Alaska Sojourn:
Women’s Wilderness Yoga Retreat
Have you been longing to explore the wilds of Alaska? Our Alaska Sojourns gets you off the beaten path…WAY off the path! Journey with a small group of women to the Arctic Hive located 63 miles north of the arctic circle in the Brooks Range.
NEW Dates for 2025 Announced!!!
There is no better place to enjoy the magic of the aurora borealis!
Join our Sojourn to Northern Alaska to experience what few people in the world will ever see, let alone explore: The glory of the Brooks Range under the Northern Lights, from our basecamp at the northernmost yoga studio and retreat center in America. You’ll have the opportunity to stay with other adventure women in boutique off-grid accommodations, eat nourishing vegan meals, take in epic scenery, and enjoy a daily yoga practice.
“I’d finally come to understand what it had been: a yearning for a way out, when actually what I had wanted to find was a way in.”
EXPERIENCE DATES:
March 6-11, 2025
TRIP TYPE:
Women Only - Wilderness Retreat
TRIP PRICE:
$4800, Private Cabin (Limited Availability)
$3500, Per Person in a Shared Cabin (one twin, one full bed in loft)
$2900, Per Person in a Triple Cabin
Early Bird Discount
Sign up by April 1, 2024 to get $150 off.
Companion Discount
Sign up by May 1, 2024 with a friend to get $100 off for you and for your travel companion.
NOTE: We will need a minimum of 4 travelers to run this trip.
ADDITIONAL COSTS:
Transportation to/from Fairbanks, Alaska.
Specific meals, as noted in the itinerary.
Any lodging required before/after the Sojourn begins/ends in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Pre-Trip Adventure to Chena Hot Springs
LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE!
Join the Alaska Sojourn to go into the wild and find yourself. Your Sojourn experience is guided by Lotus Sojourns Founder, Christine Winebrenner Irick.
Christine guides women on intentional journeys incorporating adventure travel and personal transformation. Christine is passionate about creating connected communities of women, and crafting experiences that build on the inherent transformational power of travel and guides travelers to use this journey as a catalyst for their own transformation. She has worked in the tourism industry for 20 years, has a Masters degree in Sustainable Destination Management, and is committed to using travel as a vehicle for good. She shares stories of her like-hearted colleagues on her Soul of Travel podcast. She is also a certified yoga instructor and focuses on a gentle practice that offers connection to nature, spirit and self through postures, meditation and breathwork. She is the mother of three young girls who are a beautiful reminder for her to stay committed to her dream to create a world where all women know themselves as equal and valuable members of our global community, and are strongly connected to their true self and the power of their voice.
Photo by Arctic Hive
Photo by Christine Winebrenner Irick
SOJOURN HIGHLIGHTS:
Boutique Off-Grid Accommodations
Opportunities to see the Northern Lights and Epic Scenery
Dog Sledding, Hiking and Snowshoeing in the Arctic
Yoga and Meditation in the Zen Den (igloo with a view!)
Nourishing Vegetarian Cuisine
Village Tour Exploring the Arctic Subsistence Lifestyle
Pre-trip Intention Setting and Guided Practices in Alaska
Connection to an adventurous group of women working to accomplish the same goals!
REGISTRATION NOW AVAILABLE!
Christine Winebrenner Irick, Founder & Guide at Lotus Sojourns.
Are you interested in joining but would love to know a bit more?
You can sign up for our email list here and automatically receive the audio-only Alaska Sojourn Information Session Christine hosted to go over all you need to know.
March 5:
Optional Pre-Trip. If you’d like to arrive early in Fairbanks to adjust to the time zone, relax from the travel to Alaska or just enjoy more time exploring Fairbanks, we can arrange an additional hotel night. We will also plan a Pre-Trip Excursion to Chena Hot Springs for the day of March 6 for travelers arriving in early and then meet the group for dinner.
March 6:
Arrival into Fairbanks. For those who arrive in time we will gather informally for a group dinner in or near the hotel. Your hotel night is included in the price of the Sojourn but your meal will be on your own. Single room upgrade is available.
