Live By Living retreat registration is now open!
Retreat registration is now open. Here's some guidelines for registering for this summer's retreats:
We appreciate your patience during our transition, and look forward to better serving you. Any questions, please contact us. Thank you!
Here is our retreat schedule for 2023. All retreats are 2 nights. Dates shown are the date of arrival and date of departure:
March 17-19 YMCA conference center, Estes Park (in Fri out Sun)
July 29-31 Francie’s Cabin near Breckenridge (in Sat out Mon)
Aug 19-21 Francie’s Cabin near Breckenridge (in Sat out Mon)
Sept 9-11 Peter Estin Hut south of Eagle (in Sat out Mon)
Sept 16-18 Peter Estin south of Eagle (in Sat out Mon)
Sept 24-26 YMCA conference center, Estes Park (in Sun out Tues)
Sept 26-28 YMCA conference center, Estes Park (in Tues out Thurs)
Oct 1-3 YMCA conference center, Estes Park (in Sun out Tues)
Oct 7-9 Couples retreat, Breckenridge (in Sat out Mon)
To learn more about our retreats, scroll down this page.
- We have a brand new registration platform. You will need to create a user profile and password to register for retreats and other events. Once your profile is created, registering will be much easier than before. You'll be prompted to create your profile when you try to register for a retreat.
- Please only sign-up for one retreat initially. Later in July, you’ll be able to sign up for additional retreats pending availability.
- You now register for retreats on our Calendar page.
- Each survivor may bring one caregiver, if you like.
- Each person must register individually. When you register, it does NOT automatically register your caregiver.
- Without our dedicated volunteers, we could not do it! If you are currently an LBL volunteer, you may register for one or more retreats now.
- If you are interested in becoming an LBL volunteer, please register as a “volunteer” here and follow the application process to become an approved volunteer.
- Approved volunteers also register for retreats on our Calendar page.
We appreciate your patience during our transition, and look forward to better serving you. Any questions, please contact us. Thank you!
Here is our retreat schedule for 2023. All retreats are 2 nights. Dates shown are the date of arrival and date of departure:
March 17-19 YMCA conference center, Estes Park (in Fri out Sun)
July 29-31 Francie’s Cabin near Breckenridge (in Sat out Mon)
Aug 19-21 Francie’s Cabin near Breckenridge (in Sat out Mon)
Sept 9-11 Peter Estin Hut south of Eagle (in Sat out Mon)
Sept 16-18 Peter Estin south of Eagle (in Sat out Mon)
Sept 24-26 YMCA conference center, Estes Park (in Sun out Tues)
Sept 26-28 YMCA conference center, Estes Park (in Tues out Thurs)
Oct 1-3 YMCA conference center, Estes Park (in Sun out Tues)
Oct 7-9 Couples retreat, Breckenridge (in Sat out Mon)
To learn more about our retreats, scroll down this page.
Dining al fresco at the Eiseman Hut
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On top of the world!
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Uncle Bud’s Hut
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About Live By Living Retreats
Cancer treatment can leave you feeling pretty crummy. You want to feel better — physically, emotionally, spiritually. Recovering from cancer is hard work, and sometimes it helps if you can set a goal for yourself. One of our cancer survivor-caregiver retreats could be just the thing. Maybe you want something that’s not too strenuous. Or maybe you want a challenge, but want to be sure it’s something that is still realistic. Perhaps you’re recovered physically, but are still looking to find that “new normal.” Whatever the case, we have a retreat that’s right for you.
If you were diagnosed with cancer 20 years ago, your oncologist probably told you to rest, and not overdo it. Not anymore. Now, we know that exercise is an important part of recovery for survivors. It fights depression, anxiety, and cancer-related fatigue; makes doing everyday tasks easier; and it's even been shown to reduce the risk of recurrence for some cancers. It's even better when you do it in nature.
Being in nature does something to your brain that recalibrates your internal compass. It gives you clarity and assurance. And being in nature with people who understand what you’ve been through means you’ll be in a supportive, caring social environment while you’re exploring the natural environment. Want to share experiences with that really nasty chemo drug? Sure, no problem. Want to talk about the last book you read instead, or just sit on the deck and watch the sun and shadows lope across the forested mountain ridge? No problem, there, either. What you won’t find is a 45-minute scheduled discussion about “Fear of Recurrence,” or “Dealing with Difficult Emotions.” We leave that important work to your oncology social worker or therapist.
