Salida, CO

Situated in Colorado’s "Banana Belt" and surrounded by three mountain ranges, Salida gets only a fraction of the snow that blankets the surrounding high country―and milder temperatures too. But if you're really looking to get warm, the 100° pools at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort (pool use $15; 20 miles from Salida at 15870 County Rd. 162, Nathrop; 888/395-7799) are just the place to take the edge off the winter chill. Take in views of snow-shrouded 14ers while you warm up in the two manmade thermal pools overlooking Chalk Creek, and over a dozen natural creekside pools winding through the valley below. If you're still itching to work up a sweat, head to nearby  Monarch Mountain ski area, 20 miles west of town, with 63 ski trails (22720 W. U.S. 50; skimonarch.com).

More: Warm Salida weekend