Ski and spa in Italy: the best thermal baths near the slopes

After a hard day on the slopes, nothing restores you like a soak in the warm water of a thermal spa. Italy is lucky to have many natural hot springs close to its ski areas. Here are the best ski and spa combinations for an unforgettable weekend.

The top three

1. Bormio: historic baths at the foot of the Olympic slopes

Bormio is probably the best ski and spa combination in Italy. Its thermal springs have been known since Roman times.

QC Terme Bagni Vecchi (water at 37-43°C):

Pools carved into the rock, dating back to the 1st century
An outdoor panoramic pool with mountain views
Natural caves filled with thermal steam
2 km from the lift base station
Entry: €55-65 for half a day

QC Terme Bagni Nuovi (19th century):

A luxury spa in a historic building
Exclusive treatments and several pools
Bigger and better equipped than the Bagni Vecchi
Entry: €60-75

2. Merano and around

Merano 2000 combines a sunny ski area with the Terme Merano spa in town:

25 indoor and outdoor pools
Most of them fed by thermal water from Monte San Vigilio
Designed by Matteo Thun’s studio
15 minutes by gondola from the ski area
Entry: €30 for 2 hours, €45 for the day

3. Pré-Saint-Didier (Aosta Valley)

Five kilometres from Courmayeur, the Terme di Pré-Saint-Didier are among the most spectacular spas:

Thermal water at 37°C with a view of Mont Blanc
3 outdoor pools in the park
A hot waterfall, themed saunas and a relaxation area
Entry: €55-65 for half a day

More great ski and spa combinations

Trentino-Alto Adige

Terme di Pozza di Fassa, for Val di Fassa

Sulphur water at 46°C
A spa with views of the Dolomites
5 minutes from the Pozza/Buffaure lifts
Entry: €22 for 3 hours

Terme di Comano, for Paganella

Water rich in bicarbonate, calcium and magnesium
Specialised in skin treatments
30 minutes from the Paganella ski area
Entry: €18

Aquarena, Brixen/Bressanone, for Gitschberg-Jochtal

A modern leisure pool complex
Saunas with a view
10 minutes from the ski area
Entry: €15

Piedmont

Terme di Vinadio, for Limone Piemonte

The only thermal spa in the Maritime Alps
Sulphur water at 60°C
40 minutes from the ski area
Entry: €25

Tuscany and the Apennines

Terme di Saturnia, for Monte Amiata

The most famous free hot springs in Italy
The Cascate del Mulino: free and open 24 hours a day
45 minutes from the Amiata ski area
Temperature: a constant 37.5°C

Bagno Vignoni, for Monte Amiata

A medieval village with a thermal pool in its main square
A unique atmosphere
30 minutes from the Amiata

Veneto

Terme di Recoaro, for Recoaro Mille

Historic mineral springs
A modern spa
5 minutes from the ski area

The perfect ski and spa day

A typical day

Time	What to do
08:30	Lifts open, first runs
12:30	Lunch at a mountain hut (keep it light!)
13:30	Last runs
15:30	Finish skiing, change and head off
16:00	Arrive at the spa
18:30	Aperitivo in your bathrobe
19:30	Dinner in the village

What to bring

Swimsuit (compulsory in public spas)
Non-slip flip-flops
Bathrobe (many spas hire them out for €5-10)
Moisturiser: sun, snow and chlorine dry out your skin

Why it is good for skiers

Warm thermal water has real benefits after skiing:

Relaxed muscles: warm water eases the tension in tired muscles
Hydrated skin: it makes up for the drying effect of sun, wind and snow
Happier joints: the minerals in the water help stressed joints
Better sleep: a relaxing soak helps you sleep well, which is key to skiing well the next day

For more ideas on enjoying the mountains beyond skiing, browse our resort guides.