Jackson Hole is the West’s winter playground, drawing extreme athletes, adrenaline junkies, and nature lovers from all over the world to its formidable summits and valleys. After a long day on the slopes, no matter how exhilarating the runs and perfect the powder, evening starts to fall and muscles begin to ache, skin feels dry and wind-chapped, and joints become stiff and sore. There’s a reason the best winter sports destinations in the world are always home to world-class spas, and Jackson is no exception. From icy plunge pools to essential oil steam rooms, hot stone massages to oxygenating facials, the area’s spas have every facet of an aching body covered.
Jackson’s unique location and incredible proximity to wilderness means it’s imperative to bring an element of nature into the treatments. Surrounded by pure, clean air and an unspoilt environment, Jackson’s resorts and spas are serious about keeping their footprints light and using their stunning surroundings as inspiration. You won’t find any generic therapies or sterile rooms here—Jackson’s spas bring the outdoors in.
As the Director of PR and Communications for Jackson’s Four Season Resort, Nina Braga understands how big a part landscape plays in creating the ultimate visitor experience. She explains how the surrounding environment informs the spa, and how the pristine nature of Wyoming’s ecosystem is a guiding influence for the resort.
“Based where we are, our treatments are heavily inspired by the natural world and we have a commitment to drawing on that to bring a holistic sense of well being to our guests . . . Being one mile from Grand Teton National Park, we feel a strong desire to use the most natural ingredients in our treatments, while staying results-based. Our treatments are targeted towards what guests are coming to the destination for: whether that’s skiing in the winter or hiking and biking in the summer—helping you feel rejuvenated and refreshed and ready to get back out and do it all again.”
Whether your body needs a little extra care after a long day on black diamond runs, or you’re in town for rest and relaxation only, we’ve rounded up the best spas and our favorite therapies to help you feel your best as you explore everything the mountains have to offer.
The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole
The Four Seasons name has always been synonymous with luxury, so it’s no surprise that its spa is one of the largest and most opulent in the valley. Sixteen treatment rooms (each with their own fireplace and soaking tub) offer therapies catered to the resort’s surroundings and terrain. Their Organic Mountain Facial uses locally-sourced herbs and flowers to alleviate the stress of high-altitude and dryness, while their Apres Ski Treatment includes a hot stone massage, tension-alleviating arnica rub, and an anti-inflammatory willowbark wrap. Outside, the naturalistic heated pool snakes through a glade of aspens and pines, surrounded by hot-spring inspired whirlpools and open-air fireplaces—allowing you to relax in the fresh air of your glorious surroundings year-round.
Hotel Terra Chill Spa
A contemporary take on the classic mountain lodge, Hotel Terra fuses boutique character with environmental awareness: including a LEED certification for its green, sustainable design. The modern decor extends to the Chill Spa, where light-filled treatment rooms are decorated with pale tones and fluffy textiles. Breathe some life back into tired legs with their Boot Recovery Treatment, a popular therapy which uses herbal compresses, massage, and pressure points to stimulate circulation and reinvigorate tired legs, whether from a day on the slopes or the hiking trails. If your body is still feeling the effects of all that outdoor play, stay for their new Hot Bamboo Therapy—where heated bamboo poles roll out tight, tired muscles—then head to the rooftop to soak in the open-air hot tub with sweeping views of the valley.
SpaTerre at Teton Mountain Lodge
Indonesian and Thai-inspired therapies are fused with Wyoming’s indigenous ingredients and traditions at Teton Mountain Lodge’s SpaTerre. Their Himalayan Salt Stone Massage is a favorite way to detox and rebalance after a bout of jetlag, while their Warm Oil Scalp Treatment melts away tension and that first-day helmet headache with heavenly jasmine, ylang ylang and rose oils. Don’t miss a few laps in the indoor pool at the end of any treatments: surrounded by natural slate, it’s set underneath a wall of picture windows framing the Tetons. If you feel like something more invigorating, hit the eucalyptus-infused steam room then head upstairs to their enormous rooftop hot tub and soak under the stars.
River Spa at the Snake River Lodge
The showstopper at this classic log lodge is the stunning swim-through indoor/outdoor heated pool. The magical grotto of rock waterfalls and hot pools is the perfect setting to soak away soreness, while the nearby hot stone sauna warms and detoxifies. The thermal mud treatments at Snake River Lodge’s River Spa are a perennial favorite, as are their deep hydrating facials which help skin stay plump and rejuvenated in the dry, high-altitude air. If you’re feeling stiff after pulling off those ski boots, spring for their Peppermint Foot Treatment: the blend of reflexology, massage, hot towels, and warm tingling peppermint mask will rejuvenate even the achiest, coldest of feet, boosting circulation and soothing tired muscles.