If you were diagnosed with cancer 20 years ago, your oncologist probably told you to rest, and not overdo it. Not anymore. Now, we know that exercise is an important part of recovery for survivors. It fights depression, anxiety, and cancer-related fatigue; makes doing everyday tasks easier; and it's even been shown to reduce the risk of recurrence for some cancers. It's even better when you do it in nature.
Being in nature does something to your brain that recalibrates your internal compass. It gives you clarity and assurance. And being in nature with people who understand what you’ve been through means you’ll be in a supportive, caring social environment while you’re exploring the natural environment. Want to share experiences with that really nasty chemo drug? Sure, no problem. Want to talk about the last book you read instead, or just sit on the deck and watch the sun and shadows lope across the forested mountain ridge? No problem, there, either. What you won’t find is a 45-minute scheduled discussion about “Fear of Recurrence,” or “Dealing with Difficult Emotions.” We leave that important work to your oncology social worker or therapist.
RETREAT FAQ
What do we do on a retreat?
On Live By Living’s 2-night "hut" retreats, we hike or snowshoe to cozy log cabins high in the Rockies, and spend a couple days relaxing, making new friends, and enjoying the beauty of nature. We lead the way, and we have a big truck (or snowmobile) to carry your gear and all of the food. If you don't think you're up for the hike in to the cabin, we can give you a ride. Once you're at the cabin, you can relax, get to know your new friends, and let yourself be pampered by our crew of caring volunteers.
We also offer more “civilized” retreats based at the amazing YMCA Conference Center in Estes Park. On the Estes Park retreats, you drive right to our large, modern cabin at the Y. We then carpool into Rocky Mountain National Park for day hikes and sack lunches, and return to our cabin for dinner and shuteye.
We also offer more “civilized” retreats based at the amazing YMCA Conference Center in Estes Park. On the Estes Park retreats, you drive right to our large, modern cabin at the Y. We then carpool into Rocky Mountain National Park for day hikes and sack lunches, and return to our cabin for dinner and shuteye.
What does it cost?
We are glad to announce that our retreats are FREE, thanks to generous grants from the George Karl Foundation, the Colorado Cancer League, the Colorado Cancer Coalition, the Miller Family Foundation, and the BStrong Ride, the cooperation and support of the Tenth Mountain Division Hut Association, as well as the generous support of our many individual donors.
After you attend one of our retreats, you can share the great feelings you got by paying it forward in some manner. If you are in a position to donate financially, we'd love to have your support. You can send another survivor on one of our retreats by donating here. Or, check out the Get Involved page for ideas. We are an all-volunteer organization. We need help doing just about everything.
Or, just do this: spread the word. Make it your mission to convince 2 or 3 other survivors and caregivers to attend their first LBL retreat. Still getting treatments or checkups? Tell your care provider what a great time you had! Ask them if they have any Live By Living brochures, and if not, let us know so we can send them some. Be sure to like our Facebook page, and share or comment on our posts.
After you attend one of our retreats, you can share the great feelings you got by paying it forward in some manner. If you are in a position to donate financially, we'd love to have your support. You can send another survivor on one of our retreats by donating here. Or, check out the Get Involved page for ideas. We are an all-volunteer organization. We need help doing just about everything.
Or, just do this: spread the word. Make it your mission to convince 2 or 3 other survivors and caregivers to attend their first LBL retreat. Still getting treatments or checkups? Tell your care provider what a great time you had! Ask them if they have any Live By Living brochures, and if not, let us know so we can send them some. Be sure to like our Facebook page, and share or comment on our posts.
What about Covid?
Our retreats are magical, but it is important to understand what you are signing up for, especially in terms of potential risks related to COVID19.
Retreats are a wonderful way to build a community, but they are close quarters. It is difficult to socially distance on a retreat, especially the retreats at the 10th Mountain Division Huts, because of the communal style of living. The sleeping quarters at the huts are communal – there are generally 3-5 sleeping rooms with 4-8 beds per room. A few rooms have 2 beds.
