Where to ease aching muscles at the snow

Recover now in snow style

There’s more than just skiing on offer at these Aussie resorts. After a long day on the slopes, après in style at one (or all!) of these off-piste wellness hotspots. 

If you’ve been to Thredbo

Try: Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa, Crackenback, NSW

Take in the views of snow-capped mountains in the distance as you feel the warmth of hot river stones permeate your body at The Spa & Wellness Centre at Lake Crackenback Resort. Next to the Skitube terminal on the Alpine Way, just 15 minutes’ drive from Thredbo, the resort is bordered by Kosciuszko National Park and the Thredbo River.

While the hot-stone massage is divine, there are plenty more treatments to choose from, including remedial, aroma and foot massages – ideal after a day squished into cramped ski or boarding boots. Need a little extra relief? A qualified myotherapist is on standby, offering techniques like dry needling, cupping and trigger point therapy. And, as an added bonus, one of the five treatment rooms features an infinity-edge bath, just to make sure that all those aches are eased well into oblivion.

Give your muscles the full relaxation experience with these top wellness hotspots. Photography: Chris Putnam.

If you’ve been to Falls Creek

Try: Astra Day Spa, Falls Creek, Victoria

With a swag of awards to its name, you can guarantee a top experience at this upmarket day spa within the boutique Astra Falls Creek hotel. Start your visit to this haven of tranquillity with a dip in the heated magnesium pool, or sweat it out in the steam room and sauna.

All are available for 45 minutes prior to a treatment. In need of serious TLC? The signature Astra Ultimate Alpine Escape package begins with an exfoliation and wrap of your choice before a hydro bath, customised full-body massage plus organic facial, mani and pedi. 

Astra Day Spa, Falls Creek, Victoria. Image Chris Putnam.

If you’ve been to Hotham

Try: Dinner Plain Onsen, Dinner Plain, Victoria

Who needs to fly to Japan for an unforgettable onsen experience? Enjoy a soothing soak among the snow gums in the delightful village of Dinner Plain, 10 minutes’ drive from Hotham Alpine Resort in Victoria’s High Country.

As well as the outdoor onsen, the purpose-built Dinner Plain Onsen boasts an indoor spa, lap pool, sauna, gym and studio, where you can get Zen with yoga, Pilates and mindful wellbeing classes. There are also five luxe treatment rooms – bliss out with a relaxation massage using local botanicals, loosen those knots with some deep-tissue kneading or soothe snow-blasted skin with a rejuvenating facial. 

Dinner Plain Onsen, Dinner Plain, Victoria. Image: Chris Putnam.

If you’ve been to Perisher

Try: Mountain Spa at The Man From Snowy River Hotel, Perisher, NSW

Get your blood pumping with an infrared sauna before jumping straight into an invigorating ice bath. The Fire and Ice experience is just one of many health-boosting options at this stylish sanctuary tucked inside Perisher’s iconic Man from Snowy River Hotel.

Get seriously hydrated via the Vichy Shower – think lying on a table carved from a single piece of wood and soaking in the sensation of being sprayed by seven powerful jets as a therapist works their magic. Then there’s the Girls Day In – total spa decadence complete with lunch and bubbles. What’s not to love?

The Man From Snowy River Hotel, Perisher, NSW. Image: Chris Putnam.

Originally published as Where to ease aching muscles at the snow