March 7:
We depart Fairbanks first thing in the morning, as much of our first day is spent getting up to the Arctic.
On the epic drive up the Dalton Highway (famed from the show "Ice Road Truckers"), you'll get to cross the mighty Yukon River, dine on local fare from the historic Yukon River Camp, cross the Arctic Circle — of course have your photo taken, and see the most gorgeous, dynamic landscapes featuring arctic tundra, Black Spruce forests, and rolling hills until the massive Brooks Range comes into view.
The drive is 7-9 hours long! The experience driving the "Haul Road," as it's affectionately called, is one few people have ever experienced and is sure to delight and thrill!
March 8-10:
The days that follow will include hiking/snowshoeing around the village of Wiseman and its surrounding wilderness, taking in the views and experiencing radical aliveness away from the distractions of cell phones and computers. There's no cell service in this village, or at Arctic Hive, so the temptation of home, work and life won't even be present.
Yoga, meditation and other activities in the igloo are balanced out with ample road adventures to mountain passes on the Dalton Highway. Pending weather, you'll dogsled through the snow-covered landscape, and take a private tour of the village with Alaskan legends living the subsistence lifestyle in Wiseman, Alaska. We'll channel our creative energy into our own handmade arctic crafts with an Artist in Residence in Wiseman, as well as make malas (and learn how to use them!) one evening after dinner in the igloo.
We will dine together twice a day in the igloo (plus coffee and snacks before yoga), and we will typically pack up lunch to go with us, wherever we're headed for the day. Although many activities are custom-planned depending on the specific weather we're dealt with (which is how life in Alaska just is!), you may find yourself at a bonfire on the river, experiencing yoga under a blanket of stars and dancing Northern Lights in the igloo, sharing a beer over a board game with new friends and more.
This retreat is a reflection of how our hosts, Sean and Mollie, live their life in wild places — the perfect combination of activities, relaxation, and good company.
Throughout the retreat, you’ll fuel up with nourishing vegetarian cuisine, custom crafted by Mollie (who is certified in plant-based nutrition and an avid cook who loves to entertain!) to give your body the most balanced fuel so you can think, see and move clearly for the weekend. There will always be tea, coffee and snacks available. (Guests in the past raved about the food every day, so if you've never eaten "plant based" before, rest assured you will be well provided for!)
March 11:
We will pack up and depart Arctic Hive in the late morning, and make the same trek back to Fairbanks — experiencing new stops along the way depending on weather. We will close out our trip with dinner on the town in Fairbanks. Do not book at flight out until late evening on March 11 or for the following day. An additional room night can be added in Fairbanks to sleep or refresh before your return flight: both shared and single options available.
This Wilderness Retreat will be held at Arctic Hive in Wiseman, Alaska. Arctic Hive is located in Brooks Range 63 miles above the arctic circle outside of the tiny village of Wiseman. From the village, the property is hike-in access only.
Arctic Hive is comprised of remote off-grid backcountry retreat center with three cozy cabins and a fiberglass igloo common area. It sits between two major protected wilderness areas of Alaska's Brooks Range—Gates of the Arctic National Park and Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. They embrace remote arctic Alaskan living. While we are there we will explore the arctic ecosystem through yoga, meditation, art, skis, raft, hiking, and dogsled.
There are three cabins to keep you cozy warm during your stay — there are mountain views in every direction, and plenty of windows to see the wild landscape and the northern lights! Each cabin will be home to two retreat attendees in twin or double beds (depending on the cabin).
All cabins are off-grid, heated with Swedish Nordic oil stoves that keep the space warm and cozy , with solar/battery powered lighting with inverter batteries for charging small devices. There is no cell phone reception from the cabins — although we do have access to service for emergencies, and for those who may need to check in with home once and a while.
Depending on the amount of sunlight, you'll have the opportunity to charge small devices via generator or solar power (such as your phone if you use it as a camera). It wouldn't be wise to bring larger electronics like computers, as they draw so much power from the small battery banks.
