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Colorado winter Retreat

Snow Mountain Ranch, Winter Park, Colorado
Cost: $1800
March 3-6, 2022

Yes! Sign Me Up!

The snow is falling and the magic of winter is settling down around us.  This blanket of white allows us to go deeper within ourselves, to rejuvenate and replenish ourselves, to reflect and be still and also become more aware of our senses.  

We are thrilled that you have chosen to carve out time for yourself this winter to renew your BODY, MIND and SPIRIT with Women’s Quest. This time will be well spent in one of the most spectacular skiing havens in the world. This will be a time to “rekindle your kid” and play in the snow like we did when we were children.  You will gracefully glide on your skies, tromp around through aspen groves on snowshoes, stretch your body every morning with yoga and dance your dream awake in the afternoon. 

To help you prepare for this awesome journey we have put together the “most frequently asked questions” sheet.  Please take the time to read through the following information.  

If you are taking a shuttle to Winter Park from Denver International Airport, we recommend the Home James Shuttle Service. More information on how to make a reservation with them is contained in the frequently asked questions sheet.  It is important that you schedule your flight so that you can catch the shuttle on time.

Please feel free to call or email us if you have further questions. Come with a curiosity to experience a deep and transformative few days of fun and adventure!     See you in Winter Park!

What should I bring?

  • Sunglasses, sunscreen
  • Comfortable clothes for movement and yoga 
  • Running shoes/hiking boots
  • Warm socks
  • Winter jacket
  • Bathing suit (you will have access to the pool and hot tub if you choose)
  • Fanny pack with water bottle holder(s) and water bottles (preferably 2)
  • Gloves, hat and/or earband
  • Windbreaker (preferably insulated) and wind pants
  • Clothing you can layer (see below)
  • We will be renting skis from the Nordic Center at Snow Mountain Ranch.  

What does it mean to layer clothing?

Layering clothing is a way of getting dressed so that you are prepared for any weather.  You generally start with multiple layers.  As you warm-up and cool-down you can remove or put on a layer(s).  A good base layer is important—cotton is not recommended, it does not wick moisture.  SmartWool makes great long underwear that would serve well as a base layer.  You will also want protection from the wind—remember to pack your wind pants, windbreaker, gloves and earband.  

What are the accommodations?

We will be staying in the Independence Lodge at Snow Mountain Ranch.  Independence Lodge is the largest of the reunion cabins at Snow Mountain Ranch, with a huge dining area and living room.  It is a cozy lodge, with huge windows overlooking the ski trails and high peaks of the Rocky Mountains.  The lodge sleeps 18 people (6 rooms are doubles and 2 rooms are triples.) All rooms have their own bathroom. Bath linens and warm bedding is provided.  If you have a request for a roommate, please indicate this on your profile sheet.

The elevation at Snow Mountain Ranch is 8,750 feet.  There are 5,100 acres featuring more than 120 km of groomed trails for cross-country skiing.  We will be skiing right out our door and also snowshoeing with the full moon one night!  This is the best place to learn to cross country ski in the world.  It is truly a spectacular winter setting.

Snow Mountain Ranch is located between Winter Park and Grand Lake.  It is one of three facilities run by the YMCA of the Rockies.  For more information about Snow Mountain Ranch or the YMCA of the Rockies check out their web site: http://www.ymcarockies.org.

What is a typical WQ day?

Most days we will get an early start. The day usually begins with coffee or tea and a chance to chat. Before breakfast we will warm up with yoga.  After breakfast we will get out in the snow and ski!  Then we will enjoy a hearty, healthy and energy boosting lunch.  After lunch we will have a break. In the afternoon we will snowshoe, practice Qigong or have a fire side chat. We will enjoy dinner before our evening lecture, demonstration or creative exercise.  We finish in the evening by 9:00 PM.  Please keep in mind that you do not have to do everything!  We will support and encourage you to find the level of activity that is right for you.

  • Thursday: Arrival to SMR around 2, snowshoe, Dinner at 6:30
  • Friday: Yoga, classic ski or skate ski, great discussions, restorative yoga
  • Saturday: Yoga, classic ski or skate ski, moonlight snowshoe
  • Sunday morning: Yoga, ski or snowshoe and depart

We will be sending you the final schedule before the retreat

The staff?

The staff is an inspiring and spirited group of women!!!  You will have the chance to ski with women who are both phenomenal athletes and articulate teachers. You will receive cutting-edge instruction with heartfelt support and encouragement. The high staff-to-camper ratio allows opportunity for individual guidance, safe supervision of all activities and personal attention to your feelings and needs. We organize the groups to accommodate all fitness levels and levels of experience. Don’t worry if this is your first time on skis, snowshoeing, or your first experience with yoga—we LOVE to introduce the joys of these activities!

Do we get free time?

Absolutely!  This retreat is FOR YOU.  We offer plenty of activities, but there is NO PRESSURE to do everything.  There is a mid-day break each day—for reading or napping or enjoying new friends.  We have professional massage therapists available if you would like to receive a session during any of your break times. The rate is $100 an hour.

What will the food be like?

We will have plenty of very healthy food. We provide an assortment of foods that are appropriate for winter.  Our professional caterer will offer tips for healthy cooking, nourishing foods for an active lifestyle and staying healthy with the seasons. Please indicate any dietary restrictions on your profile sheet: we will try to accommodate your special needs.

Am I in good enough shape to do the camp?

Yes!  We adapt to all levels of fitness. We will teach you all you need to know to cross-country ski and snowshoe. We have a variety of trail options available for our snowshoeing and skiing adventures.  Groups are formed according to each woman’s level of fitness, experience, and desire to challenge themselves. 

