Here’s everything you wanted to know about this mind, body, spirit adventure vacation for women. If you’re questions are not answered here, feel free to email or call us (colleen@womenquest.com).

Questions & Answers

What each of you should bring?
• 2 pairs of running shoes just in case one gets wet jumping over a stream or hiking through a dew-filled meadow.
• Warm socks or slippers for hanging out in the lodge.
• Sunglasses, and a hat or visor.
• Sweatshirt, lightweight rain jacket, shorts, bike shorts, tights.
• Bike gloves, lightweight gloves (for early morning running or hiking).
• Bathing suit for sauna, hot tub and swimming in a pool.
• Comfortable clothes for movement and yoga.
• Fanny pack with water bottle holder. (Sherpani Packs gives Women’s Quester 20% off. Click here to check them out.
• Sunscreen, and other personal toiletry items.
• You do not need to bring your bike helmet, unless you prefer your own.

What weather can I expect?
The temperature in Winter Park is usually around 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit in the morning, and then warms up to 70-85 degrees during the day. The weather can change quickly, and afternoon thunderstorms are not uncommon. Bring clothes to layer, as it is slightly cooler in the early mornings and evenings.

What are the accommodations?
We will stay at the Woodspur Lodge in Winter Park, Colorado. The lodge is located on the border of National Forest land, at an elevation of approximately 8500 feet. The Woodspur is a cozy A-frame log lodge with a magnificent view of the mountains. The mountains turn PURPLE at sunset! The 2-story lodge has a main dining area connected to a large common sitting area. Clean, comfortable guest rooms are located in wings off the main area.
You will share a room with your daughter(s). Each room has its own bathroom and shower. There are courtesy phones in the lodge, and a fax machine in the office. There are no phones in the rooms. Rooms have two queen beds, or one queen-size bed and a set of bunk beds. The lodge has two hot tubs, a sauna, and laundry facilities.

What will the food be like?
We offer healthy, low-fat meals and snacks. We provide entrees with meat (usually chicken or fish) and always have a vegetarian entrée as well. A salad bar is offered with all dinners, and most lunches. Lara bars, and Barbara’s Bakery provide us great snacks as our sponsors. Fresh fruit is always available. Please indicate any dietary restrictions; we can try to accommodate the picky eaters. The food is one of the BEST parts of the retreat. YUM!

What kind of mountain bikes will we have?
We will be using Diamond Back and Schwinn front-suspension mountain bikes (they’re great bikes!). The cost of mountain bike rental is included in the retreat fee. Bikes are fitted to each woman based on inseam length and height. We need to receive your sizing information at least two weeks prior to your retreat in order to arrange a properly fitted bike. We provide high-quality helmets for mountain biking, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. You may bring your clipless pedals and necessary shoes if you wish. All the bikes come with regular pedals, and can be fitted with toe straps. The young girls will also have bikes to fit them. Again, we just need their height and inseam size, too.

What if I want to bring my own mountain bike?
That’s fine. If you are driving, just bring it along. 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 $100 each way to bring a bike. A cheaper option is to ship your bike directly to Winter Park via UPS. If packed in a bike box, shipping is usually between $25-$50 each way. Also keep in mind that if you travel with your bike, you run the risk of damage to the bike enroute.

What is a typical day?
Most days we will get an early start (6:30 - 7a.m.). We will have a warm-up yoga session, followed by a hike or trail run, followed by breakfast. After breakfast we split into groups (based on experience and interest) for a mountain bike ride. The children will split into groups as well (ages 10-12, 13-16, 17 and above). We have trails and instructors for ALL LEVELS of experience. You will be supported in either a gentle or challenging ride—it’s up to you! After biking we enjoy a healthy energy-boosting lunch. After lunch we take a break, followed by a presentation and a hike, yoga, or dance. After a delicious dinner we have a demonstration or presentation, with creative activities, and fun times with the young girls. We finish in the evening by 9:00 p.m.. Please keep in mind that you do not have to do everything! We support and encourage you to find the level of activity that is right for you.

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, napping, or enjoying new friends. We have professional massage therapists available if you would like to receive a session during any of your breaks. The rate is $30 for a 1/2-hour session; $60 for 1-hour session.

What about the staff?
The staff is an inspiring and spirited group of women!!! For this camp, we’ll have many of the regulars (most of whom are moms too), plus some great women who do outdoor recreation with children professionally. You will have the chance to play with women who are both phenomenal athletes and articulate teachers. You will receive cutting-edge instruction with heart-felt 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. Don’t worry if this is your first time on a mountain bike, if you have not done much hiking, or your first experience with yoga—we LOVE to introduce the JOYS of these activities!

Am I in good enough shape to do the 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/child’s level of fitness, experience, and desire to challenge themselves. We do suggest that you start some form of a exercise or workout program before you come so that you can get the most out of the retreat. Your workout program does not need to be difficult…just get out and PLAY and BE ACTIVE several days a week.

