Summit Massage and Wellness Studio opens in Copper Mountain

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Massage therapist Samaara Robbins is on a mission to keep people moving up in Colorado’s playground.
Inside Snowbridge Square at Copper Mountain Center Village, Robbins opened Summit Massage and Wellness Studio on Thanksgiving Day. The studio currently has two staff members, with five other area massage therapists on-call.
Robbins had been working in Breckenridge for the last two years, and wanted to gear her practice more toward her favorite crowd — the outdoor-lovers near Copper.
“I had a desire to focus more on the athletic aspect, as opposed to the fluff and buff,†she said.
She said as a wellness studio and not just a day spa, she is able to use all sorts of different tools to help focus on the individual. For instance, a skier after a hard day of moguls might benefit most from the studio’s Peak Performance massage, a deep-tissue massage focused around athletics.
“It’s catered more for people who want to be outside and enjoy that,†she said. “People don’t really come here to go shopping.â€
With almost 1,000 hours of practice as a massage therapist, Robbins said designing and putting together her new space took less than she initially thought — about two months. She ripped up old carpet and replaced it with hardwood, and painted rooms rich maroons and browns. A paperless system allows guests to write on a white-board what their goals for the session are, and what areas are in need of care.
“It was petrifying. What’s hardest is the execution,†Robbins said. “It’s easy to talk about it, but to actually do it is so much harder than just what’s in your head.â€
Robbins also works at the Shaw Cancer Center in Edwards one day every week, and worked for bicycle teams on events like Race Across America in the past.
While the studio specializes in performance-based massage, Robbins and her team use a large toolbox of techniques, including deep tissue, sports massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release and manual lymph drainage.
Robbins said she also wants to use as many local Colorado products as possible. Homemade cookies from her kitchen sit on the counter near the front entrance, and a shelf of creams and oils, some made herself as part of High County Botanicals, fill the air with a fresh scent.
“I want to keep things local, with products I make myself or know where it comes from,†she said.
If guests are looking for relaxation, the studio also offers a massage with a blend of essential oils, or a hot rocks massage. The High Altitude Relief massage can help with circulation and nausea.
Robbins specializes in lymphatic flow, which alleviates swelling from surgery or injury, migraines and sinus headaches, and aids in detoxification.
“We really build the treatment for the individual person who comes in,†she said.
Other packages include a massage paired with a Tired Feet or Rejuvenation Facial Massage and other 30-minute treatments. The hand and foot scrubs are all homemade as well.
“I’ve always enjoyed hearing peoples’ stories,†Robbins said. “I get to meet people from around the world. The therapeutic aspect and hearing from people is what inspires me the most to work as a massage therapist.â€
As for her philosophy when it comes to business, Robbins said she’s just happy to share her knowledge and help people feel like their best selves. She isn’t too worried about competition from the resort spa, since they offer different services.
“I want to know what’s in a product and what’s going on my body,†she said. “I just want to stay local with the products, a minimal amount of ingredients, with an open, friendly atmosphere.â€
This week through Thursday, Dec. 5 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., visitors can enjoy a free chair massage and enter to win prizes, including one free massage per month for the 2013-14 season. Guests can also enjoy special pricing on all services this week.
For more information and pricing, visit www.coppermountainmassage.com or call (970) 968-2344.

“I’ve always enjoyed hearing peoples’ stories. I get to meet people from around the world. The therapeutic aspect and hearing from people is what inspires me the most to work as a massage therapist.â€
Samaara Robbins
Massage therapist and owner of Summit Massage & Wellness Studio
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