Hotel Terra in Jackson Hole boasts one of the best ski hotel pools around. Where else can you lie in a wet-edged pool and watch skiers come down the mountain, admire the après activity at the Mangy Moose or if you’re lucky catch the weekly fireworks, all without leaving the warmth of the pool? This hotel has a ringside location in Teton Village and its waters are said to have special properties as magical things can happen here.

Every afternoon Sky Hotel’s pool is the place to be seen in Aspen. Open to the public (at least anyone who wants to drink there) bikinis and boardshorts are the preferred clothing at this pool bar, where DJs spin and things can quite often get, well, outrageous. It’s just like a scene out of Aspen Extreme and we love it.

The Park Hyatt at Beaver Creek has one of the best setups for a luxurious poolside experience. The huge pool and five hot tubs are nestled next to the slopes beneath a man-made mountain waterfall. A poolside Hot Toddy hut serves delicious cocktails but the crème de la crème is the private hot tub that can be rented by the hour and includes unlimited Veuve Clicquot Champagne and popcorn. Oui oui!

If you’re staying at Residences at The Little Nell in Aspen, you’re one of the lucky few who can soak in one of the most beautiful hot tubs and pools in any ski resort. Perched on the building’s rooftop amongst landscaped gardens and snowy banks, the pool and collection of hot tubs are private and peaceful. They have wonderful views of the mountain and if the stars and moon are out it’s unbelievably romantic.

One of the most remarkable things about the Rockies is the abundance of natural hot springs. The Strawberry Park Hot Springs near Steamboat is unbeatable. Once darkness falls there are no lights that go on, and everything else comes off – clothing at this time is optional (no admittance after dark for under-18s). The series of pools here are enough to relax and soothe any tired body. From hot to cold you can move among the pools at your own pace. If you’re lucky to be here on a starry, moonlit night the whole thing is quite simply magical.

Even just thinking about the Scandinave Spa, a Nordic-inspired oasis of calm, is enough to make anyone feel relaxed. Just a few minutes from Whistler Village the 20,000sq ft (1858sq m) outdoor spa is one of the best places to unwind. Be sure to allow plenty of time (a couple of hours!) to move through the series of hot tubs, icy plunge pools, the steam room, sauna and solariums. Unlike many other hotel hot tubs, this is a serene and quiet place – there are signs reminding people not to talk. Head inside for one of the best massages around to complete the picture.