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 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. Tucked beside a private lake at the end of a long road, the Trout Club is a true hideaway, a place you won’t be able to find on the internet. There is no doubt you will love Vermont.
Our fun-filled activities including hiking, biking, canoeing, and “Awakening the Senses” yoga are suitable for all abilities and experience levels. No matter if you are a complete newcomer to any of our activities, or a seasoned pro at all of them, our expert staff will guide you in the company of others of your ability, in a supportive non-competitive environment. We’ll also leave plenty of downtimes, to read a book on the swimming dock, journal while lounging on our sunny lawn, dance in the lodge’s cheery great room with your new girlfriends, or just relax in a rocking chair on our large wrap-around porch listening to the murmur of a nearby stream.
Our retreats in Vermont would not be complete without a tour of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, a Maple Syrup demo and visit, along with some time in town to explore the locally produced cheeses and one-of-a-kind art. But perhaps the greatest treat our getaway in Vermont has in store for you is the deep sense of rejuvenation that comes from unplugging from your every day, and reconnecting with the sights and sounds of serenity. Come play with us at the restorative Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont!
What to expect
Awaken in natural rhythm with the sun, coming into your fresh, new day slowly. Join us for a gentle morning yoga session followed by a gourmet, family-style breakfast. After breakfast, we’ll break into small groups for an uplifting mountain bike ride. You can choose an easy or challenging course, depending on how you feel that day. Either way, you’ll ride with women of your same ability and comfort level.
We’ll refuel with a hearty, energizing lunch or if we’re out biking on location, like the famous bike path in Stowe or the Trapp Valley Lodge trails (aka mountain biking paradise, and yes, we’re talking the same Von Trapps from The Sound of Music), we’ll enjoy lunch in town, with one very special lunch planned at the Bavarian Café on the Von Trapp property – truly a cultural and culinary experience to remember!
After lunch, you’ll have free time to swim, canoe, or kayak in our private lake, lounge on the dock with a good book, or fold yourself into a rocking chair on our adorable wrap-around porch. After a decadent dinner, it’s time to tap into our creative vision with lectures, demonstrations, and creative exercises, including our trademark Heart’s Desire process, designed to awaken your dreams and unleash your full potential. The evening ends by 9:00 p.m., ensuring you’re in sync with the man in the moon.
Highlights
Freshwater lakes, breathtaking views, and spectacular forest trails for daily adventures, all part of our remote playground.
Daily yoga and balancing practices, including massage *extra fee, Qigong, and quiet time to enjoy the exquisite surroundings of our lakeside retreat.
Outdoor adventures for all ability levels, including hiking, trail running, and mountain biking in magical forests and magnificent meadows, and canoeing and SUPing, (possible fishing) and swimming in some of Vermont’s most secret spots.
Mountain biking on the Stowe bike path, considered the most beautiful bike path in the country.
Mountain biking at Trapps Family Lodge or you may choose hiking this day as well
Day trip to town to shop local artisans. Includes tours of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, and Cabot Creamery Annex. One afternoon we visit Audrey and her families Maple Syrup Farm
Day trip to The Trapp Valley Lodge, a 2,400-acre playground. We’ll bike some of the most serene, scenic trails in existence, with well-kept beginner friendly terrain and spectacular scenery. Lunch on site at the Von Trapp’s exquisite Bavarian café is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Daily inspirational talks, heartfelt discussion and sharing, visualization, journaling and creative activities.
Expert health, wellness, and training tips from the pros on staff.
Massage available all day, everyday for an extra cost.
Immersion into nature, and the opportunity to re-sync with her natural rhythms.
Lots of laughter, friendship, and relaxation.
Weather
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.
Mountain bike riding
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 the Mt Mansfield Trail System of 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 are around $65 to $85 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.
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About The Host
We provide enriching and rejuvenating adventure retreats to renew the spirit and strengthen the body. A unique and powerful approach to creating vibrant health and personal empowerment deals for women of any age, background, or athletic ability. Programs targeting the mind, body, and spirit have been developed and refined over 16 years by world champion triathlete Colleen Cannon.