Retreats are about building community with fellow cancer survivors and caregivers. The leaders of Live by Living have debated how best to offer retreats, while maintaining safety for our participants. We will be implementing the following requirements for all volunteers and participants who are attending a retreat this season.
1. At this point, with the vast majority of people having been vaccinated and/or infected, we are no longer requiring proof of vaccination to attend retreats.
2. Everyone must submit proof of a negative COVID19 test, performed no more than 1 day prior to the retreat. A picture of a home test kit result will suffice.
3. We will require symptom checks in the days leading up to the retreat. Persons with symptoms of infectious diseases (e.g., Covid, colds, flu) that are not otherwise explained (e.g., known allergies) may not attend.
4. We will practice good hygiene.
COVID has been very challenging for many people in many different ways. One of the ways it is challenging is figuring out what risks we are each comfortable taking. We can't eliminate the risk of COVID transmission on our retreats. People spend a lot of time inside in a common room with people outside their own household on the retreats. This is a situation where wearing a mask may be advisable. But because the retreats are at high altitude (over 11,000' for the huts, and over 8,000' for the YMCA) we aren't going to require people to wear masks on the retreats -- we think it will just be too hard to breathe for many people. Instead, we will rely on the other measures above. You certainly may choose to wear a mask.
Reasons why you might consider not attending a hut retreat:
1) If you are concerned about the low, but not zero level of risk of contracting COVID19.
2) If you are currently in treatment for cancer, or recently out of treatment and still have a suppressed immune system.
3) Please consult with your health care provider the above information and if they recommend you do not attend.
It's also worth noting that retreats at the YMCA are likely inherently less risky because of the availability of hot running water, semi-private sleeping arrangements, and electricity to operate fans for ventilation. It's also easier to wear a mask at the YMCA than at the huts because it's quite a bit lower elevation.
Retreats are a wonderful way to build a community, but they are close quarters. It is difficult to socially distance on a retreat, especially the retreats at the 10th Mountain Division Huts, because of the communal style of living. The sleeping quarters at the huts are communal – there are generally 3-5 sleeping rooms with 4-8 beds per room. A few rooms have 2 beds.
Retreats are about building community with fellow cancer survivors and caregivers. The leaders of Live by Living have debated how best to offer retreats, while maintaining safety for our participants. We will be implementing the following requirements for all volunteers and participants who are attending a retreat this season.
1. At this point, with the vast majority of people having been vaccinated and/or infected, we are no longer requiring proof of vaccination to attend retreats.
2. Everyone must submit proof of a negative COVID19 test, performed no more than 1 day prior to the retreat. A picture of a home test kit result will suffice.
3. We will require symptom checks in the days leading up to the retreat. Persons with symptoms of infectious diseases (e.g., Covid, colds, flu) that are not otherwise explained (e.g., known allergies) may not attend.
4. We will practice good hygiene.
COVID has been very challenging for many people in many different ways. One of the ways it is challenging is figuring out what risks we are each comfortable taking. We can't eliminate the risk of COVID transmission on our retreats. People spend a lot of time inside in a common room with people outside their own household on the retreats. This is a situation where wearing a mask may be advisable. But because the retreats are at high altitude (over 11,000' for the huts, and over 8,000' for the YMCA) we aren't going to require people to wear masks on the retreats -- we think it will just be too hard to breathe for many people. Instead, we will rely on the other measures above. You certainly may choose to wear a mask.
Reasons why you might consider not attending a hut retreat:
1) If you are concerned about the low, but not zero level of risk of contracting COVID19.
2) If you are currently in treatment for cancer, or recently out of treatment and still have a suppressed immune system.
3) Please consult with your health care provider the above information and if they recommend you do not attend.
It's also worth noting that retreats at the YMCA are likely inherently less risky because of the availability of hot running water, semi-private sleeping arrangements, and electricity to operate fans for ventilation. It's also easier to wear a mask at the YMCA than at the huts because it's quite a bit lower elevation.
What are the accommodations like?
