Ice and Steam
07/26/2024 07:00AM ● By Ski Town Media Staff
(Photo: Old Town Hot Springs offers multiple soaking spots, from the naturally-heated Heart Spring to the warm waters of the heated pool or the new ice bath. Courtesy of Old Town Hot Springs.)
Steamboat Springs, CO - You can’t visit Steamboat Springs without going to one of the natural hot springs; after all, it’s in our name.
Old Town Hot Springs recreation facility is located on Lincoln Avenue with shopping and restaurants nearby. With a spacious main hot pool and three smaller spa areas, guests can choose the perfect temperature to cure achiness and stress. Dip into the Heart Spring, which is over 100 years old. Here, guests need to be over 18 to enjoy the steam from the 102-degree mineral-rich water.
Too hot? Adults can use OTHS’ brand new ice bath, dubbed “The Icebox.” Its benefits are similar to the concept of a hot spring, as the chilly 55-degree water is intended to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and stimulate muscle recovery. Head out the door to the pools and turn left: the ice bath is located outdoors alongside the larger hot pool and against the wall. It is vital to focus on controlled breathing when entering the cold, and users are encouraged to build their endurance to longer, more sustained periods of submersion slowly. Although the frigid temperatures can release stress and induce a state of calm, it is recommended to dip no longer than five minutes. Besides mental tests and icing qualities, the ice bath can also be used for contrast therapy, or moving from opposite extreme temperatures quickly. In contrast therapy, begin with longer periods of heat and then alternate with short bursts of cold.
The pools are open 6 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekends. Visit www.oldtownhotsprings.org for more information on pricing and policies.
If you’re heading north to the iconic Strawberry Park Hot Springs, remember that you need $20 cash per person and a reservation. Minors are not allowed after nightfall as clothing is optional. Remember that food, glass and alcohol is prohibited and the road is dirt; vehicles should be properly equipped. For more information or to make a shuttle reservation, visit www.strawberryparkhotsprings.com.
Steamboat Springs, CO - You can’t visit Steamboat Springs without going to one of the natural hot springs; after all, it’s in our name.
Old Town Hot Springs recreation facility is located on Lincoln Avenue with shopping and restaurants nearby. With a spacious main hot pool and three smaller spa areas, guests can choose the perfect temperature to cure achiness and stress. Dip into the Heart Spring, which is over 100 years old. Here, guests need to be over 18 to enjoy the steam from the 102-degree mineral-rich water.
Too hot? Adults can use OTHS’ brand new ice bath, dubbed “The Icebox.” Its benefits are similar to the concept of a hot spring, as the chilly 55-degree water is intended to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and stimulate muscle recovery. Head out the door to the pools and turn left: the ice bath is located outdoors alongside the larger hot pool and against the wall. It is vital to focus on controlled breathing when entering the cold, and users are encouraged to build their endurance to longer, more sustained periods of submersion slowly. Although the frigid temperatures can release stress and induce a state of calm, it is recommended to dip no longer than five minutes. Besides mental tests and icing qualities, the ice bath can also be used for contrast therapy, or moving from opposite extreme temperatures quickly. In contrast therapy, begin with longer periods of heat and then alternate with short bursts of cold.
The pools are open 6 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekends. Visit www.oldtownhotsprings.org for more information on pricing and policies.
If you’re heading north to the iconic Strawberry Park Hot Springs, remember that you need $20 cash per person and a reservation. Minors are not allowed after nightfall as clothing is optional. Remember that food, glass and alcohol is prohibited and the road is dirt; vehicles should be properly equipped. For more information or to make a shuttle reservation, visit www.strawberryparkhotsprings.com.