It started with a simple question: When was the last time I did something truly for me? Not for my family, not for work, not because Pinterest told me to, but because my soul whispered (and by whispered, I mean screamed) that I needed a reset. Enter: The Ski Retreat. Three days of skiing (or snowboarding!), wellness, and female empowerment in a postcard-worthy location? Sign me up and call me Elle Woods, because I was ready to thrive.
This isn’t your average ski weekend. The Ski Retreat is equal parts shredding the slopes, soulful connection, and next-level pampering—the kind that leaves you wondering why you ever settled for a granola bar in the car and called it “self-care.” Hosted in iconic destinations like Lake Tahoe, Breckenridge, and Sun Valley, The Ski Retreat takes the cliché of a girls’ trip and turns it into a much needed escape from, well, the strange reality most of us find ourselves in.
Our weekend in Tahoe was one for the books. It was wellness with a side of powdery slopes, a dollop of creativity, and a giant scoop of “Hell yes, we’re doing this.” Let me take you through it—one snowflake at a time.
Check out upcoming retreats here.
By the way, this post is brought to you in collaboration with The Ski Retreat. All thoughts on the wonderful weekend are my own.
The House That Dreams Are Made Of
You know those ski cabins in Hallmark movies? The ones with twinkling lights, rustic wood beams, and a hot tub perfectly positioned for dramatic life epiphanies? That’s where we stayed. The Ski Retreat’s Tahoe base was an adorable house that felt both luxurious and cozy, with rooming options to suit all budgets. Whether you wanted a private room to zen out or didn’t mind sharing bunk beds with new besties, there was a space for you.
The retreat came with a private chef—yes, you read that right—who whipped up meals that were both delicious and healthy. We’re talking hearty, nourishing dishes to fuel us for the slopes and indulgent desserts that made us forget the concept of calorie counts. There was also a hot tub that quickly became ground zero for deep conversations and lots of laughter.
Activities That Felt Like a Warm Hug for the Soul
If skiing/riding was the main course, the activities were the decadent appetizers and desserts. The weekend wasn’t just about hitting the slopes—it was a buffet of experiences designed to feed every part of you. Here’s a taste of what we did:
Candle-Making Magic
There’s something strangely satisfying about pouring hot wax into a jar and suddenly feeling like a DIY queen. We started the weekend with a candle-making workshop that was half crafting, half therapy session. Everyone’s candles smelled amazing, but more than that, it was a moment to slow down, sip some wine, and set intentions for the weekend. (My intention: To not fall off the chairlift. Spoiler alert: Success!)
Breakfast Tailgate
Think tailgating is just for football? The breakfast tailgate was the most delightful fusion of cozy and creative. We gathered outside at the base of the slopes, sipped steaming drinks, and marveled at the mountain views while eating a high protein breakfast.
B12 Shots
Let’s talk about the B12 shots. At first, I was skeptical. I mean, who gets a shot for fun? But let me tell you, it was worth it. The boost of energy was immediate, like someone turned the lights on inside me. Plus, it felt delightfully bougie—and isn’t that half the fun?
Private Chef Dinner and Charcuter-ski
Food is so important when singing up for a retreat, and the ladies delivered! We never had to want for anything, and dietary restrictions were no problem.
My favorite part was the charcuterie board served up on skis, followed by a dinner made by a private chef in our kitchen, complete with the best chocolate ganache cake ever. I had thirds.
Guided Watercolor Painting
It has been years since I painted, but this guided watercolor session made me feel like I could just release my need for perfection and enjoy the relaxation of painting without a goal. The instructor walked us through painting whichever crystal we connected most with, and I swear, my painting wasn’t half bad. It was meditative, fun, and just the right amount of challenging. Plus, we got to take our masterpieces home as a reminder of the weekend.
Fireside Chat with a Badass Female Founder
One of the highlights was a fireside chat with the founder of Coalition Snow, a company that makes skis designed specifically for women. She shared her journey—the triumphs, the struggles, and everything in between—and it was nothing short of inspiring. She even brought demo skis for anyone who wanted to test them out. I’m not saying the skis made us better skiers, but I’m also not not saying that.
Private Yoga Class
There’s a special kind of magic in a yoga class where you’re surrounded by women who all just skied their hearts out. Our private yoga session was equal parts stretch and surrender, led by an instructor who somehow knew exactly what our sore muscles needed. By the end, I felt like a new person—or at least a less creaky version of myself.
Swag Bag Goals
Every attendee received a swag bag that was basically the grown-up version of Christmas morning. Think high-quality goodies like skincare products, a cozy sweatshirt, and a PMS elixir that’s now my constant companion. It was the cherry on top of an already fabulous weekend.
Skiing & Snowboarding: The Star of the Show
Of course, we can’t forget the skiing and snowboarding. Tahoe is hard to beat with powdery snow, sunny skies, and breathtaking views (I’ll admit to being biased as a local, but it rivals the best of the Alps and then some).
The weekend was spent at Palisades Tahoe, one of the best resorts in the area. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a “pizza-turns” beginner, The Ski Retreat has something for everyone. The organizer, Charlotte, was great about making sure everyone felt comfortable and included, no matter their skill level. For me, the weekend was as much about the exhilaration as it was about the camaraderie. There’s something special about cheering each other on and laughing through the wipeouts (because let’s be real, there were a few).
Empowerment, Connection, and Belly Laughs
The Ski Retreat wasn’t just about skiing/riding, or yoga, or candle-making—it was about connection. It was about being surrounded by women who get it—the juggling act of life, the desire for adventure, the need for a break. It was about cheering each other on, sharing stories, and laughing until our cheeks hurt.
One of the most powerful moments was during our fireside chat, where we shared what brought us to the retreat. There were stories of triumph, loss, and everything in between. By the end of the weekend, it felt less like a group of strangers and more like a sisterhood.
Who Should Go?
Honestly? Everyone. Whether you’re a ski enthusiast, a wellness junkie, or just someone who needs a break from real life, The Ski Retreat is a gift to yourself. It’s perfect for solo travelers, best friends, or even a mother-daughter duo looking to bond.
Check out upcoming retreats here.
Final Thoughts
The Ski Retreat is more than a weekend getaway—it’s an experience that fills your cup in every possible way. It’s laughter and growth, adventure and relaxation, connection and empowerment. It’s a reminder that you’re allowed to take up space, to seek joy, and to carve out time just for you.
Would I go again? In a heartbeat. And if you’re considering it, let this be your sign to say yes. Yes to the slopes, yes to the laughter, yes to yourself.
Leave a Reply