DuntonHotSprings

Rent an Entire "Town" for Your Ski Vacation

This is great idea for those who have a large group or want a very different type of vacation from the usual ski-in ski-out luxury condo complex found at most ski resorts. Even the finest hotels at the various alpine resorts tend to feel all the same after a while, most likely due to the design concessions needed to build on the side of the ski slopes.

Dunton Hot Springs is located in a beautiful Colorado valley right near Telluride. It is a fully restored ghost town set in a pristine Alpine locale near the Dolores River which you cross to reach the resort. Comprised of 12 unique cabins surrounding the communal Saloon and Dance Hall; this is no hokey rendition of what a western town should be, but rather a carefully crafted authentic setting where each cabin is decorated individually. The idea was to retain all the original character but to add a touch of European flair.

Even though the flavor of the resort may be rustic the amenities are not. Full business services are available as well as activities like heli-skiing, trout fishing, and rafting. Guests can choose to explore the surrounding land by foot (hiking or snow shoeing), cross-country skiing, or on horseback. The resort meals feature local ingredients, in the late summer you will find wild mushrooms gathered from the surrounding mountains on the menu, as well as wines from the resort's own vineyard Sutcliffe Vineyards.

True to its name there really are hot springs at Dunton. The springs found at the resort are of the calcium bicarbonate type with iron, maganese and lithium found in the waters. Guests can enjoy the springs in the 19th century Bathhouse, pictured above, and Well House cabin, in two pools on the property, or under the stars at the source or on the river.

If you'd like to "rent the whole town" the resort holds a total of 42 guests. For $10,000 - $17,500 a night depending on the season you can provide your guests with food, lodging and use of all the property's facilities. Seems like the ideal location for a family reunion ski trip or intimate winter wedding. Cabins may also be rented individually and vary in size some holding just 2 people and others 6 to 10 guests.

Gallery: Dunton Hot Springs