23 Nov Round Up: Sport & Spa Vacations

Destinations for a well-rounded getaway

As autumn’s colorful splendor gives way to flurries and frigid temperatures, those living in and visiting the Northern Rockies often find themselves in one of two distinct camps: the skiing, snowmobiling, face-numbing outdoor adventure enthusiasts who wish the Arctic temps and snow would last forever, and their hibernating counterparts who can’t wait until the first crocus flower shoots its purple head through winter’s icy blanket. Ironically, these polar opposites often attract one another, creating a winter getaway conundrum destined for dissension. Consider a trip that packs all the outdoor options any adrenaline junkie could desire married with a spa destination to make that summer-loving heliophile happy. Here are some options to end the impasse once and for all and solidify winter as a season for everyone.

Photography by Michel Tallichet

Summit Hotel & Solace Spa
Big Sky, Montana

With high-capacity ski lifts right outside the door and a luxury spa minutes away, the newly renovated “alpine luxe” Summit Hotel at Big Sky Resort has something for everyone. The brand new Solace Recovery Lounge is designed for post-slope relaxation, while the spa’s comprehensive menu of services allows guests to spend an hour or a whole day getting pampered. Located in Big Sky’s Mountain Village Center, the four-star property offers easy access to luxury shopping, dining, and a range of off-slope activities as well; bigskyresort.com.

Courtesy of the Ranch at Rock Creek

The Ranch at Rock Creek
Philipsburg, Montana

The world’s first Forbes Travel Guide-rated five-star guest ranch, The Ranch at Rock Creek features all-inclusive luxury accommodations situated in Montana’s pristine Philipsburg Valley. More than 20 wintertime activities — ranging from ice skating and UTV tours to downhill skiing — are balanced with fireside relaxation, fine dining, and inspired treatments at the Granite Spa; theranchatrockcreek.com.

Courtesy of Aman

Amangani
Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Situated at the foothills of the Teton Mountains in the Snake River Valley, Amangani invites guests to enjoy world-class Alpine and Nordic skiing, wildlife expeditions, dog sledding, sleigh rides, and a host of other outdoor adventures, or to simply relax and rejuvenate with signature seasonal rituals and treatments at the Spa and Wellness Centre. Accommodations include home and suite options, luxury amenities, Western design accents, and uncompromising privacy; aman.com/resorts/amangani.

The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek
Saratoga, Wyoming

Rated one of the top resorts in the U.S. by a variety of media outlets, the 30,000-acre Brush Creek Ranch provides all-inclusive access to a host of amenities and activities in the wild seclusion of the American West. The surrounding prairies, mountains, and rivers promise that memorable outdoor adventures abound, while the onsite spa and salon offers an equally unforgettable day of relaxation and pampering; brushcreekranch.com.

Courtesy of Sun Valley Resort

Sun Valley Resort
Sun Valley, Idaho

Known as the “birthplace of destination skiing” in the U.S., Sun Valley Resort features 3,400 vertical feet and more than 2,400 acres of diverse terrain. Guests can choose to stay at the iconic Sun Valley Lodge, the newly renovated Sun Valley Inn, or in private cottages, condos, and townhomes, all with easy access to a number of shopping and dining options. But The Spa at Sun Valley is the icing on the cake, with an expansive menu of signature treatments and a state-of-the-art fitness facility for a vacation that includes respite and relaxation; sunvalley.com.

Teton Springs Lodge & Spa
Victor, Idaho

Teton Springs Lodge is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, with heli-skiing, snowcat powder adventures, snowmobile expeditions in the Big Hole Mountains, world-class skiing at nearby Grand Targhee and Jackson Hole resorts, and treks to Yellowstone National Park. And, for those who are less enthusiastic about winter sports, the 5,000-square-foot Stillwaters Spa & Salon offers a full range of massages and body treatments — along with facials, hair, nails, make-up, and waxing — in a luxurious and serene atmosphere; tetonspringslodge.com.

More Spa Destinations

Chico Hot Springs
Pray, Montana
chicohotsprings.com

Sage Lodge
Pray, Montana
sagelodge.com

The Resort at Paws Up
Greenough, Montana
pawsup.com

Spa at Meadow Lake
Columbia Falls, Montana
meadowlake.com
 
The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
Whitefish, Montana
lodgeatwhitefishlake.com

Four Seasons Resorts and Residences
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
fourseasons.com/jacksonhole

The Cove at Shore Lodge
McCall, Idaho
shorelodge.com