The cabins are located just a short walk up the hill from the Igloo. There is one composting outhouse that's cleaned and attended to daily — along with a few designated "facility trees" in the woods. If you're inexperienced with either of these methods, our team will assure you're up to speed upon arrival!
The igloo at Arctic Hive is a cozy place to gather during our Sojourn. Photo by Arctic Hive.
Enjoy staying in a quaint off-grid cabin. Photo by Arctic Hive.
Christine preparing for a yoga session at Arctic Hive. Photo provided by Lotus Sojourns.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
Transport from Fairbanks to Wiseman
Transport back from Wiseman to Fairbanks
Lodging for 5 nights from the retreat start date
5 days of dynamic programming, including but not limited to the drive tour up and back including crossing the Arctic Circle and the mighty Yukon River, hikes/snowshoeing, crafts, dogsledding, northern lights tour, mingling with Wiseman village folk, yoga, meditation and more!
Three delicious meals a day at Arctic Hive, light refreshments and all the clean mountain water you could ever want, including coffee/tea/snacks throughout the weekend. (Dietary needs can be accommodated!)
All linens, duvet, a hand towel — freshly washed and ready for you!
Baby wipes and dry shampoo! (You’ll love these amenities!!!)
Yoga mats and props
NOT INCLUDED:
Flight/Transport to Fairbanks
Lodging in Fairbanks before and after the retreat, if applicable. Your arrival night in Fairbanks is included, but any additional nights are at an additional cost.
Pre-trip Adventure to Chena Hot Springs
Breakfast and lunch on March 7 (we will be stopping at Yukon River Camp, where they have a delicious menu with noodle bowls and options for all dietary needs)
Showers (You won't need one, we promise!)
Alcohol— but you are welcome to grab what you want at the grocery store on before we leave Fairbanks!
Dinner on March 11 (We stop at Yukon River Camp and everyone can order what they wish!)
Travel Insurance, should your trip be interrupted for reasons beyond your (or our) control.
The cost associated with your negative COVID-19 test dated within 3 days of your arrival into Fairbanks (more info on this under COVID protocol)
TRAVEL DATES
ARRIVE: March 6, 2025 (Pre-trip Arrival on March 5)
DEPART: March 11, 2025 (Do not book flights earlier than 10 pm.)
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Medium-High. Activity includes daily walking and hiking on uneven terrain, optional snow shoeing, and daily gentle yoga practice. This itinerary also includes transport by snow machine and optional dog sledding.
HEALTH
You will also be required to complete a Health Decleration Form three days prior to the journey. Please see the “Terms and Conditions” for this journey for additional information.
MONEY
You may need USD to pay for any costs not included in the retreat. See the “What’s Included” section for additional information.
TRIP INSURANCE
We now REQUIRE travel insurance and suggest contacting Wanderwell to find the right policy for you. More information, as well as a link to purchase can be found on the Lotus Sojourns FAQ page.
PACKING TIPS:
When you prepare to pack for your Sojourn, view the suggested packing list by Arctic Hive; as residents, they know this best! We will hold a special Zoom to learn what to pack for this experience.
Some items you may wish to have might be: a layered jacket system, coveralls or ski pants, neck gaiter, thick pajamas, warm or heated socks, warm or heated gloves, insulated boots (Mollie loves Steger Mukluks), fleece jacket for layering, thermal undergarments, sunscreen, and lip balm.
WEATHER:
The weather in Alaska at this time of year is very cold. You might expect overnight temperatures as low as -30° Fahrenheit.
LUGGAGE & GEAR:
We will review the best gear for this journey during our virtual preparation session. We recommend limiting yourself to just one checked bag, and one carry-on for the trip. Space is limited! Ideally, your checked bag is a duffel that converts to a backpack or has a strap for carrying. A small day pack is recommended and can double as your carry-on. Suitcases with wheels would NOT be ideal for carting around the Arctic.
