Questions and Answers for the Winter Wonderfest:

What will I need to bring?
• Sunglasses, sunscreen
• Comfortable clothes for movement and yoga
• Waterproof shoes or boots for snowshoeing (not essential but nice)
• Warm socks 
• Winter jacket
• Bathing suit (you will have access to the pool and hot tub if you choose)
• Fannypack with water bottle holder(s) and water bottles (preferably 2)
• Gloves, hat and/or ear band 
• Clothing you can layer (see below)
• Yoga clothes to stretch in
• We will be renting skis from the Nordic Center at Snow Mountain Ranch. The cost for the ski/boot rental and trail passes is $25 a day. Snowshoes are provided but if you are driving bring your own if you have them.

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 lodges 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.) If you want a single room we can arrange that at a nearby lodge but it would not be at our home base lodge. Snow Mt Ranch has lots of rooms available. 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 80 km of groomed trails for cross-country skiing. We will be skiing right out our door! 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.

How will 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 your drink at least 32 oz. of water on the airplane. Avoid alcohol and get extra sleep the week before the retreat. We will be sure to ease you into activities, and provide tips for adjusting to the change in altitude.

What will 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, ski more and/or have a presentation. 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: Classic skiing
• Friday: Learning to skate ski or really perfect your classic technique
• Saturday: Snowshoe hike day
• Sunday morning: optional day

What do I need money for?
*You will need money for ski rental and ski pass which is $25.00 a day (We will get your skies, boots and poles all reserved for you.)
* Massage is $85.00 an hour and it is the BEST!!
*The Nordic Center is giving us 20% off of all the clothing in case you can’t find windpants, jackets or warm hats and gloves before you come.

Who is 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 $80 an hour.

What will the food be like?
We hire our very own personal chef for the week that prepares AMAZING food. Odwalla juices, Luna Bars and Barbara’s Bakery sponsor us by providing healthy snacks. 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. 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. This does not need to be a hard-core program, just get out and play and be active a few days a week.

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. You can book a place on the shuttle on their website at www.ridehj.com or by calling them at 1-800-359-7528. The cost is $65, 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. At DIA you will 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 ½ hour drive from DIA to our lodge at the Snow Mountain Ranch. Note that Home James will offer a friends and family discount of $8 off for each person in each direction if there are at least three people going in the same shuttle, paying with a single credit card and making their reservation at least three days in advance.

What time should I arrive?
Registration will begin between 3-4 pm on Wednesday, Jan 27th. The shuttle leaves at 1pm from DIA. 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 on time. NOTE: The Home James shuttle cannot wait if your plane is delayed. If you miss the 1:00 shuttle the next shuttle leaves at 2:30 and will get you to SMR at 5:00. If you want to come in early you can also do that. You can call Snow Mountain Ranch and reserve a room or stay in Winter Park. If you arrive early on Wednesday you can leave your bags at the Conference Center and head to the Nordic Center and jump on skies or snowshoes until 3:00 pm when our lodge opens up.

What time does the retreat end?
We will conclude by 12:00 noon on Sunday. The shuttle pick up times from Snow Mountain Ranch to the Denver Airport are:
• Leaving Snow Mountain Ranch at 10:45 arriving DIA at 1:30
• Leaving Snow Mountain Ranch at 12:15 arriving DIA at 3:00
• You can also leave earlier if you need to catch a flight to the East Coast

What if I want to drive?
If you are driving to the lodge, please plan to arrive between 3 and 4 PM on January 27th. Go to the Conference Center on the left hand side at your first stop sign inside Snow Mt Ranch. They will give you a map to the Independence Lodge.

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.

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. 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: If you want to arrive early and downhill ski. Arrive early to DIA and take the Home James Shuttle into Winter Park to stay for the night(s). A Women’s Quest staff member will be available to pick you up in Winter Park on Wednesday. Here are some suggestions for affordable lodging in Winter Park:
1. Olympia Motor Lodge (1-800-548-1992)
1. The Viking Lodge (1-800-421-4013)
2. Winter Park Super 8 Motel (1-888-726-8088)
• We can pick you up anywhere in Winter Park. If you want to downhill ski we will pick you up at the Winter Park ski mountain at 3:00.

How can my family contact me during a retreat?
Snow Mountain Ranch 970-887-2152 ext.1776

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. If you prefer, the remainder of your balance may be put on Visa/MasterCard/Discover. The remaining balance of $850.00 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. Please send your final payment along with your completed profile sheet (enclosed) to us ASAP…Thanks The staff at Women’s Quest is EXCITED to meet you…we are looking forward to a AWESOME adventure! Contact us ANYTIME if you have any further questions