15 Dec 10 ways to make your Colorado ski trip even better
Does all of this snow mean you are planning your next Colorado ski trip? You can make this year’s mountain vacation even better by adding some “whee,” “ooh” and “aah” with a day trip to Glenwood Springs. It’s home to the new Iron Mountain Hot Springs and Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and less than an hour from seven ski resorts — Vail, Aspen, Aspen Highlands, Beaver Creek, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Sunlight. Eight more — Breckenridge, Winter Park, Powderhorn, Steamboat, Copper Mountain, Keystone, Ski Cooper, and SolVista — are within two hours.
Here are ten reasons why this is the perfect day trip:
1. Colorado’s newest hot springs destination, the Iron Mountain Hot Springs, opened this summer with 16 hot mineral water pools on the bank of the Colorado River. (ooh!)
2. You’ll be able to ski or ride better after resting your legs with a rejuvenating après-ski soak in pure mineral water — no chemicals — that ranges from 99 to 108°F. (Aah!)
3. The state’s longest alpine coaster is located at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. It races 3,400 feet down the mountain with hairpin turns, bumps, and waves. (Whee!)
4. The Adventure Park’s Winter on the Mountain includes a dazzling display of half a million lights covering the buildings, rides, and trees, fire pits for roasting s’mores, and a giant musical 5. Christmas tree. (Ooh!)
5. The Iron Mountain Hot Springs has a steamy freshwater family pool and a jetted whirlpool spa that the kids will love. (Whee!)
6. Friday Afternoon Club on the Mountain at Glenwood Caverns features live music, drink specials, and free tram rides, making it fun and easy on the wallet. (ooh!)
7. Adventure Park’s Soaring Eagle Zip Ride provides an exhilarating ride with beautiful day or night views. (whee!)
8. The Sopris Café at the Iron Mountain Hot Springs serves fresh, delicious food and various hot and cold drinks, including beer, wine, and cocktails. (ooh!)
9. Inside Glenwood Caverns and the Historic Fairy Caves, it’s always 52 degrees and humid, which feels awfully nice on cold winter days. (Aah!)
10. You can save 10% on Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park admission when you bring your Iron Mountain Hot Springs receipt.
There are two options for the Ride & Relax Combo Packages, including a day pass for the Iron Mountain Hot Springs. Choose a Funday Pass for Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, which includes unlimited access to the park’s winter attractions, for just $48 per adult and $39 per child (ages 3 to 12), or a tram and cave pass for the Adventure Park for $38 per adult and $29 per child. Passes must be used within seven days of purchase. Available at either location.
Winter on the Mountain at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday and closed Monday through Thursday through Feb. 28, 2016. During the holidays, it will be open daily from Dec. 18 to Jan. 3. It will close at 5 p.m. Christmas Eve and be closed Christmas Day. More information about the park, including hours of operation and a list of which attractions are open, can be found at GlenwoodCaverns.com or by calling 800-530-1635 or 970-945-4228, ext. 0.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. It will close at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and will be closed on Christmas Day.
