We all deserve a little pampering now and then, so combining your ski holiday with a spa package adds a more rounded sense of wellbeing. Spa and Ski destinations offer tailor-made treatments for skiers, along with a huge choice of luxurious beauty and relaxation options for their non-skiing companions.

What exactly are Thermal Spas?

Thermal spas are located where naturally hot springs emerge from below ground. As the water rises through the earth it is gradually enriched by mineral salts and trace elements. The composition, temperature and properties of each spring is unique and offers specific curative and therapeutic benefits. In the Rhône-Alpes region alone there are hundreds of springs, of which about twenty are exploited under well-known brand names like Evian, Badoit and Vals.

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Thermal spas were first developed by the Romans, and from the 17th Century their curative powers began to be rediscovered, this time by the wealthy. The advent of mass tourism in the early 20th Century brought about an expansion of the spa towns, with stylish villas and hotels created to accommodate the masses.

Although the thermal spas continue to be effective in treating many ailments, the current trend is more for relaxation, and well-being treatments, and the spas are once again providing luxurious escapes from everyday cares and pressures. So now we can all enjoy the benefits they have to offer.

Where to stay

With many ski resorts offering spa and fitness facilities, how do you choose one which would best suit you and your companions? Here are some simple questions to be considered before making a decision:

Do you want to enjoy the natural benefits of thermal springs ?
If so, this will narrow down your choices and you can select your destination according to the presence of a thermal spa and the treatments and services offered, after which you can consider your skiing and accommodation preferences.
In the French Alps, Bride-les-Bains, with its gondola lift connection to the foot of the slopes in Méribel, offers great spa facilities and ski accommodation deals which are 30% to 50% cheaper than the higher Three Valleys resorts. The traditional spa town of St Gervais, is superbly located just 45 minutes from Geneva and between Megève and Chamonix - making it an attractive option for skiers and non-skiers alike.
Why not consider the French Pyrénées? Many resorts have  their own spa centres,including Cauterets (Thermes de Cesar), Luz Ardiden (Luzéa), and Saint-Lary (Sensoria) — and La Mongie is less than 30 minutes from the wonderful Aquensis in Bagnères-de-Bigorre.

Does everybody in your party want to ski?
If everyone wants to make the most of their time on the slopes, choose a resort which has a spa centre or on-mountain spa facilities. At the end of a tiring day you won’t want to make a long descent to a large town, or endure a bus ride. Besides, after your pampering session, you should relax and enjoy the end of the day. If you have non-skiing companions, consider other activities they might enjoy, such as snow-shoeing, swimming, dog-sledding or even shopping.

Can I afford both ski and spa?
Many mid-range self-catering apartments have free access to spa and fitness centres, usually within the same building. Beauty treatments are usually extra, but the pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and fitness suite are included in your accommodation fee.
Most thermal spas are now much more accessible to the general public. Many have had a complete makeover and no longer have a medical feel to them, although many centres continue to treat various disorders and ailments. Check for family or group tariffs and at busier times make sure you book sessions in advance. Look out for winter promotions to help soothe aching limbs, such as the “Perfect legs” Spa package at the Grand Spa des Alpes® in Brides-les-Bains or their special ski and spa deals - great for a girls-only short break.

Leave valuables behind
Try to leave jewellery, valuables and wallet somewhere secure or at your accommodation. Some spa centres have lockers, while others guard your belongings for collection after your session. You’ll relax more knowing your valuables are safe.

What to bring
At the majority of public French pools men will be required to wear ‘Speedo’-style trunks only - definitely no baggy shorts, even if sold as swimwear. Bikinis or swimsuits are acceptable for women.
The centre will usually offer towels, slippers and a robe, and it would be worth taking them so you remain warm and comfortable.

How much will it cost?
Prices vary from centre to centre, with some resorts more expensive than others. At Aquensis in the Hautes-Pyrénées (see panel) you can purchase a package which includes one spa treatment and a 2-hour Aqua Pass (access to recreation and hydromassage pools, sauna and hammam) from 26 euros. At the Thermes St Gervais in the French Alps, you can book a half-day Tired Skiers’ Treatment which includes one spa treatment and body sculpting, plus unlimited access to the sauna and turkish bath for 78 euros, though their taster sessions are excellent value at 58 euros.