Baby massage is a great way to bond with an infant, and Sol Day Spa’s Jennifer Dionne is teaching parents how to do it right.

The idea behind baby massage came when one woman was studying in India, Dionne said. She became ill and was given massage treatment. While that was happening, she noticed mothers doing a kind of baby massage on their infants and noticed how calm it kept them despite the conditions many were subject to in their areas.

Practitioners say massage helps babies gain weight, have more stable eating and sleeping habits, increases circulation and gives infants a chance to try out their developing muscles, said Melissa South, founder of Sol Day Spa.

“Touch is so important in the first year,” she said. Such touch helps the parent or caregiver and the infant to bond.

Dionne is the only internationally certified infant massage therapist in Northeast Colorado, and she is offering classes to those who want to bring its benefits to their babies and homes, South said.

In general, infant massage begins with gently massaging the baby’s legs, moving up and down to increase the circulation, using a cream to make it soothing, Dionne said.

She said it is best to start with the legs, because it makes the child most responsive.

From there, the parent moves to the stomach, arms, hands, tush, back and head, she said. That order is used to keep the baby most clothed at most times to keep it warm, she said.

Doing stomach massage can also help with gas or bubbles that bother infants, Dionne said.

Doing the massage in low light is best to keep the baby from becoming overstimulated, since the massage is plenty of stimulation, South said. It is also best to keep the room warm.

Often, doing the massage before nap time or after a bath can work well, Dionne said.

Dionne is originally from Connecticut and learned her techniques in New York City, she said. Becoming certified meant passing a huge exam.

She offers group classes which are extensive or abbreviated classes for individuals or families, and will travel to where people need her, Dionne said.

Dionne started at Sol Day Spa at the beginning of the year, joining South and Michelle Culbert, the other massage therapists.

Sol Day Spa was opened at 17208 Highway 34 at the beginning of December after South found she needed more room for her business and for a partner, which offers a full range of massage and other alternative therapies.

The building is west of where Ehrlich Toyota sits east of Fort Morgan.

Sol Day Spa also offers Swedish, therapeutic, prenatal and post-partum, deep tissue and hot stone massage.

Post-partum massage “is wonderful,” Dionne said, because it helps with the stress on the body.

Prenatal massage is also nice for those experiencing the strain of pregnancy, but must be done very carefully, especially during the first trimester, she said.

Culbert has a specialty in the hot stone technique, which loosens up muscles to make a massage work more easily, she said.

Patrons can also indulge in a Bellanina facelift, which is a relaxing facial massage that helps tone and tighten face muscles, lessening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, South said.

Sol Day Spa also offers body scrubs with sugar or mud to go along with body wraps, which are meant to make skin smooth and supple and uncover more youthful skin, she said.

A shower room within the massage room gives clients a chance to clean up afterward, South said.

The spa also offers some additional pampering in the form of paraffin dips for hands or feet, aromatherapy, hot oil scalp treatments and foot scrubs.

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Christina Critchell thought she understood how to operate the Vishy shower while visiting a high-end spa. But when a blast of water blew her towel across the room, she had to bare the consequences.

The awkward experience revealed that Critchell’s listening skills had been on vacation. “They were explaining it to me, but maybe I was just tuning it out,” Critchell said. “I thought I was well-versed in the spa world, but they said, ‘You could have worn your bathing suit.’ ”

Critchell now knows plenty about the spa life, as she manages day-to-day operations at the Oxford Club in LoDo.

Want to get the most from the experience? “Don’t overthink it,” Critchell says. Building up too many expectations can downgrade the experience.

Banish stress ahead of time by kicking back with a cup of tea or a glass of Champagne just before a treatment, she suggests.

Even with an economic slump, consumer demand boosted spa employment numbers last year, according to the 2008 U.S. Spa Industry Update.

It took 67 years before Mary Kotsay stepped into day-spa serenity. Determined to compare home facials with the real deal, the Westminster resident booked an appointment with the Spa at Five Parks, in Arvada. She was hooked instantly.