It depends on whether you are going to one of the Tenth Mountain Division cabins, to one of our retreats based at the Estes Park YMCA, or the couple's retreat in Breckenridge.
The Tenth Mountain Division Huts are beautiful log cabins, but they are rustic. These cabins have wood-burning stoves for heat, propane cooktops, well-equipped kitchens, solar-powered lights, and stunning vistas. Some things the cabins do NOT have: private bedrooms, running water, electricity. They also do not have flush toilets -- they either have indoor composting toilets or outhouses. Sleeping accommodations vary from cabin to cabin; Uncle Bud’s and Peter Estin have a couple bedrooms that sleep 2-4 people, and a larger area that sleeps up to 10. Francie’s Cabin has 6 bedrooms with 2-4 beds per room. Each bedroom has comfortable foam mattresses and pillows. The cabins sleep 16-20 people. Live By Living appreciates the generosity of the Tenth Mountain Division Hut Association in supporting our use of these huts.
If you want to read more about the cabins, click here, then browse under the “10th Mtn Huts” drop-down menu for the name of the cabin you are interested in.
The accommodations at the YMCA are fully equipped modern cabins and lodge rooms with electricity, showers, etc. We rent a 6-bedroom, 3 bath cabin. Two of these rooms have 2 pairs of bunk beds; 3 have a queen bed and one bunk bed pair, and the sixth room has one queen bed. Lodge rooms have 2 queen beds and a bathroom. Our trips are based on double occupancy. You can read more about the YMCA here.
The couple's retreat in Breckenridige is in 2 adjacent luxury homes.
The Tenth Mountain Division Huts are beautiful log cabins, but they are rustic. These cabins have wood-burning stoves for heat, propane cooktops, well-equipped kitchens, solar-powered lights, and stunning vistas. Some things the cabins do NOT have: private bedrooms, running water, electricity. They also do not have flush toilets -- they either have indoor composting toilets or outhouses. Sleeping accommodations vary from cabin to cabin; Uncle Bud’s and Peter Estin have a couple bedrooms that sleep 2-4 people, and a larger area that sleeps up to 10. Francie’s Cabin has 6 bedrooms with 2-4 beds per room. Each bedroom has comfortable foam mattresses and pillows. The cabins sleep 16-20 people. Live By Living appreciates the generosity of the Tenth Mountain Division Hut Association in supporting our use of these huts.
If you want to read more about the cabins, click here, then browse under the “10th Mtn Huts” drop-down menu for the name of the cabin you are interested in.
The accommodations at the YMCA are fully equipped modern cabins and lodge rooms with electricity, showers, etc. We rent a 6-bedroom, 3 bath cabin. Two of these rooms have 2 pairs of bunk beds; 3 have a queen bed and one bunk bed pair, and the sixth room has one queen bed. Lodge rooms have 2 queen beds and a bathroom. Our trips are based on double occupancy. You can read more about the YMCA here.
The couple's retreat in Breckenridige is in 2 adjacent luxury homes.
How hard are the retreats?
Our retreats vary in difficulty. The trips to the Tenth Mountain Division Huts are challenging, because we hike to these cabins. Most of the hikes are about 4 miles long, with one to two thousand feet of elevation gain. And, the cabins are all above 11,000 feet, so the thin air can also be a challenge. Contact us, and we’ll help you determine whether you’re ready for a trip, and if so, help you choose the trip that’s best for you. We’ll work with you and your physician to assess your level of fitness, and what training you may need to prepare. We strongly encourage you to join us for at least one hike (a hike, not a walk -- see the hikes and walks page) before you go on your first retreat. Still, it’s not a race, and with appropriate training, going on one of our Tenth Mountain retreats is a realistic goal for many cancer survivors. And if you’re just not able to hike to the cabin, we can always give you a ride.
Retreats at the YMCA conference center in Estes Park are much easier. The YMCA is at about 8,100 feet. As mentioned above, you drive to the lodging at the YMCA. On the YMCA trips, we have options for easy and moderate hikes. The easy hikes are pretty flat and a mile or less. Some have benches for you to rest on. The moderate hikes are about 3-4 miles with 400 to 650 feet of elevation gain and a maximum altitude of 10,150 feet. In contrast, the hikes from the huts start at over 11,000 feet. The harder ones may go up to 12,000 feet.
