Vermont Adventure Retreat

Word has it that some of our very best retreats happen in Vermont… so exotic destinations, move over.

Our greenest state is proof that some of the prettiest playgrounds don’t require a passport. We’ll stay at the exclusive Trout Club, a historic private fishing club tucked deep in the Green Mountains, with 5-star cuisine, warm hospitality, and Vermont’s best hiking and biking trails right outside our door — including access to the legendary 256-mile Long Trail.

Set beside a private lake at the end of a quiet country road, the Trout Club is a true hideaway — the kind of place you won’t stumble upon online and won’t want to leave once you arrive.

There is no doubt… you will fall in love with Vermont.

Our fun-filled activities — including hiking, mt biking at Trapps Family Lodge, canoeing or SUP’ing, and our signature “Awakening the Senses” yoga, + great inspirational stories from our staff — are designed for all abilities and experience levels. Whether you’re trying something new for the very first time or have years of experience, our expert guides will support and encourage you every step of the way in a welcoming, non-competitive environment.

And of course, there will be plenty of time to simply slow down and savor the beauty of Vermont. Read a book or journal on the wide wrap-around porch overlooking the peaceful lake, watch the sunrise light up the Green Mountains, listen to the haunting calls of the loons, and breathe in the crisp mountain air. It is one of those rare places that feels timeless, peaceful, and quietly magical.

Our retreats in Vermont wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famous Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory, a maple syrup tasting and demonstration, and time to wander through charming Vermont towns filled with locally made cheeses, artisan shops, and one-of-a-kind art.

But perhaps what women love most about Vermont is the way life begins to slow down here. You wake to mist rising off the lake, spend your days hiking, biking, canoeing, laughing, and breathing fresh mountain air, and end the evenings watching the stars come out over the water. Away from schedules, screens, and everyday demands, there is finally space to relax, reconnect with nature and new friends, and remember how good it feels to simply enjoy life again.

What to Expect:

Awaken naturally with the rising sun and ease slowly into a brand-new day in Vermont. We’ll begin with a gentle morning yoga session followed by a gourmet, family-style breakfast shared with new friends.

After breakfast, we’ll break into small groups for an uplifting mountain bike ride. You can choose an easy scenic ride or a more challenging adventure, depending on how you feel that day. Either way, you’ll ride alongside women of similar ability and comfort level in our supportive, non-competitive atmosphere.

Along the way, we’ll refuel with a hearty Vermont lunch — and on some days, we’ll venture out to ride iconic locations like the famous Stowe Recreation Path or the Trapp Family Lodge trails (yes, the same Von Trapp family from The Sound of Music). One special highlight is lunch at the Bavarian Café on the Trapp property — a true Vermont experience filled with mountain views, culture, and incredible food.

Afternoons are yours to enjoy at your own pace. Swim, canoe, or kayak on our private lake, relax on the dock with a good book, or settle into a rocking chair on the wrap-around porch overlooking the water.

After a healthy dinner, we gather around the fire to laugh, share stories, and soak in the beauty of Vermont evenings. By 9:00 p.m., the day gently comes to a close, leaving you rested, renewed, and ready for another unforgettable day surrounded by lakes, forests, and fresh mountain air.

Highlights:

• Freshwater lakes, breathtaking mountain views, and spectacular forest trails for daily adventures — all part of our remote Vermont playground.
• Daily yoga, Qigong, balancing practices, massage (*additional fee), and quiet time to soak in the beauty of our peaceful lakeside retreat.
• Outdoor adventures for all ability levels, including hiking, trail running, mountain biking through magical forests and wildflower meadows, canoeing, SUPing, possible fishing, and swimming in some of Vermont’s hidden gems.
• Mountain biking on the famous Stowe Recreation Path, often considered one of the most beautiful bike paths in the country.
• A day at the Trapp Family Lodge, where you may choose mountain biking or hiking through 2,400 acres of serene trails and spectacular scenery. Lunch at the Von Trapp family’s Bavarian Café is a true Vermont highlight.
• Visits to charming Vermont towns filled with local artisans, galleries, handmade crafts, and farm-to-table culture.
• Tours and tastings at some of Vermont’s most beloved spots, including Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Cabot Creamery Annex, and a special visit to Audrey’s family maple syrup farm.
• Daily inspirational talks, heartfelt sharing, visualization, journaling, and creative activities designed to uplift and inspire.
• Expert wellness, fitness, and healthy living tips from our experienced staff.
• Massage appointments available throughout the retreat (*additional fee).
• Time to unplug, reconnect with nature, enjoy meaningful conversations, and settle back into a slower, more nourishing rhythm of life.
• Plenty of laughter, friendship, fresh mountain air, and moments you’ll never forget.

