Questions and Answers for the Winter Wonderfest:

We are excited that you will be joining us for the Winter Wonderfest. We have some great activities planned for you. We look forward to an awesome time together, sharing experiences and making new friends. To help you on your journey, we will walk you through all the information you will need to know by addressing our most frequently asked questions.

What will I need to bring?
• Sunglasses, sunscreen
• Comfortable clothes for movement and yoga
• Tennis shoes/hiking boots
• Warm socks 
• Winter jacket
• Bathing suit (you will have access to the pool and hot tub)
• Fannypack with water bottle holder(s) and water bottles (preferably 2)
• Gloves, hat and/or ear band 
• Windbreaker (preferably insulated) and wind pants
• Clothing (see below)
• We will be renting skis from the Nordic Center at Snow Mountain Ranch. The cost for the ski/boot rental and trail passes will be $15/day.

What does it mean to layer clothing?
Layering clothing is a way of getting dressed so that you are prepared for any weather. You start with multiple layers, and as you warm up you can remove a layer(s).  A good base layer is important, cotton is not recommended since it does not wick moisture.  SmartWool makes great 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 will the accommodations be like?
We will be staying in the Independence Lodge at Snow Mountain Ranch. It is the largest of the lodges at Snow Mountain Ranch, featuring a huge living area.  The lodge is cozy with huge windows overlooking the high peaks of the Rocky Mountains.  The lodge sleeps 18 people (6 rooms are doubles and 2 rooms are triples).  All rooms have their own bathroom.  Bath linens and warm bedding is provided.  If you have a request for a specific roommate, please indicate this on your registration form. 

Additional accommodation is provided at the Timberline Lodge of Snow Mountain Ranch.  The lodge is located behind Independence Lodge and has 7 bedrooms and a shared bathroom.  Six participants can be housed at Timberline Lodge.  Participants staying at the Timberline Lodge will receive a $100.00 discount.

Snow Mountain Ranch is located at an elevation of 8,750 feel.  There are 5,100 acres on the Ranch and more than 80 km of groomed trails for cross-country skiing.  We will be skiing out of our door!  Snow Mountain Ranch is the best place to learn to cross-country ski in the world amidst 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, refer to their website: http://www.ymcarockies.org.

The elevation at Snow Mountain Ranch is 8,750 feet, and there are 5,100 acres, featuring more than 103 km of groomed trails for cross-country skiing. We will be skiing right out our door!

How will the altitude affect me?
The two major influences at higher altitude are decreased oxygen density and decreased humidity. The most important thing you can do to minimize the effects of altitude is to DRINK A LOT OF WATER!  If you fly in an airplane to the retreat, be sure you drink at least 32oz. of water on the airplane.  Avoid alcohol and caffeine and get as much sleep as possible the week before the retreat.  We will ease you into activities for adjusting to the change in altitude.  

What will a typical day be like?
Most days we will get an early start, beginning the day with coffee and a chance to chat. Before breakfast, we will warm up and wake up with a yoga session.  After breakfast, we will get outside in the snow and ski. After a great ski-session, we will savor a hearty, healthy and energy-boosting lunch. After lunch, we will take a break before going snowshoeing 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 support and encourage you to find the level of activity that is energizing for your body and mind.  
- Thursday:  Classic Skiing
- Friday:  Learning to skate ski or perfect your classic technique
- Saturday:  A beautiful snowshoe hike
- Sunday Morning:  Choose to participate in an activity you prefer

Do we get free time?
Absolutely! We offer plenty of activities, but ther is NO PRESSURE participate.  We offer you a midday break each day, where you can read, nap or enjoy new friends.  We have professional massage therapists available during break times. The rate is $30 for a half-hour or $60 for an hour.

What will the food be like?
We feature healthy food, and plenty of it!  In addition to meals, snacks include Odwalla juices, Luna bars, Green Food drinks and yummy food from Barbara's Bakery.  Throughout the retreat we offer an assortment of food appropriate for healthy winter nutrition.  Our professional caterer will offer healthy cooking and nourishing foods for an active lifestyle and healthy body.  Please indicate any dietary restrictions;  we can accommodate your special needs.  

What about 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 the 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 skis, snowshoes or yoga, we love to introduce these activities.  

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. A variety of trail options are available for our snowshoeing and skiing adventures, depending on each person's comfort level. We do suggest that you start a training or workout program long before you come so that you can get the most out of the retreat. It 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?
From Denver International Airport (DIA) take the shuttle service called "Home James." Call them at 1(303) 451-4844 to make your reservation. The cost is $45 one way. Please reserve your space early, as they cannot guarantee space on the vans at the last minute. You will be collecting your luggage on Level 5 of the Main Terminal. You can find Home James by going to the large glass-enclosed waiting area located on the east side of the airport terminal, between doors 511 and 513. You may want to bring a drink and snack, because it is a 2-hour drive to the lodge.

What time should I arrive?
Registration will begin at 4:00 PM on the first day.  The shuttle leaves at 1:00 PM from DIA.  Arrange your flight so that you arrive by 12:00 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 you plane is delayed.  If you miss the 1:00 PM shuttle, the next shuttle leaves at 2:30 PM and will get you to SMR at 5:00 PM.

What time does the retreat end?
We will conclude by 11:00 AM on our last day.  The shuttle pick up times from Snow Mountain Ranch to Denver Airport are as follows:
- Leaving Snow Mountain Ranch at 10:45 AM arriving at DIA at 1:30 PM
- Leaving Snow Mountain Ranch at 12:15 PM arriving at DIA at 3:00 PM

What if I want to drive?
If you are driving to the lodge, please plan to arrive between 3 and 4 PM on the first day.
From Denver: 
-Take I-70 West, toward Idaho Springs & Grand Junction. 
-Get off at exit 232 (Highway 40), which will have signs to Grandby. 
-Stay on Hwy 40 going up and 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.
From Boulder:  
-Take Broadway all the way out of town going south (turns into Hwy 93) towards Golden. -Take I-70 going west towards Idaho Springs, and follow directions given above.

What if I want to arrive a day or more before the retreat starts?
Option 1: Stay in Denver the night(s) before and take the Home James Shuttle to Winter Park the day the retreat begins. If you need hotel information near the airport or Downtown Denver, you can call the Denver Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau's 24-hour service at (1030) 645-3446.
Option 2: Arrive early to DIA and take the Home James Shuttle into Winter Park to stay for the night(s). Women's Quest will be available to pick you up in Winter Park on the first day, if you stay at one of the following motels: 
-Olympia Motor Lodge (1030) 548-1992 
-The Viking Lodge (1030) 421-4013 
-Winter Park Super 8 Motel (888) 726-10388

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?
There is a $250 non-refundable deposit due at the time of registration. The 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 to you. Sorry, but no refunds will be given 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. Should this happen, we will refund any money you have sent us. Please send your final payment along with your completed profile sheet (enclosed) to us in the self addressed envelope we have provided. We will be sending notification of any changes by email, so make sure we have your email address!

The staff at Women's Quest is very excited about your participation and we are looking forward to a remarkable adventure! We hope this answers all of your questions. You are always welcome to call (303) 545-9295 or email (colleen@womensquest.com) anytime if you have any further questions.

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