If you live at sea level, have difficulty with altitude, or have low blood counts, you should choose one of the YMCA Estes Park retreats instead of the Tenth Mountain Division Huts.
Retreats at the YMCA conference center in Estes Park are much easier. The YMCA is at about 8,100 feet. As mentioned above, you drive to the lodging at the YMCA. On the YMCA trips, we have options for easy and moderate hikes. The easy hikes are pretty flat and a mile or less. Some have benches for you to rest on. The moderate hikes are about 3-4 miles with 400 to 650 feet of elevation gain and a maximum altitude of 10,150 feet. In contrast, the hikes from the huts start at over 11,000 feet. The harder ones may go up to 12,000 feet.
If you live at sea level, have difficulty with altitude, or have low blood counts, you should choose one of the YMCA Estes Park retreats instead of the Tenth Mountain Division Huts.
What if I've never climbed a mountain?
You don’t need to be an experienced mountaineer to enjoy these trips! Whether you’re a veteran of the Appalachian Trail or your outdoor experience has been limited to walks in the park, you can enjoy our retreats. If you’ve never done a trip like this, we will provide the necessary instruction and training events to help you get in shape. We will work with you to be sure you have appropriate clothing and gear to keep you comfortable on the trail and at the hut. We have packs, sleeping bags, rain gear, etc., we can loan you, but you will need to bring a pair of good-fitting sturdy hiking shoes or boots.
Once we’re at the cabin, you’ll have a choice of activities. Join us for a hike or snowshoe tour, or just relax around the cabin and soak in the views and solitude. We also offer training in various techniques to help you through the cancer journey. Gain calmness and clarity with mindfulness (meditation) training. Relax and center yourself with a gentle yoga practice. Or really relax under the skilled hands of a masseuse. We are a volunteer-based organization, so specific activities offered vary from trip to trip.
Once we’re at the cabin, you’ll have a choice of activities. Join us for a hike or snowshoe tour, or just relax around the cabin and soak in the views and solitude. We also offer training in various techniques to help you through the cancer journey. Gain calmness and clarity with mindfulness (meditation) training. Relax and center yourself with a gentle yoga practice. Or really relax under the skilled hands of a masseuse. We are a volunteer-based organization, so specific activities offered vary from trip to trip.
What is the food like?
Retreats are not just about filling your soul: we’ll pamper you with great food, too! Our menus emphasize healthy, gourmet, cancer-fighting recipes. Gluten-free? Vegan? FODMAP? No problem. We accommodate special dietary restrictions.
Will we talk about cancer all the time?
No! Don't get us wrong -- cancer is a traumatizing experience, and talking about it (whether in a facilitated support group or with a therapist) can be an important part of your recovery. Still, by the time people have finished treatment, many have had it up to their eyebrows (or where their eyebrows used to be) with cancer, cancer treatment, cancer side effects, and talking about cancer. You may just want to be treated as a person, not a patient, and want to figure out how to get on with your life. We can help with that. Or, you may be looking for a way to recover your physical fitness, but don't want to go to a gym. We can help with that, too.
I just got diagnosed -- can I come on a rereat?
Once you've been diagnosed with cancer, you are a survivor in our book, and you are eligible to come on a retreat. The retreats are somewhat physically demanding, though, and may not be appropriate if your immune system is depressed. See the answers to the questions about Covid and "how hard are the retreats" as well.
Can I bring a caregiver?
Absolutely! Being a caregiver is no easy road. That's why all of our retreats are open to survivors and caregivers. A caregiver is a person who cares for another person with cancer, be they a spouse, friend or relative. Each survivor may bring one caregiver. IF YOU BRING A CARREGIVER, THEY MUST REGISTER SEPARATELY. REGISTERING FOR A RETREAT DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY REGISTER YOUR CAREGIVER.
What if I'm from out of state?
People who don't live at high altitude should register for a YMCA retreat. Coming from low elevation to 11,000 feet above sea level is a recipe for altitude sickness.
