SLOPES, SOAKS, AND SERENITY

For those who believe a day on the slopes should end with something far more restorative than sore muscles and helmet hair, there’s nothing like retreating to a world-class spa. We’re taking you on a journey to three incredible winter escapes—where skiing and spa days come together in perfect harmony.First stop: Aspen, Colorado. A name that conjures images of Hollywood elites and adrenaline-fueled powder runs, Aspen’s legendary charm lies in its blend of rugged adventure and unparalleled luxury. At the heart of this snowy wonderland is The Little Nell, the town’s only Five-Star, Five-Diamond ski-in, ski-out resort. But it’s not just the direct access to Aspen Mountain that makes this place extraordinary—it’s what happens after the runs.Tired legs and altitude-weary lungs are no match for the Element 47 Spa. Whether it’s a High-Altitude Recov-ery Massage or a session of oxygen therapy that leaves you feeling like you could take on another black diamond run, The Little Nell has perfected the art of pampering. And if you’re looking to sip champagne in a rooftop hot tub with jaw-dropping views? They’ve got that covered, too. Aspen may have started as a silver mining town, but today it’s pure gold.On the other side of the Atlantic, where luxury skiing was practically invented, lies St. Moritz, Switzerland. This glamorous alpine playground has been drawing royals, celebrities, and ski enthusiasts for over a century, and the crown jewel of it all is Badrutt’s Palace Hotel. Imagine arriving at a palatial property steeped in history, where opulence meets the frosty magic of the Swiss Alps.

Here, the Palace Wellness Spa redefines relax-ation. Think glacier-inspired treatments, thermal baths, and an outdoor infinity pool that blurs the line between heaven and earth. It’s the kind of place where you can soak in steaming waters while the surrounding snow sparkles like diamonds under the winter sun. Fun fact: St. Moritz is where winter tourism began, thanks to a savvy hotelier who bet his summer guests they’d love the place just as much under a blanket of snow. Spoiler alert—they did, and the rest is history.But for those seeking something more offbeat, let’s head south to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, where a hidden gem awaits. Old Edwards Inn & Spa in Highlands may not boast the towering peaks of Aspen or the legendary glamour of St. Moritz, but it offers an experience that’s no less extraordinary. Here, skiing takes on a cozier vibe, with nearby Sapphire Valley providing the perfect slopes for a laid-back day in the snow.The real magic, however, happens inside the spa. Nestled in the tranquil embrace of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Old Edwards offers treatments inspired by its natural surroundings. From massages infused with locally sourced essential oils to year-round heated serenity pools that let you soak under crisp, starlit skies, every detail is crafted for deep, unshakable relaxation. And the town of Highlands? Think twinkling lights, charming boutiques, and the kind of small-town magic that feels straight out of a Hallmark movie.As winter wraps the world in its frosty embrace, these escapes remind us of the breathtaking beauty that surrounds us. Each destination offers more than just luxury and indulgence; they reconnect us to the rhythms of nature, the art of stillness, and the power of self-care.In the warmth of a spa, where tension dissolves and time seems to slow, we’re reminded that the most meaningful journeys often lead inward. These havens of relaxation allow us to reset, recharge, and rediscover the simple joys of being present. Winter may chill the air, but it also reveals the quiet beauty of a snow-covered world—and invites us to savor the moments that restore our bodies and nourish our souls.