Included in the price:

• Five nights at the charming Trout Club and Six full days. Single rooms extra charge.
• Delicious, healthy meals featuring fresh, organic food cooked by our on site chef. Two lunches will be on your own to experience the local cuisine in Stowe, and at the Bavarian Café at Trapps
• All tours including Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Cabot Creamery Annex and Maple Syrup visit
• Yoga instruction in the morning (Please bring your own mat)
• Use of canoes/SUP
• Professional instruction and guidance for all activities.

Not included in the price:

• Airfare and transportation to and from the airport
• 2 lunches
• bike rentals
• Tipping

What are the accommodations?

We’ll stay at the exclusive Trout Club, a historic, private fishing club nestled in the Green Mountains, with world-class cuisine and acclaimed hospitality, not to mention Vermont’s best hiking and biking trails right outside your door, including the famous 256-mile Long Trail. The charming rooms are simple, yet comfortable, with hand-hewn beams and rustic fieldstone, uncomplicated by televisions, cell phone service, and other disruptions of nature’s rhythm. If you need to stay connected you can go down the road about a mile and use your cell phone or check your messages each day when we go into town. We think the greatest treat our getaway in Vermont has in store for you is the deep sense of rejuvenation that comes from unplugging from your everyday, and reconnecting with the sights and sounds of serenity.

The rooms are basic and not very fancy but we will be spending all of our time out on the amazing deck overlooking the lake. (Some rooms have bathrooms in the rooms and some have bathrooms down the hall) We have limited single rooms available for an additional cost of $1000.

Here is the description of the hike right out our door: Explore the notch with its beautiful view of Lake Mansfield and the valley below from the top of this trail. Stroll along this historic trail enjoying the lush vegetation and signs of wildlife as you slowly but steadily climb to the waterfalls. This picturesque setting allows you to marvel at nature’s beauty. Shortly, you will pass by an active beaver pond on your right after crossing a few small streams. The trail leads to Taylor Lodge (Long Trail hikers’ shelter) which is your destination. Enjoy the view from the Lodge back down the Nebraska Valley. The Trout Club is at the beginning of this trail in the Nebraska Valley.

What airport do I fly into?

Burlington, Vermont

Aug 30th – Sept 4th, 2026

Aug 30th: 11 am: Pick up at your Hotel or meet us at the Farmers Market in Stowe. Please arrange to arrive in Burlington on Aug 29th, the day before the retreat starts!
Sep 4th: back at airport at 11am for 1pm flight or later (or we can arrange other shuttles for you)

What will the food be like?

The food at the Trout Club is out of this world!! Seriously 5 Star! It is one reason we love our retreats in Vermont. We will eat family style and there are plenty of fresh, home made gourmet meals prepared for us morning, noon and night. The Trout Club provides entrees (usually meat, chicken or fish) and can accommodate a vegetarian entrée as well. Fresh fruit and Odwalla Bars are always available. Please indicate any dietary restrictions; we try to accommodate your special needs. The food is one of the BEST parts of the retreat—“YUM!” We have renamed this retreat “Food Quest”!

What weather can I expect?

The Trout Club is located in Stowe Vermont. September daytime temperatures are refreshingly pleasant ranging from the 50’s to 65 degrees. We could get rain so bring your waterproof rain jacket just in case

Am I in good enough shape to do this retreat?

Most Likely! We adapt to all levels of fitness. You can choose to walk/hike, walk/run, or run. We teach you practical skills for mountain biking—useful for both beginners and experienced riders. We have a variety of trail options for biking, and for walking/hiking/running. Groups are formed according to each woman’s level of fitness, experience, and desire to challenge themselves. We do suggest that you start a training or workout program before you come so that you can get the most out of the retreat. Your training does not need to be a hard-core program…just get out and PLAY and BE ACTIVE several days a week.

