Taking a Break from Skiing at the Madeline Spa

The Glorious Pool at the Madeline

Boy, what a season it has been here in Telluride, Colorado! I’m sure you’ve heard of the record-breaking snowfalls we’ve had. The skiing and riding have been extraordinary. But with all the joy that came with so many powder days, the massive accumulations of snow also created a lot of hassles and unfortunately many sorrows. Daily drives to and from work in slick, whiteout conditions were numerous. (One day after the marshal helped me dig out my car, I careened into a snowbank down the road. Thankfully there’s always a capable mountain man with a big rig in these parts that shows up happy to help out at just the right moment.) 

It was so cold and snowy that the Telluride School District closed twice, something that rarely happens even once a year in this rugged mountain town. And yes, the avalanches were plentiful. Their force barreled down in parts that hadn’t slid in years, leaving all kinds of destruction in their paths, creating road closures, evacuations of homes and businesses and sadly in Telluride, two deaths of locals. In a small community such as ours, you’re up close and personal to such events and each happening packs a wallop, a harsh reminder of the force of nature and the immortality of us all.

Indeed, it was a winter that most of us here in the West weathered with grit.

For me, it was additionally challenging because I had a body part that crapped out on me. That seems to happen to a lot of us ski instructors. So when I finally learned that the pain I was enduring was due to a worn out hip–bone-on-bone–no less–I heard firsthand from a seemingly endless stream of instructors, patrollers and just general mountain people about their tales of “replaced parts.” Yes, I’m in need of a hip replacement, something I’ll do this off season in order to be in shape for next ski season. Fortunately I have a surplus of friends and acquaintances that have assured me that “it’s no big deal.” Such is life in a mountain town.

A cortisone shot, Celebrex, CBD salve and a little extra wine have helped me through. But I have to say that it’s been tough keeping up with the physical therapy and soaks that I promised myself I’d make a part of my regular regime. Life has a way of getting away from you, especially during a banner ski year!

I did, however, have the luxury of experiencing The Spa at Madeline Hotel & Residences, an Auberge Resort, here in Telluride. And I swear that the half day spent there was like the equivalent of several PT sessions and Epsom Salts baths combined. It was so healing and restorative!

The Relaxation Room at the Madeline Spa

I’ve written a lot about our beautiful mountain spas. (See more stories here.) But I had never experienced the spa at the Madeline. I’ve also tested many different treatments in the almost three decades that I’ve been a travel writer and I had never had one like I experienced here, one that featured an herbal poultice. (And that includes all the time I lived in Paris, which was over eleven years. Plus, lots of visits there.) This one was a first.

My Treatment Room

The Madeline’s Spirit of the Mountains Massage transported me to a far away place, one that left me completely relaxed and also reenergized. Sometimes when I read about the different treatments that a spa offers I can’t help thinking they sound a little gimmicky. But more often than not–and certainly the case here–they are everything but. Sometimes they are based on age-old traditions; other times they highlight cutting edge technologies. In the case of the Spirit of the Mountains Massage, I’d like to think that the Native Americans might have used such a poultice that when rubbed on the body created a unique healing treatment. Made up of lemongrass, kaffir lime and sweet basil, this one afforded a warm, earthy-smelling and penetrating massage. The expertise of Kelsey, my therapist, allowed this witch’s brew of sorts to work its magic. She repeatedly placed the poultice into the steamer and then rubbed it on my body after having wrapped my feet and face in hot towels. Her gestures were effortless and with every stroke I could imagine how this treatment improves circulation and reduces inflammation. It definitely felt like nature’s alternative to Celebrex. All my senses felt awakened during this soothing steamy session. The Spirit of the Mountains Massage presents a welcome alternative to the oh-so popular hot stone massages, particularly in our dry western climate. 

The ninety-minute treatment ended, I stood up slowly and could feel my sinuses draining. Wow, that’s real healing, I thought. I padded out and was sorry to leave my warm cocoon where the Native American music played on.

More Lounging

Kelsey greeted me with a glass of lemon water and I just lolled in the relaxation area for a while in order to let the full measure of the treatment soak in. I sipped water and nibbled on the various nut mixes available to guests. I toyed with the idea of indulging in a sparkling wine but I thought, No, this is too good. I just want to continue to feel this clear.

Pool View from the Firepit

Spas have a way of doing that to you and treatments can really put you over the top. I fully intended to arrive in advance to float in the Madeline’s stellar pool for a while. But I didn’t and besides you always have to save something for next time.

All I know is that I left there feeling transformed. The weight of the winter and all of its busyness and drama was left on the table. I felt reborn.

Madeline Spa Gift Boutique: A Great Place to Shop

The Poultice at Home in My Bathroom

And best of all: I was given that wondrous poultice to take home. I was told to use it in the bath and/or shower for the upcoming week. Its fragrance lingered and reminded me of the wonderful time spent at the spa. I could not come close to duplicating the sensations I felt when Kelsey rubbed it on me but just having that magical wand in my bathroom brings me peace. I think I will leave it there for a while.

Non-hotel guests can experience all the amenities of the Madeline Spa when you purchase a treatment. (That includes their glorious pool and hot tub! They also have a well-outfitted fitness room.) Fitness classes, including yoga, are separate and are open to hotel and non-hotel guests.

The Madeline as well as many other mountain town resorts offer special memberships and deals to locals. Be sure to inquire about them.

Know that many of our mountain spas–especially those in Vail, Aspen and Breckenridge–offer discounts during April and May. This is a great time for spring skiing and spa going, especially this year!

One more thing:  Always take a day off from skiing, riding, biking, hiking or whatever else you’re doing in the mountains to enjoy Colorado’s spas. We have some of the most beautiful in the country.