It may be a splurge, but Kotsay is making room in her budget. “I’m on a fixed income, but I like to go about twice a month,” she said. “I felt younger.”

A few tips from Critchell for first-timers to the spa:

* Arrive early: Get there before the scheduled appointment. Running late could mean an extra charge.

* What to wear under the robe: Dress to your comfort level. From massages to total body mud baths, inhibitions only detract from the indulgence factor. Disposable bathing suits are available at some spas.

* Gratuities: The standard is 15 percent to 20 percent, depending on level of satisfaction. When buying a package, read the fine print – gratuities are often included.

* Avoid the burn: Salt scrubs and shaving don’t go together. Give legs a break by shaving the day before a salt scrub.

Discounts

Looking for discounts on a spa-like facial? Consider beauty schools, which offer treatments at a fraction of the cost. A few to consider:

* Aveda Institute Denver, 303-567-7500

* Heritage Education, Denver, 303-729-2644

* Regency Beauty Institute, Westminster, 720- 214-1750

Heading to the spa? Here are a few terms of the trade

* Bindi: Combine the likes of light massage, body work and exfoliation for a well-rounded treatment.

* Sugaring: Remove unsightly hairs with a sticky sugar solution.

* Eyebrow threading: Looking for thinner brows? This ancient method yanks hair at the root with a cotton thread. It originates from the Middle East and Asia.

* European facial: Type of massage applied to the face, scalp, hands and arms. Gentle cleansing with steam helps open the pores and chases away dirt and grime. It stimulates collagen and elasticity.

* Oxygen facial: Oxygen sprayed onto the face during a facial to hydrate and perfect the look of aging skin. The jury’s still out on whether it’s a skin-care panacea.

* Kneipp baths: How about a plunge into the icy-cold Danube? The treatment originated in Germany but now has a more gentle approach; it’s now just a dip into warm and cold waters.

* Sweat lodge: A meditative practice used in American Indian cultures. Intense heat from a sauna- like tent helps the body sweat out impurities. It’s said to help promote clarity and focus.

* Caldarium: The hottest seat in the bathhouse – in Roman times, that is. Today, steam is heat used to detoxify the body. A pool may or may not be used.

* Moore mud wrap: Get painted in mud. Used with steam to detoxify the body and bring on a deepened state of relaxation, it helps with skin conditions, aches and pains.

* Parafango: It’s part paraffin wax, part volcanic mud and helps ease aches and pains when applied to the body. Some claim it helps with rheumatism and arthritis.

* Dry brush: A natural-bristle brush is used to stroke the skin, exfoliating and increasing movement of lymphatic fluid. It’s often used be- fore an herbal steam or mud bath.

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Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa

Avon, Colorado

Spa Anjali

This 23,000-square-foot Spa Anjali has a large fitness center and an outdoor heated lap pool, which are open to hotel guests. The Spa also has a private area open to guests having treatments, where the decor and the choice of treatments should make this spa competitive in a market that’s filled with luxe spas. In keeping with the hotel’s overall commitment of to being Green, the products are environmentally friendly and the robes are made from bamboo.

Lodging packages at the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa

The Winter Ski Package, which includes studio accommodations, two lift tickets and complimentary valet parking, starts at $49 per night for two people, through March 16. (Keep in mind, if you buy a day pass at the lift ticket window it costs $92.) Ask for rate plan: NADSKI1. The Powder Package includes three nights accommodations for two in Studio Suite, daily breakfast for two, two 80-minute spa treatments at our Spa Anjali, two days of Performance Ski packages from Beaver Creek Sports for two, two adult lift tickets and complimentary valet parking, Valid for stays through April 14, 2009. The package starts at $1,633; ask for rate plan: WESWIN. 

Women who want make a quantum leap in their skiing skills, while having a good time, should investigate The Westin Riverfront Ski & Spa with Kim package, March 12-15. Kim Reichhelm, a two-time World Extreme skiing champion, has been guiding ski adventures around the world for 20 years. The Ski& Spa with Kim package includes two days of skiing and instruction with Kim, two days lift tickets, three nights lodging, a welcome reception, a $150 credit to Spa Anjali, a $20 daily breakfast credit, and more. For details, visit the Westin Riverfront. 

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Hand’s down, the most popular New Year’s resolutions involve fitness. Twenty-six percent of American adults want to exercise more. A quarter want to lose weight, and 24 percent want to eat better (or less) food, according to a Harris Interactive Poll in 2006.

On paper, it looks simple. Lose weight. Two little words.

But in reality, it’s not. About half of all Americans make resolutions, but only about a quarter of us stick it out for more than a week or two.

Ninety-seven percent of people polled in one Weight Watchers survey say they need help keeping their resolutions.

Lucky you. We got your back. And so the does Boulder County fitness community, which is packed with all kinds of exercises classes to keep you motivated and on track.

A FranklinCovey survey says one of the keys to a successful resolution is making clear and specific goals. Instead of vowing to “lose weight,” instead, commit to attending a specific class twice a week throughout the month of January, and go from there.

Here are our top picks to help you meet your fitness goals for 2009.

If your resolution is to:

Increase flexibility:

Sign up for Thai Yoga Massage at the Rembrandt Yard, 1301 Spruce St., Boulder, 303-442-5651.

Instructor Jeanette Barrie, an integrative wellness counselor, gently pushes your body far beyond what you could accomplish in a regular yoga class by basically doing yoga to you. So rather than pushing yourself through the poses, your muscles relax and increase their flexibility and openness. Not to mention it feels incredible — better than a massage.

And the feeling lasts. Five days later, my usually tight shoulders still felt loose and my body and mind felt fresh.

Lose weight — no, seriously:

Enroll in Flatirons CrossFit, 4847 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-517-7114, www.flatironscrossfit.com.

Tim Retzik teaches this strength and conditioning methodology that promotes fitness across 10 domains: cardiovascular endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, agility, balance, coordination and accuracy. The classes are part weight-lifting and part boot camp, sprinkled with gymnastics, sprinting and functional, natural body movements — that is, if your day-to-day life entails flipping over massive tires 200 times in a row.

CrossFit does not mess around. In fact, it’s been criticized for being too difficult and borderline dangerous. But I tried it and loved it. The best (read: hardest) workout I’ve ever done. I immediately saw results; it is impossible to do CrossFit and not. If you are serious about losing weight and getting in the best shape of your life — no exaggeration here, kids — give this a try.

Tone your core:

Take the Core and More class at theNorth Boulder Recreation Center, 3170 N. Broadway, Boulder, 303-413-7260.

This class, taught by British-born Cydney Brooks, tones abs and glutes with an ever-changing format, using light weights, ankle weights, a fit ball, yoga mat and medicine ball. Brooks is known as Boulder’s Queen of Abs. The class is inexpensive (drop-in rate $6.25), but tough and always popular. It made me feel energized — a nice treat in the middle of the work day — and it killed my abs. I was sore for days.

Do something fun:

Take Bump and Grind, taught by Shannon Derby at Mountain’s Edge, 693 S. Broadway St., No. 7, Boulder, 303-494-5000, www.mountainsedge.net.

This dance class is aerobic and challenging, but good for people of all levels. It focuses on your hips: how they connect to or contradict the rest of your body. This class gets you moving without you even realizing it, because it’s so entertaining. I recommend this class because it’s hard enough to keep you from getting bored, but repetitive enough that you won’t feel overwhelmed or lost. And it worked me over good. My thighs, glutes and lower back were sore the next day.

Get into yoga:

Head to Louisville for Yoga Fusion at the Alaya Yoga Spa, 159 McCaslin Blvd., suite D, 720-890-8980, www.alayayogaspa.com.

Boulder gets the rep for being yoga central, but this lesser known center is one of my faves. The instructor, Carey Yonto, teaches standard yoga poses, but then adds weights and bands. The class is a nice combo of sculpting and yoga, and it left me more sore than traditional yoga. Not to mention it was fun; not too serious. I felt comfortable and welcome. If you’ve never done yoga, or you want to get more into it for 2009, let Alaya Yoga be your guide.

Get a spiritual workout:

Nia (Neuromuscular Integrative Action), taught by Kendra Howard-Espinoza, Alchemy of Movement, 2436 30th St., Boulder, 303-449-4410, www.alchemyofmovement.com.

Nia combines dance, tae kwon do, aikido, yoga and tai chi. Participants call this call “meditation in motion.” Participant Cherie Wilcox says Howard-Espinoza “has the ability to tap into the spiritual, and also the fun and groove.” Our bodies store memories and tension, and when we learn to release that, it has a ripple effect, deep into our spirits. I felt connected with myself after the class, and I still think about this class months after I did it. What makes it so special is the teacher, which is hard to explain, but instantly apparent upon stepping foot into class.

Build muscle:

Animal Strength taught by Darren Flagg at Spot Bouldering Gym, 3240 Prairie Ave., Boulder, 303-443-0778, www.thespotgym.com, www.animalstrength.com.

Ouch. My muscles cry just thinking about this class, which builds strength using all kinds of crazy equipment, such as kettlebells, a weighted jump rope, free weights, medicine balls, a sledgehammer, pieces of wood, balance equipment, plyometric boxes. This class builds strength in practical, every-day ways that engage your brain, balance and reflexes. A class of this caliber will have major results.

Get a cardio blast:

You can’t get much more cardio than basic Muy Thai kickboxing at Trans Martial Arts and Fitness Center, 3101 28th St., Boulder, 303-402-9460, www.transmartialarts.com.

Muy Thai is known as the martial art of eight limbs, because you use both hands, elbows, knees and feet. It’s fast-paced — emphasizing quick reaction, with no slow set-ups — has great music, entertaining and rocked my full body. I award this class a rare nine on a 10-point-scale for intensity. It left me feeling sore, head to toe, especially my abs.

Try something different:

Step on to the Power Plate at Avanti Therapy, 5350 Manhattan Circle, suite 100, Boulder, 303-543-1201,www.powerplate.com.

The Power Plate is the new “hot” tool for athletes and celebs, including Madonna and Cher. Basically, the machine vibrates at a specific — and intense — resonance that stimulates the body’s natural response to vibration, forcing your muscles to contract and your body to balance itself while you do regular exercises, such as squats, push-ups and triceps dips.

I know, it sounds like a fluke, especially because it’s so strange. But it works. I felt every muscle tightening and contracting, and the next day, I was seriously sore.

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Colorado Spas

GLENWOOD SPRINGS — The Roaring Fork Valley is a diverse place. At one end lies Aspen — all glitz and glam. At the other end is Glenwood Springs – a steady-as-she-goes kind of place where locals and tourists blend together seamlessly.

Less glitzy but equally glamorous, this old town was host to presidents and glitterati before Aspen created a name of its own. The town’s prestigious guest list (celebs who often stayed at the historic Hotel Colorado) included President Theodore Roosevelt, Baby Doe Tabor, President William Taft, the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown, the Mayo Brothers, gangster Al Capone and gunfighter Doc Holliday. The latter’s gravesite in Linwood Cemetery remains a popular attraction today.

Glenwood’s historic appeal — and its present-day claims to fame — are in large part centered around its natural spa features — the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool and the Yampah Spa Vapor Caves.

Rivaling the pool as a tourist attraction, though is the equally unique Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.

The pool, on the north side of the Colorado River and Grand Avenue Bridge, is easily Glenwood’s most famed draw and definitely worth a visit. The main pool remains at a comfortable 90 to 93 degrees, while the smaller, therapy pool averages about 104 degrees, meaning pool users are enveloped in fog on cold days. The water slides are closed during the winter, as is the kiddie pool, but the main pool and therapy pool are open daily, year-round. There are lap lanes and a diving well in the main pool. Winter hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wintertime rates are $13.25 per day for teens and adults, and $9.25 for children, ages 3 to 12. Children ages 2 and younger are admitted free. For more, go to www.hotspringspool.com.

A short distance to the east of the pool are the Yampah Spa Vapor Caves — natural, underground, hot, mineral steam baths where the temperature averages 110 to 112 degrees. It’s hot.

The Ute Indians who originally inhabited the region visited the caves for centuries and regarded them as a sacred place of healing and rejuvenation. These days, visitors can arrange a massage and other spa treatments at the Yampah Spa & Salon or simply head for the caves (the facility has locker rooms for both men and women; nude visits to the cave aren’t permitted). The cost of a cave visit is $12. Go to www.yampahspa.com for more information.

The Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is also unique. The thrill rides at the park aren’t open during the winter months, but cavern tours are offered year-round (the caves remain a constant 52 degrees or so). Several different tour options are offered, and the formations in the caverns are nothing short of spectacular. A tramway carries visitors to the park. For directions to the tramway station and other details about the park.

Downtown Glenwood offers myriad restaurants and shopping opportunites. The town also has the valley’s only miniature golf courses — one immediately to the north of the Grand Avenue Bridge, which spans the Colorado River, and one in West Glenwood, which is also home to the Glenwood Meadows mall and the town’s recreation center and outdoor, covered ice rink.

For outdoor adventures, hit the slopes at Sunlight Mountain Resort, located southeast of Glenwood on Four Mile Road, for an unexpected mix of great cruisers and steep terrain, or spend an afternoon on any of the snow-packed hikes or snowmobiling opportunities that surround the area.

For pure beauty, a drive on Interstate 70 through Glenwood Canyon to the east of town is well worth it. The canyon, formed by the Colorado River, offers several rest areas with room to park and check out the scenery, as well as hikes that are popular in the warmer months and far less crowded, but likely more treacherous, footing-wise, during the winter. A separate bike trail travels the length of the canyon, but it is closed during the winter.

Glenwood’s new whitewater park — a standing wave feature on the Colorado River in West Glenwood — has proven a tourist attraction during the warmer months, luring kayakers from near and far, not to mention a few surfers. As the town sprawl out at the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Colorado rivers, it’s also an angler’s paradise.

Visitors may also choose to mix together a bit of present-day Glenwood Springs with the town’s rich history by visiting the Frontier Historical Society or taking a historic walking tour of the downtown area.

The choice is yours — because Glenwood does, indeed, offer options.

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How do you relax?
What time off means to those who pamper and provide leisure

Some places feel like an oasis from the workaday world of closing sales, meeting deadlines, changing oil.
It could be the massage table, the golf course or the warm foot bath at the spa.
But how do the people providing pampering or recreational support find rest and relaxation from their labors?

As it turns out Read more…

Colorado Spas, Day Spa, Spas

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Moonlight Spa

Welcome to the world of “spaahhs”

This year the Moonlight Spa received an incredible renovation, but not in the sense one typically thinks of when mentioning renovation. The physical structure of the spa remains the spa. The spa menu added some new and unusual treatments that quickly turned into favorites.

Spa manager Patty Gorder- currently on maternity leave- not only changed the treatments but upgraded the merchandise sold at the spa.

From the moment you enter the spa you feel the sense of tranquility that abounds. There are delightful scents wafting about, pastel bathrobes in the boutique, soft music, you get the idea.

The spa located downstairs in the Moonlight Basin Lodge offers commanding views of the ski slopes outside. It is quite easy to pass up a day of skiing and people watch from inside the fitness area or from the indoor outdoor heated swimming pool which connects to a waterfall hot tub. Fun for all ages. The plush over-sized bath towels are even scented with herbs.

Those receiving a treatment are offered a locker with a plush robe and springy spa sandals, the type that massage your feet as you walk.

Keep in mind that spa goers have access to the fitness area and indoor/ outdoor pool on the day of their treatment.

And with Mother’s Day coming up, a spa gift certificate makes an ideal present.

Traditional massages and facials of course are offered at the spa, but to enjoy something “extra” it is advisable to enhance a regular treatment with something different.

