Springs Resort hosts nation’s only beer festival at a hot springs

By Jay McKinney

Hot springs and cold beer are a perfect pairing at the Pints, Pools and Paddles Craft Brew Fest that returns for its ninth year May 10-12. The event is held at The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs, and it is notably the only craft beer festival in the country that is hosted at a hot spring.

The Springs Resort is a hot spring destination with a mountain setting and steaming pools nestled alongside the frigid San Juan River flowing through the charming town. There are 79 rooms and a full-service spa to accompany the hot spring pools that are fueled by the “Mother Spring,” which is reportedly the world’s deepest geothermal spring.

The beer festival elevates the experience for a weekend of relaxation. This year’s event will feature beer from 21 breweries, including Ska Brewing from Durango, Big Beaver Brewing Co. from Loveland and Eddyline Brewery in Buena Vista.

“This town is all about community and Pints & Pools celebrates the best of it by inviting visitors to do two of the region’s most popular activities – sipping and soaking,” says Jason Cox, who owns Riff Raff Brewery with his wife Shelly. The brewery, which is within walking distance of the hot springs, hosts two private sessions that include a beer, chocolate and cheese tasting on Friday May 10 to begin the festivities. Tickets to the private tasting cost $50.

Riff Raff brews beer using geothermal energy from the Mother Spring to heat water. It’s been a staple in the Pagosa Springs community. The chocolates at the tasting are handmade by the Aspen House, which is a non-profit in Pagosa Springs that supports adults with developmental disabilities.

Starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, guests are invited to head to the pools and grab a front row seat to the Pagosa Paddle whitewater races on the San Juan River. The beer tasting runs from 3-6 p.m. and tickets are $75.

Finally on Sunday, May 12, festival guests can enjoy a complimentary Aqua Sound bathing experience from 8-9 a.m. While soaking in the geothermal water, Tibetan singing bowls send out waves of harmonic sound to induce therapeutic relaxation.

Proceeds from the festival benefit the Friends of the Upper San Juan River, an organization that promotes education, recreation and environmental awareness for the region. The Pueblo Community scholarship fund also benefits from some of the proceeds as well.