Location
Things to keep in mind
FAQ
I am out of shape, can I do the retreat?
YES! Because women of all ages, backgrounds, and athletic abilities attend the retreats there is a strong sense of support and camaraderie. Participants are inspired to overcome their limitations, celebrate their bodies, and refresh their spirits. Whether you have just started a fitness walking program and want to learn new wellness tools, or are a competitive athlete looking for your next adventure, Activ Retreats invites you to comfortably challenge yourself with fun and adventure.—whether that means a long hike or speedy bike ride down a trail, or giving yourself quiet time to sit on a rock and stretch. You will be encouraged to playfully explore at your own pace.
The ability levels are always varied: The staff provides expert technical instruction for all ability levels and we really have fun teaching the advanced as well as the beginners. We want to help you achieve your goals and fulfill your expectations, whether that means learning or perfecting cycling, hiking a 14,000 ft peak, surfing or doing yoga for the first time. We keep the groups small so that everyone gets individual attention.
Who is your typical quester?
Backgrounds range from:
*Business professionals who want a fit and fun vacation with everything planned
*Mom’s that really need to talk to someone their own age and refresh from the Inside-Out!
*Empty Nesters that are finally FREE to PLAY
*Women that did not have the chance to learn sports as children and they want a safe place to learn
*Girlfriends that want a fun getaway to laugh and celebrate life
*Athletic women that want to learn from the Pro’s and learn their training secrets
*Single women that want to travel and find adventure. The majority of the women who attend our retreats come by themselves. Although you may come alone, you will leave the retreat with new, lifelong friends!
*Mother/Daughters, single, married WOMEN!
You see…everyone is a Quester!!
What is the typical age?
We have had questers as young as 8, and as old as 82 but the bulk of our participants range from 30-65.
What is the The Mind/Body Balance?
Activ Retreats has always had the balance of the Mind/Body. We were doing it before it was cool because Colleen realized from her coach Phil Maffetone, that it was important to be Healthy as well as Fit and Healthy was balancing the Body, Mind and Spirit. The retreats offer a mixture of traditional and alternative methods to give you the powerful tools for personal discovery and transformation. For each of the physical activities, you will receive expert, and often individual, instruction. You also will be introduced to a variety of mind/body exercises and inspirational lectures to help nurture balance and encourage you to voice and follow your life’s dream.
What will I discover?
Have you ever had an experience that really changed your life? Many of us have had a few magical, poignant moments that made us see things in an entirely new way – bringing what we value most into sharp focus. These experiences encourage us to step beyond our limitations and discover our power and passion. Activ Retreats retreats invite these sorts of special memories. In the company of supportive and inspirational women, you will experience moments of laughter, excitement, and reflection that you will treasure for a lifetime.
Activ Retreats invites you on a journey to find balance in you life—a quest for INTEGRATION, PASSION, and VITALITY of mind, body, and spirit. You will develop the tools and motivation needed to realize your unique potential and create a plan for what you want to create with your “one wild and precious life.” Our participants report profound and lasting change as a result of their retreat experience.
Where are the retreats held?
Our adventure retreats for women are held at resorts in spectacular and inspirational places such as the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Vermont, Sonoma Wine Country, Hawaii, Tuscany, Italy, Costa Rica, Croatia, Peru and Bali The splendor of the natural environment invites women to reflect upon their own innate beauty and experience their relationship with the natural world. Serene forests, singing streams and glorious wildflowers will be your wise companions on the journey. Accommodations, gear, and healthy, delicious food are included in every retreat.
Do I have to participate in everything on the schedule?
No! All activities and outings are optional. This is YOUR retreat. We encourage you to do what feels most nurturing and right for you. You will be fully supported in doing as much or as little as you choose. All of our activities will be guided by expert staff, and instruction and support will be offered for every activity according to your experience level.