How might the altitude affect me?
The two major differences between altitude and sea level are decreased oxygen density and decreased humidity. The most important thing you can do to minimize the affect of altitude is to DRINK A LOT OF WATER! If you fly to the retreat, be sure you drink at least 32 oz. of water on the airplane. Avoid alcohol and get extra sleep the week before the retreat. We will ease you into activities and provide tips for adjusting to the change in altitude.

What airport do I fly in to?
You should fly into the Denver International Airport

How will I get to Winter Park from the airport?
Transportation from Denver International Airport (DIA): A reliable and friendly shuttle service from DIA to Winter Park is called Home James. You will need to call them at (800) 359-7536 to make your reservation. Cost is $41, one-way. (Their prices are subject to change.) Make a reservation as far in advance as possible; they cannot guarantee space on the vans if you make your reservation at the last minute.

At DIA collect your luggage on Level 5 of the Main Terminal. Home James is located at the large glass-enclosed waiting area located on the east side of the terminal between doors 511 and 513. Get a bite to eat and a drink at the airport (or pack a snack) – it is a 2-hour drive from DIA to the Woodspur Lodge in Winter Park.

What time should I arrive?
Registration for the retreat starts at 3 p.m. on the first day of your retreat. The Home James shuttle leaves at 10:00 a.m. (arriving at 12:00) and 1pm from DIA and should arrive to the Woodspur Lodge at 3:00pm. Arrange your flight so that you arrive by noon (or earlier) so that you have time to collect your luggage and make it to the pick-up area by 12:30pm.

NOTE: The Home James shuttle cannot wait if your plane is delayed. If you miss the 1 p.m. shuttle, the next shuttle leaves at 5:00 and will get you to Woodspur Lodge around 7 p.m.. Please phone us at the Woodspur (800) 626-6562 if you are going to arrive late.

What time does the retreat end?
We will conclude by 2 p.m. on the last day of your retreat. The shuttle pick-up time from the Woodspur Lodge to the Denver Airport is 1:30- 2. The shuttle takes 2 hours to get to DIA. Make your departure times accordingly. (You may want to check with Home James before securing your departure flight.)

What if I want to drive?
If you are driving to the lodge, please plan to arrive between 2-3 p.m. the first day of the retreat.

Directions from Denver to the Woodspur Lodge:
Take I-70 West (toward Idaho Springs & Grand Junction)
Get off at exit 232 (Highway 40). Follow signs to Winter Park/Grandby.
Stay on Hwy 40 going North over Berthoud Pass. This will take you into Winter Park.
When you arrive at Winter Park, take the first left (at the light) on Vasquez Road.
Follow Vasquez Road up approx. 1 mile. Take the SECOND Van Anderson Drive. The entrance to the Woodspur is about 100 yards up on your left.

Directions from Boulder:
Follow Broadway out of town south towards Golden. (Broadway turns into Hwy 93).
Take I-70 going west towards Idaho Springs. Follow directions above.

What if I want to arrive the day before, or earlier?

Option 1: Arrive early and stay in Denver the night(s) before and take the Home James shuttle the day the retreat begins. If you decide to stay over in Denver the night before the retreat you can take the Home James shuttle the next morning that departs at 10:00 am so you could be to the lodge at 12:00. For hotel information near the airport or in downtown Denver, call the Denver Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau’s 24-hour service at 1-800-645-3446.

Option 2: Arrive early to DIA and take the Home James Shuttle into Winter Park to stay at the Woodspur Lodge. Cost is $55 per person for a double/ $103 for a single. Reservations must be made in advance. The phone number for the Woodspur is (800) 626-6562.

If you need help making travel plans, contact Heather Ross, a very helpful travel agent with whom I have been working for 20 years. Heather is atThe Travel Society has been coordinating cycling trips for years and can help you with whatever you need.

Heather Ross, The Travel Society
3000 Center Green 220 
Boulder CO 80301
Ph 303 381-7423   Fax 303 381-0609
email heatherr@travelsociety.com

What is the reservation and cancellation policy?
A $250 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration. This deposit must be paid by cash/check. We would really really appreciate it if you could send us a check for your remaining balance (Please) or we can take Visa/Mastercard. The remaining balance is due 60 days prior to the retreat. If you cancel less than 60 days prior to the retreat, 50% of the payment, less deposit, will be refunded. We are not able to provide refunds for cancellations within 14 days prior to the retreat.

Please note that injury or illness does not disqualify you from the cancellation policy. We are unable to transfer deposits and/or payments from one year to the next. We reserve the right to cancel any retreat and will not be responsible for additional travel costs incurred. In the unlikely event that a retreat is cancelled, we will promptly refund any money you have sent us.

How can my family reach me while I am at the retreat?
The number for the Woodspur is (800) 626-6562 or (970) 726-8417.

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. You can also check our website, at www.womensquest.com

"There is no end, believe me, to the happiness your body is willing to bear."
--Mary Oliver