai and Swedish massages, wraps, body peels, and organic Thalgo therapies.
Leukerbad, Switzerland
Beginner or pro, off-piste or on, there’s something for every type of skier at Leukerbad. Freely explore the Swiss slopes to your heart's content with over 50km of varied runs in the family ski and snow sports area and spectacular snow-covered mountain panoramas.
Once you’re all skied out, Leukerbad is home to some of the largest thermal baths in the Alps. Soak in the hot springs and relax your muscles after a long day on the slopes - the perfect way to unwind and prepare for another day on the mountain. Take your pick from Leukerbad Therme or the more intimate Therme 51°, where you can opt for an Alpine herbal steam bath. After a big dose of relaxation, head to the local mountain restaurants and bars to sample some delicious Swiss cuisine. Well-being is about balance, after all, so… cheese fondue, anyone?
Sölden, Austria
Sölden is a high-altitude snowy wonderland in Austria’s Tyrol ski area. Home to three peaks over 3000m and two glaciers, this stunning resort brings the powder in epic proportions. It also stars as a backdrop in the James Bond film Spectre. Take it from us. Sölden gives you a licence to seriously chill and thrill! Channel your inner 007 and carve down mountains of cruisy reds and blues from the top at Rettenbach right down into the après bars. A martini, please - shaken, not stirred.
Prepare to be dazzled by the amazing Aqua Dome spa centre, which also looks like something out of a Bond film. Only a 15-minute drive from Sölden ski resort, Aqua Dome is arguably the suavest alpine spa in the Austrian Tyrol, playing host to a unique world of thermal baths, saunas, and culinary delights.
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