Photo via Unsplash by Ian Liberry
Sub-Zero Soaking: There are few feelings in travel that compare to soaking in naturally heated 104°F mineral water while fresh snow settles softly on your hair and pine trees bend under thick powder all around you.
Geothermal waters have provided healing relaxation for weary travelers for millennia. Here are the world’s most scenic mountain hot springs to experience this winter season.
1. Leukerbad Therme, Valais, Switzerland
The largest thermal resort in the Alps. Over 3.9 million liters of naturally heated 51°C mineral water bubble up daily into massive outdoor thermal pools surrounded by the towering vertical limestone cliffs of the Daubenhorn.
2. Banff Upper Hot Springs, Alberta, Canada
Located on the slopes of Sulphur Mountain at 1,585 meters elevation. Natural mineral water rich in sulfate, calcium, and magnesium overlooks the dramatic snowy peak of Mount Rundle.
3. Strawberry Park Hot Springs, Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Rustic stone masonry pools nestled in a secluded aspen grove. In winter, natural geothermal waters flow into tiered mineral pools surrounded by deep snowbanks with heated changing teepees.
4. Chena Hot Springs, Fairbanks, Alaska
A natural 106°F rock lake in sub-arctic Alaska. One of the best places in North America to watch the Northern Lights ripple overhead while soaking in steaming mineral water.
5. Aqua Dome, Tyrol, Austria
An architectural marvel in the Ötztal valley. Features three futuristic elevated outdoor pools that look like floating glass flying saucers, illuminated with ambient underwater lighting against snowy alpine peaks.
6. Blue Lagoon & Sky Lagoon, Iceland
Mineral-rich milky blue silica waters framed by volcanic lava fields. The ocean-side Sky Lagoon features an infinity edge looking straight out over the North Atlantic Ocean and a 7-step geothermal ritual.
💡 Thermal Soaking Etiquette
- Take off all silver jewelry before entering! Sulfur and minerals in natural hot springs will immediately tarnish and blacken silver rings and necklaces.
- Keep hydrated by drinking fresh water before, during, and after your soak.
- Wear a cozy knit beanie to keep your head warm while your body enjoys the heated water.