The Rockies in January
What to do and where to go in the Rockies in January
SALT LAKE CITY
Warm up at the spa: Snowy days tend to inspire hardy Salt Lakers to go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing somewhere close to town ― such as City Creek Canyon, just northeast of the state capitol building. Now they can follow that winter exercise with pampering and warmth at the Kura Door Holistic Japanese Spa in the nearby Avenues District. Clients relax in cotton kimonos and let the fragrances of organic green tea and hinoki cypress surround them as they sink into a deep furo bath ($40, including tea service) or opt for a Kura massage ($65 for one hour). 1136 E. Third Ave.; (801) 364-2400.
SALT LAKE CITY
Give a cheer: Support young athletes as Moscow meets Utah to compete in everything from alpine skiing to ice-skating and ice hockey at the first Moscow Utah Youth Games. The heavy competition runs for a full week at a variety of Salt Lake City’s 2002 Olympic Winter Games venues and promises to deliver all the chills and thrills associated with watching athletes at their peak, competing for the gold. Opening ceremony Jan 30, competition daily through Feb 6; free admission. Schedule of competition and venue information at www.utahsportscommission.com, or call (801) 328-2372.
ASPEN, COLORADO
Get cool in the cold: If you’re interested in seeing winter sports push the edge, head for Colorado when the Winter X Games VIII return to the Buttermilk ski area. Skiercross and boardercross combine the thrills of a downhill chase with the spills of Roller Derby. Snowboarders and skiers strut their stuff on the spectacular superpipe, which is like a halfpipe but bigger and better. HillCross and SnoCross events feature pilots of roaring snowmobiles racing against each other. Last year, 48,000 spectators crowded into town to share the excitement. Jan 24-27. For information on lodging in town or nearby Snowmass: www.aspensnowmass.com or (877) 682-7736. For more information on X Games events: expn.go.com or (800) 525-6200.
IDAHO SPRINGS, COLORADO
Go antiquing: You can bring the spirit of winter home with you from your Colorado ski trip. Pull off Interstate 70 at Exit 247 and stop in the original lodgelike Ski Country Antiques and, starting in February, its huge new showroom. You’ll find antique sleds, wood skis, and snowshoes, plus great stuff like Black Forest clocks, antique Canadian sleighs, and Algonquin birchbark canoes. The store ships worldwide. 114 Homestead Rd.; www.skicountryantiques.com or (303) 674-4666.
