Frequently Asked Questions
What’s included?
Shared accommodations (3 guests per yurt) with bathroom, shower and kitchens in each yurt
3 Meals provided each day either through catering or supplied groceries in each yurt for guests to prepare their own breakfast
At least two workshops each day, with additional activities offered
Welcome gift bag with items to use during the retreat and take home with you
Assistance to coordinate transportation between the airport and the retreat location. If multiple guests are arriving at the same airport, a shuttle option will be included for a specific pick-up time.
What’s not included?
Airfare/flights
Snacks between meals
Which airport should I fly into if I’m coming from out of state?
Denver International Airport (DIA) is approximately 3 hours drive from the retreat location and offers the most options for flying to Colorado. A shuttle will be provided if multiple guests are arriving at DIA on Friday morning.
Colorado Springs Airport (COS) is smaller and has less frequent flights, though it is a bit closer at 2.5 hours drive from the retreat location
Another smaller regional airport is Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (1.5 hour drive to retreat location)
Can I stay by myself rather than sharing a yurt?
Due to the nature of this retreat, only shared accommodations are available at this time. Each guest will have their own bed, with 3 guests in each yurt.
What does the retreat schedule look like?
Arrival is suggested at the retreat location by 4pm on Sunday. There will be a welcome dinner and activity that evening. Monday and Tuesday will have a brief morning “warm-up”, followed by a daytime workshop and an evening session. We will have built in meal breaks, journaling and integration time between activities. While weather dependent, daytime sessions are expected to be outdoors.
Do I need prior experience or training to attend this retreat?
Any and all experience levels are welcome! We will be hiking and participating in guided movement sessions. A guest survey will be provided and hiking routes will be selected based on the experience and skills level of the group.
Can I opt out of any sessions during the retreat?
It is recommended to fully immerse yourself in the experiences of the retreat and you are encouraged to stretch the edges of your comfort zone. If you choose to opt-out, you are welcome to stay at your yurt until the next session. We discourage solo exploring without notifying the retreat organizer of your location.
Will I feel okay at high altitude?
Our retreat location sits at approximately 9,000 ft elevation. It is highly recommended that guests hydrate (with minerals and electrolytes) adequately in the week prior to the retreat. Additional recommendations to support red blood cell function and oxygen uptake will be provided prior to the retreat. If you are traveling from low elevation or sea-level, you may feel a bit more tired than usual. Adequate rest blocks will be built into the schedule. It is typical on the first day in a higher altitude to have minor sleep disruptions, change in appetite, a slight headache or sudden tiredness. For most people, these dissipate within a few hours or after a good meal, a night’s rest, and ample hydration.
If any of the following symptoms arise or persist, we will arrange to bring you to lower altitude until they subside:
Headache
Nausea
Dizziness
Reduced coordination
Heart palpitations
Difficulty breathing
Other symptoms that indicate onset of altitude sickness
Please note that if you have any heart conditions or other potential contraindications affected by change in altitude, it is recommended to have a doctors clearance prior to confirming your registration to this retreat.
What will the weather be like?
Early fall in the mountains can be unpredictable. Colorado is known for abundant sunshine throughout the year, so we are optimistic for ideal conditions (70s and sunny during the daytime). We still suggest being prepared for possible temperature swings, chilly nights (30s-40s) and passing storms. Layers are our best way to stay ready for anything!
Sun protection is also essential. The altitude and climate results in up to 60% higher UV rays than at sea level, along with less protection from the sun due to low water vapor in the air. Packing list recommendations will be provided. You know yourself best and how you handle exposure to sun, plan accordingly.
Will I encounter wildlife at the retreat location?
It is very likely we will be staying among wildlife. After all, we are simply borrowing a slice of their home in nature. In our welcome session, we will provide recommendations to stay safe and respect the wild that we will be cohabitating with. The most likely sightings will be antelope, deer and curious little pikas. Your retreat host is a Wilderness First Responder and will guide day-time excursions, as well as provide oversight for the property to prevent unwanted animal encounters.
What if I’d like to arrive early or stay after the retreat concludes?
We certainly recommend enjoying the area outside the set schedule of the retreat. Reach out to the retreat organizer and we would be happy to offer suggestions. Optional group excursions will be available on Monday following the formal closing of the retreat.
What will the food be like? Will you be able to cater to dietary restrictions?
We will provide a survey for your dietary preferences, as well as request a basic grocery list from each guest for breakfast items. Guests will be preparing their own breakfasts (each yurt has a kitchen) and the group will share lunch and dinner together. Shared meals will be catered by a local chef.
How many participants will be attending the retreat?
Approximately 10-15 women will be participating in this retreat, including facilitators and supporting staff.
What should I pack?
Recommended packing list will be provided in your welcome email.
What is the cancellation policy?
Per our Terms & Conditions, the deposit payment is non-refundable. Remaining balance payments are due 30 days prior to the start of the retreat. However, if you submit your deposit and complete the 1:1 preliminary meeting and it is mutually decided the retreat is not the ideal fit, the initial deposit will be refunded in full. If a guest requests to cancel 30 days or more before the start of the retreat, they may submit a written request for refund. This will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the retreat organizer. If a guest cancels less than 30 days before the retreat, our terms & conditions state that the balance paid is non-refundable. We understand the unexpected can happen, so we encourage you to reach out to yutori.retreats@gmail.com to discuss your options and request a special consideration, if needed.
Other details:
There will be a trained service dog on-site. When he is not on-duty, he will be a friendly, social pup and will likely be present at most activities. If you are not comfortable around dogs, please reach out to the retreat host prior to confirming your registration to discuss your questions or concerns.
This is an alcohol, nicotine, and illicit-drug free retreat. Certain plant medicines are recreationally legal in the state of Colorado and are not categorized as illicit substances.
For any further questions, please contact yutori.retreats@gmail.com