How will I get to Snow Mountain Ranch (SMR) from the airport?

Transportation from Denver International Airport (DIA): There is a reliable and friendly shuttle service from DIA to SMR called Home James.  Make a reservation as far in advance as possible. Their number is 1-800-451-4844.  The cost is $83 to $89, one-way.  Please reserve your space early; they cannot guarantee space on the vans if you wait until the last minute to make your reservation. 

You can catch the 11:00 or 12:00 noon shuttle on March 5th and you will reach us by 2:00 pm.

What time should I arrive?

Our lodge will not be available until 5:00 PM

We plan to meet at our lodge at 2:00 PM and go for a snowshoe hike and do some fun engaging activities. 

The Home James shuttle leaves DIA at 11 am or 12pm and will take 2 hours.  Arrange your flight so that you arrive by 10 (or earlier) so that you have time to collect your luggage and make it to the pick-up area on time.  NOTE:  The Home James shuttle cannot wait if your plane is delayed.  If you miss the shuttles the next shuttle leaves at 2:30 and will get you to SMR at 5:00.

What time does the retreat end?

We will conclude by 11am on Sunday morning.  The shuttle pick up time from Snow Mountain Ranch to the Denver Airport are:

  • Leaving Snow Mountain Ranch at 11:30 arriving DIA at 2:00 pm

What if I want to drive?

If you are driving to the lodge, please plan to arrive between 2 to 3PM on March 3th

Directions from Denver:  

  • Take I-70 West (toward Idaho Springs & Grand Junction)
  • Get off at exit 232 (Highway 40).  Follow the signs to Winter Park/Grandby.
  • Stay on Hwy 40 going over Berthoud Pass.
  • Follow Hwy 40 through Tabernash until you reach Snow Mountain Ranch.
  • Snow Mountain Ranch will be on the left as you head up Hwy 40.

Directions from Boulder:

  • Take Broadway out of town south towards Golden.  (Broadway turns into Hwy 93
  • Get on I-70 going west towards Idaho Springs.  Follow above directions.

How can my family contact me during a retreat?

Snow Mountain Ranch   970-887-2152 

Cancellation policy

  • if you must cancel, the $500 deposit is NOT REFUNDABLE*

  • Full refund, less deposit, will be given with at least 60 days notice

  • Within 60 days of your camp, 50% of the total (less deposit) will be refunded to you *

  • Within 14 days of your camp, sorry but absolutely no refund will be given

*no exceptions will be granted to the above policy.*

Please note: We are sorry but injury and illness do not disqualify you from any of the above cancellation policies. We are UNABLE to transfer deposits or any payments from one year to the next.

We reserve the right to cancel retreats with inadequate participant interest, in which case all money paid to Women’s Quest will be refunded. Women’s Quest CANNOT be held responsible for any personal expenses, such as airline tickets due to changes in itineraries or tour cancellations.

“There is no end, believe me, to the happiness your body is willing to bear.”  

Please note: We are sorry but injury and illness do not disqualify you from any of the above cancellation policies. We are UNABLE to transfer deposits or any payments from one year to the next.

We reserve the right to cancel retreats with inadequate participant interest, in which case all money paid to Women’s Quest will be refunded. Women’s Quest CANNOT be held responsible for any personal expenses, such as airline tickets due to changes in itineraries or tour cancellations.

Covid-19 Policy
As a small company Women’s Quest is unfortunatelynot able to provide refunds of payments for retreats cancelled due to the COVID pandemic.  This is primarily due to our financial commitments with the various retreat venues.  As a result, the Women’s Quest policy for Coronavirus cancelations is to apply all payments to next year’s retreat or to any other Women’s Quest retreat of your choosing through the end of 2021.  For those facing financial hardship as a result of the virus outbreak, we will work with you to find a solution that works for both you and our venues.  Because of the unforeseen and unprecedented circumstances of the outbreak, this policy supersedes earlier policies.

Travel Insurance

-Should I get Travel Insurance?

We all know things happen. Whether it’s before your trip, in transit, or during your retreat so Women’s Quest strongly recommends you take out travel insurance. Travel insurance policies can vary on their coverage so please make sure you understand their coverage if you have to cancel, travel delays and cancellations, medical coverage, emergency situations and other areas of interest to you. 

With the onset of Covid19 many travel insurance companies are denying coverage for Covid related losses while others companies are honoring claims for Covid so be sure to verify the company you sign up with does provide Covid related coverage

This site has the “In’s and Out’s” of travel insurance.

http://www.travelinsurancereview.net

Another one: Travelex Insurance Services (www.travelexinsurance.com) has a good variety of insurance offerings but there are many travel insurance companies available online. You can get an online quote by clicking here!

-travel tips (tsa)

Visit the Transportation Security Administration: http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information

-who can help me with my travel

You are welcome to plan your own travel or work with your own travel agent. The travel is very simple as you will fly in and out of DIA or Denver International Airport in Denver, Colorado. The Home James shuttle will take you to SMR

However, if you prefer, colleen@womensquest.com can help you with your travel.

Make sure to read the fine print on when you must enroll in travel insurance in relation to when you book your trip in order to receive coverage.

Payment policy:
For all 2021 retreats, a 3% fee will be added to full and balance due payments made using Paypal.  Retreat deposits will not have the additional charge applied.

The staff at Women’s Quest is EXCITED to meet you…we are looking forward to a REMARKABLE adventure!  We hope this answers your questions.  You are always welcome to call or email us anytime if you have further questions.