Live By Living retreats are back!
We have 8 retreats scheduled for 2023.
We have 8 retreats scheduled for 2023.
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)
SORRY, THE MARCH SNOWSHOE RETREAT IS FULL. We will open registration for summer retreats in May.
The best way to be sure you can attend a retreat is to sign up for our email list. That is where we will announce when registration opens.
To learn more about our retreats, scroll down this page.
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)
SORRY, THE MARCH SNOWSHOE RETREAT IS FULL. We will open registration for summer retreats in May.
The best way to be sure you can attend a retreat is to sign up for our email list. That is where we will announce when registration opens.
To learn more about our retreats, scroll down this page.
On the trail above the Peter Estin 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.
Being a caregiver is no easy road, either. That's why all of our retreats are open to survivors and caregivers. We consider anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer to be a survivor. And a caregiver is a person who cares for another person with cancer, be they a spouse, friend or relative.
What do we do on a retreat?
On most of Live By Living’s 2-night 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 sag wagon (or sag snowmobile) to carry your gear and 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 slightly 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.
Being a caregiver is no easy road, either. That's why all of our retreats are open to survivors and caregivers. We consider anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer to be a survivor. And a caregiver is a person who cares for another person with cancer, be they a spouse, friend or relative.
What do we do on a retreat?
On most of Live By Living’s 2-night 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 sag wagon (or sag snowmobile) to carry your gear and 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 slightly 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.
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. You cannot build a community if the retreats are limited to one household (one person) per sleeping area. 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. Everyone must be fully vaccinated and have at least one booster shot.
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 be keeping the windows open for increased circulation, including windows in the bedrooms and common areas. We have small window fans we will use at the YMCA retreats to increase air flow. