Après-Ski Recovery in Denver & Colorado: Relax After the Slopes

A great ski adventure deserves an easy, relaxing wind-down. Denver is the ideal location for your après-ski base because you can leave the mountains, be back in the city the same or next day, and reset without crowds or guesswork. 

Our favorite spot in Denver to relax after a Colorado ski day is Oakwell Beer Spa, which we’ll tell you about below, along with other relaxing activities and ski day itinerary ideas.

Why Denver Is Your Après-Ski Base

If you ski or snowboard in Colorado, Denver can easily be the perfect base or place to finish the adventure. While Denver itself doesn’t sit on the slopes, it’s the gateway to Colorado’s most famous resorts, and most visitors pass through on their way to or from the mountains.

Within one to two hours of Denver, you’ll find some of the best ski areas in the Rockies:

• Breckenridge – A lively ski town vibe, packed with restaurants, outdoor adventures, and winter festivals
• Keystone & Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin) - A locals’ favorite for late-season snow and shorter lines
• Vail & Beaver Creek - Luxury slopes, après lounges, and a boutique spa culture
• Winter Park & Loveland – Close enough for a same-day ski trip from Denver

With so many great ski options nearby, many travelers and locals end their day or weekend on the slopes with relaxation in the city. Whether it’s a night out for drinks, live music at Red Rocks, or a relaxing spa experience, there’s something for everyone.

Oakwell Beer Spa for Après-Ski Recovery

After a day of skiing, simple relaxation is ideal. We like to head back to Denver for a bite to eat and a rejuvenating spa experience.

At Oakwell Beer Spa, you can book a private beer therapy room and get access to the Infrared Sauna and Beer Bath Hydrotherapy. The sauna helps you warm up, soothe sore muscles, and support recovery by increasing blood flow. A warm soak infused with beneficial beer ingredients lets you experience deep relaxation while nourishing your skin and muscles. You can also add on a Zero Gravity Experience for a full-body massage and stretching. 
Before or after your spa session, Oakwell Beer Spa’s taproom is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a craft beer or non-alcoholic beverage (or a few).

Plan Your Spa Recovery Session

Oakwell Beer Spa is open daily until 10:30 PM and has two convenient locations: Five Points and Highlands Ranch. Once you get back into the city, you can easily grab dinner in either of these areas, then head over for your spa day. 

Book your spa day in advance so your spa suite can be ready for you. There are various packages to choose from so you can have your ideal experience, whether solo, with a partner, or with friends.

Sample Itineraries: From the Slopes Back to the City

Whether you want to ski for a few hours or the day, there are several fun experiences near Denver. 

• Winter Park - Ski a full morning or early afternoon, then head back to Denver before evening traffic builds. Grab an early dinner before an evening of relaxation.
• Breckenridge (Peak 7 or 8) - Breckenridge lets you enjoy a longer ski day while still having time to head back to the city. Once you’re back, you can have a later dinner and spa session. 
• Quick I-70 ski trip - Loveland, Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, and Copper are ideal for quick morning laps with an easy return to Denver to unwind for the rest of the day.

Other Ways to Relax After a Day on the Mountains

While Oakwell Beer Spa offers one of the most unique and relaxing experiences, there are many ways to unwind in Denver after a ski trip.

Go on a walk

If you’re looking for a simple activity, there are many places to take a peaceful evening walk in Denver. Some of the best places to walk around are Denver Botanic Gardens, City Park, and Bear Creek Trail. You can also stop at Red Rocks Park on your way back to the city and explore the trails and red rock formations.

Watch the sunset

Want to simply sit and watch the sunset after your ski trip? Sloan’s Lake and Washington Park are ideal. If you want to grab drinks while watching the sunset, check out 54Thirty Rooftop or Linger.

Take a yoga class

Yoga is one of the best post-ski activities for slowing down, stretching tired muscles, and resetting after a day on the slopes. If this is up your alley, Denver has several great places for a yoga class. Some of our favorites include Yoga Box and Urban Sanctuary.

Enjoy the local beer scene

Denver makes it easy to unwind with a few drinks after skiing. With over a hundred breweries throughout the city, Denver’s beer scene is one of the best. You can book a guided brewery tour or stroll around Downtown or RiNo for food and beer.

Ready to book?

Treat yourself to another fun experience that also helps with recovery. Book your spa day at Oakwell Beer Spa, and we’ll have your private spa suite ready for relaxation.