Do I have to participate in everything on the schedule?

You do not need to participate in everything; you can pace yourself so that it is the perfect amount of activity for you. We fully support you in doing as much or as little as is right for you in the moment. The schedule gives you a sense of the flow of each day. It is subject to change, depending upon the needs of the group, weather, etc. We will go over the schedule each day at breakfast.

Do we have free time for a massage?

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, napping or enjoying new friends. WQ will email you a schedule so you can choose your times according to that. Most days we will be riding from 9:00-12:00 (stopping for breaks and looking around) and lunch from 12:30-1:30, anytime after 1:30 is a good time for a massage! We have great massage therapists that join us from Stowe, (* for $100 per hour)

Tell me about the Yoga

We begin each adventure-filled Women’s Quest day with a unique “Awakening the Senses Yoga.” This gentle but powerful practice draws inspiration from Gyrokinesis, Qigong, and Tai Chi, and is a perfect way to prepare the mind, body and senses for the activities of the day.

What is mountain bike riding like?

We will be mountain biking for 2 days:
Day One: We will be riding on the famous paved Stowe Bike path, which was named the most beautiful bike path in America. This bike path meanders along the Stowe River and goes for about 6 miles in one direction. For the more advanced riders, after we teach the drills and skills, we will ride on single-track trails.

Day Two: We go to Trapps Family lodge, which has over 20 miles of flowing private trails suited for novice to veteran bikers. The progression of trails is perfect for first-timers or anyone looking to develop skills and confidence gradually.

What kind of mountain bikes will be available to rent?
We will be renting full or front suspension Mt bikes. $65 to $105 a day which includes the trail pass.

What if I want to bring my own mountain bike?
That’s fine. If you are driving, just bring it along but make sure it has been serviced and that the tires are good. If you are flying, we do not recommend that you bring your bike; it is often not worth the cost and hassle. Here is the info to consider if you decide to bring your bike: Most airlines charge a fee of at least $50 to $100 each way to bring a bike. A cheaper option is to ship your bike directly. If packed in a bike box, shipping is usually between $50 to $75 each way. We can email you the address if you want to ship your bike.

What is the average age on this retreat?

We have a wide range of women who attend our retreats in Vermont, from 15-70 years young. Each retreat will vary. Please contact us if you have questions about the ages on a specific retreat.

What if I am coming alone?

The majority of the women who attend our retreats come by themselves. Even if you may come alone to the Vermont retreat alone, you will leave the retreat with new, lifelong friends!

Tell me about the staff

The staff is an inspiring and spirited group of women!!! Jacqueline Stanford will be hosting this retreat. You will have the chance to play 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.

Women’s Quest Cancellation & Travel Insurance Policy

Cancellation Policy

Because our vendors and partners require advance commitments we must adhere to the following cancellation terms.  If you have to cance your retreat

• 91 or more days before the retreat start date
You will receive a refund of all payments minus your deposit which is non-refundable.

• 90 days or fewer before the retreat start date
All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Women’s Quest reserves the right to cancel a retreat due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, all retreat payments will be refunded. However, Women’s Quest is not responsible for any additional expenses you may have incurred, including (but not limited to) airfare, lodging, or other travel costs.

Travel Insurance

To protect your investment, Women’s Quest strongly recommneds all participants purchase travel insurance. This ensures you are covered if something unexpected arises before or during your retreat.

Travel insurance is especially important if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to:

• Illness or injury
• Family or personal emergencies
• Travel delays or interruptions
• Medical treatment while traveling
• Emergency evacuation or trip interruption

We recommend a policy that includes coverage for:
• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Medical expenses
• Emergency evacuation

For maximum peace of mind, consider a “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) policy. While more expensive, this option offers the greatest flexibility if your plans change.

For all trips to Iceland involving horses (riding or otherwise), it is mandatory you secure travel insurnce that includes coverage for emergency evacuation and return to your home country.  

To compare policies, we suggest using Squaremouth, the travel insurance comparison platform:
https://www.squaremouth.com/22393

Before purchasing, please review your policy carefully and consult a travel insurance agent if you have any questions about coverage.

So, are you ready to join us on our retreat in Vermont? Sign up now!