Rocky Mountain way: fitness is taken to a higher plane in the not-so-wild West - sports and fitness emphasized at ski resorts in Colorado

American Fitness, Nov-Dec, 1991 by Roberta Graff

More than 100 years ago, hordes of hopeful prospectors forged across uncharted territories in search of gold and silver buried in the mountains of Colorado. Though many of these pioneers discovered a fair share of streaks and nuggets, there were, more often than not, those who found nothing but disappointment in the snow-tipped Rockies.

But that was over a century ago, when "heading west" meant a trek in a covered wagon with one hand on the reins of a team of horses and the other on the trigger of a gun. Now, however, with jet travel taken for granted and mining camps long since replaced by ski and health resorts, Colorado is no more wild than the idea of democracy in the Soviet Union.

Since Coloradans are acknowledged to be the most health-conscious individuals in the country, it's not suprising to find the state boasting an abundance of world-class spas and fitness facilities. One of the newest and certainly most romantic is the lodge at Cordillera, a 28-room French manor-style resort which combines European elegance and Rocky Mountain splendor. Set among 2,000 acres of unmatched views of the New York Range of the Colorado Rockies and surrounded by miles of protected forest, Cordillera seems to whisper "relax."

Located just 10 miles north of Vail, this seasonless resort boasts four tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and 15 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. Golf is available nearby as is trout fishing and downhill skiing. However, it is the personalized exercise and nutrition program, supervised by a staff dedicated to the well being of its guests, that makes Cordillera stand out from other luxury health spas.

A day might begin with a morning hike into the mountains followed by a series of fitness classes including aerobics, stretch classes, a supervised workout on Keiser Sports Health Equipment or yoga and meditation. Among the individual therapies are Swedish massage, hydro-therapy and body polishing as well as manicures, pedicures, waxing, facials and beauty parlor services.

The spa also has a unique program of body wraps, including the Algoceanne which starts with a rubdown with essential oils encouraging the growth of new cells followed by a body binding of seaweed, which decongests and remineralizes the tissues. The Affinoderm treatment is designed to combat the "orange peel" look of the buttocks and thighs by eliminating toxins and metabolic wastes through warm herbal packs, while the Aeromatherm body wrap is a 30-minute siesta during which a therapist applies aromatherapy oils and plant gels then wraps the body mummy-style in a thermal blanket. This purging of the system encourages weight loss, skin firming and a feeling of well being. All treatments are followed by a half-hour massage.

Less than a half-hour drive from Cordillera and only eight miles west of Vail is the Hyatt at Beaver Creek, an Alpine-style resort for all seasons. This family-oriented 300-room health, fitness and fun facility in the American Alps offers an abundance of outdoor and indoor activities including golf at the hotel's own Beaver Creek course, white-water rafting, trout fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, tennis, nature and jeep tours, hot-air ballooning, six outdoor Jacuzzis as well as an indoor-outdoor pool. In the palatial 5,000-square-foot spa and health club, guests enjoy Keiser Cam II, Stairmaster and Lifecycle equipment, aqua and low-impact aerobics classes, massage therapies, sauna, steam, whirlpools, Swiss showers, herbal wraps and an assortment of beauty and pampering services.

The Hyatt Health Spa prides itself on a one-on-one approach to total fitness, dealing with cardio fitness, flexibility, strength and relaxation. Among the therapies offered are deep-tissue massage, sports massage, reflexology (a pressure point foot massage to stimulate nerve endings), shiatsu (an ancient form of Asian acupressure) as well as cellulite treatments, herbal wraps and parafango treatments which are based on the use of ogranic, fine-grained mud from hot springs to release the toxins in the body.

Dining is available indoors in the Patina Grill and on the terrace which has a spectacular view of the mountains. The menu is continental and special attention is paid to individual diets. Fresh fish dishes, pastas and perfectly prepared vegetables are available at each meal as are specifically designated spa selections.

Although the Hyatt at Beaver Creek is one of the nation's premier ski resorts, the clear air, lack of humidity, sunny days and state-of-the-art health and fitness facilities make it the perfect summer destination as well.

Once the snow melts on Aspen Mountain and the glitterati store their skis and head for home, the real people of this health-conscious community emerge and make tracks to the Aspen Club.

Unlike spa resorts, the Aspen Club does not offer on-site accomodations. Visitors may choose to stay at the European-style Little Ness, Aspen Club Lodge, Victorian Hotel Jerome or any of the resorts or condos in the area. But once they set foot in the low-key chic Aspen Club, they realize fitness is not a fad but serious business. This is where health and fitness heavies gather like Jane Fonda, Arnold Schwarnegger, Danny Sullivan, corporate raider Carl Icahn and Martina Navratilova, to name a few.