Acupuncture; This is an ancient Eastern system of healing in which acupuncture needles are gently placed into meridian points of the body to access vital energy, helping relieve blockages and bring the body back to balance. Applying this treatment is Wade Phillips, a licensed acupuncturist. Phillips, who also has certification in Oriental Medicine, began at Moonlight this fall and will continue through the coming year. A student of sociology Phillips found his way into acupuncture through Kung Fu and received his degree from the Southwest Acupuncture College, in Boulder, Colo.

The Crystalline Radiance Facial which uses various forms of vibrational healing modalities such as Crystalline Consciousness Technique™, Aromatherapy, Chakra healing and Massage in a synergistic effect to encourage the body into a natural state of balance and harmony. By using the body’s innate wisdom and natural instinct to move towards health and direct intention, the effects of the various forms of healing will be amplified. Such therapies can correct imbalances by activating the cells of our body with high vibrational frequencies that will stimulate our cellular system and each of the parts to resonate with each other restoring balance.

Warm Oil Hair & Scalp Treatment; Warmed hair oil is gently massaged into your hair and scalp, and acupressure points on the head and face are stimulated to enhance any massage, body treatment,or facial treatment.

Montana Mint Feet Retreat; Relieve your weary feet with this refreshing and rejuvenating treatment.

Paraffin Treat for Hands & Feet; Soothing lotion is massaged into your hands and feet, and a warm paraffin seals in the moisture to heal and soften rough, dry skin.

Moonbeam Body Wrap; After a stimulating body scrub, your choice of product is smoothed neck-to-toes, and then you are wrapped in a warm blanket when you receive a Warm Oil Hair and Scalp Treatment. Finally, a moisturizing lotion is massaged into your cleansed and refreshed skin.

Massage by Moonlight; This signature service is created by your therapist based upon your needs and preferences and incorporates your choice of aromatherapy oil; includes a signature foot polish.

Wind & Water; This Asian-style treatment is intended to soothe sore muscles, while acupressure and energy work will relax, invigorate and harmonize your body and mind; includes a signature foot polish.

Fire & Stone; Smooth, warmed river rocks and your choice of aromatherapy oils are massaged over tired muscles to encourage relaxation and serenity; includes a signature foot polish.

Mountain High; This sports-oriented treatment utilizes aromatic oils to invigorate the body and relieve pain, focusing on your tired legs and feet to relieve tension and increase mobility.

Mother Earth; This supportive and nurturing massage is designed to meet the special needs of the expectant mother; includes a signature foot polish.

Moonlight Duet; The confluence of two therapists working together: four health-giving hands perform a restorative massage, inducing a state of bliss and relaxation; includes a signature foot polish.

Reflexology; Pressure points on the hands and feet are manipulated for health and relaxation.

Cranial Sacral; (craniosacral)This is a delicate non-invasive therapy that works to create space throughout the nervous system and body structure in the body, allowing for deep relaxation and rebalancing; includes a signature foot polish

Raindrop Therapy; Raindrop therapy combines Aromatherapy, reflexology, and massage to bring balance and harmonize your physical, mental, and emotional body.

Crystalline Radiance Massage; The Crystalline Radiance Massage uses various forms of vibrational healing modalities such as Crystalline Consciousness Technique™, Aromatherapy, Chakra healing and Massage in a synergistic effect to encourage the body into a natural state of balance and harmony. By using the body’s innate wisdom and natural instinct to move towards health and direct intention, the effects of the various forms of healing will be amplified. Such therapies can correct imbalances by activating the cells of our body with high vibrational frequencies that will stimulate our cellular system and each of the parts to resonate with each other restoring balance.

Abhyanga; This is an ancient Ayurvedic full body massage, this rhythmic and deeply relaxing massage rejuvenates by clearing stagnant energy and restoring the flow of “prana,” the life force that stimulates your body’s vital energy. For the ultimate experience add on the Shirodhara treatment

Shirodhara; This Ayurvedic treatment will leave you feeling blissful, your trained therapist directs a warm stream of oil onto the forehead, then massages into the hair and scalp to nourish and condition, while imparting deep relaxation.

Moonlight Signature Facial; With this customized service, your aesthetician will create a personalized facial according to your individual needs and skin type.

Zen Harmony Facial; A truly exquisite experience, this organic facial combines Japanese massage and lymphatic drainage to increase energy flow, firm and balance.

Moon Glow Alpha Beta Facial; This ultimate facial begins with a professional peel that uses a synergistic blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids for immediate results. A hydrating skin plumping gel is applied followed by a delicious self-heating mask to enhance the penetration of antioxidants. Watch fine lines and pigmentation fade, leaving skin radiant and silky smooth.

Mountain Man Facial; This treatment is designed to cleanse, soothe and hydrate all types of skin. Using hot towels and products created especially for men, this will leave your skin feeling cleansed and toned.

Finally it’s not fair for mom and dad to have all the fun. Moonbeam Massage a thirty or sixty minute massage for children 15 years of age and under (children can wear swimsuits) offers a great introduction to the benefits of massage therapy for the younger set. There is also a teen facial and a manicure and pedicure package.

After receiving a treatment spa guests are encouraged to spend a few minutes in the sanctuary room before returning to the world. And when they do exit the spa, each visitor receives a goody bag with wonderful smelling spa items.

The spa will close from April 14th through May 5th through the off season.

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information about the Moonlight Basin Spa, please call (866) 850-3315 or (406) 995-7700.

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Too warm to ski? Hit the pool or hot tub. No snow on the slopes? Try “Nordic walking” or a eucalyptus body wrap.

When Mother Nature takes the “winter” out of winter sports, skiers and snowboarders need other options. And most ski resorts have plenty of them.

When there’s rain or little snow in Stowe, many skiers and snowboarders head to the shops and restaurants.

But visitors aren’t discouraged from skiing in the rain.

“The best day that I ever had in my history of skiing was in a torrential rainstorm, because the snow conditions softened up and it was fun,” said Mike Colbourn, vice president of marketing and sales.

But rain may only be tolerable for die-hards.

Knowing that skiers and snowboarders may want a break, Stowe builds in a day off from the slopes in its ski packages. “We’re acknowledging the fact the weather may not cooperate, and their bodies may not cooperate,” Colbourn said.

At Okemo Mountain ski area, in Ludlow, there’s no shortage of options for ski-less days. Visitors can swim, skate or play racquetball, or tune up their summer games at a 9-hole putting green or virtual golf.

Yoga, pilates and craft classes are also available for adults. But if being outdoors is the priority, guided Nordic walking takes participants into the “Notch” using ski poles.

Just over the mountain from Smugglers’ Notch, the Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa claims to have one of the few masters in Nordic walking who takes people on guided walks.

But when it’s rainy or cold some visitors might rather indulge in the spa.

“A lot of times, this is a great, comfortable place to come because sometimes it is 20 below zero and people just want to come and sit underneath the waterfall and get a nice heat wrap or different type of massage that’s going to make them feel comfortable,” said Spa Director Jesse George.

Topnotch Resort and Spa and the Trapp Family Lodge — home to the von Trapp family made famous in the “The Sound of Music” — also offer spa treatments for skiers’ and snowboarders’ weary muscles.

When it’s crummy outside at Killington, “the spa goes ballistic,” said spokesman Tom Horrocks.

When the weather’s not skier friendly at Maine’s Sugarloaf USA, visitors can head to the Antigravity Complex owned by the Carrabassett Valley Academy and the town of Carrabassett Valley, which has a climbing wall, skate park and bowl, Olympic-quality trampolines, weight room and aerobics room.

They also have the option of spa services, including massages, a sports and fitness center, with indoor-outdoor hot tubs, swimming pool, gym and an Internet cafe.

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Four out of nine Rocky Mountain region spas featured in this month’s Luxury Spa Finder magazine are in Eagle County The Spa at Vail Mountain Lodge offers a Steamed Herbal Poultice and Massage treatment. Muslin bags of aromatic, anti-inflammatory herbs like tumeric, cayenne and lime, are steamed and rhythmically pressed and worked into pressure points along the body to ease soreness, stiffness and inflammation,

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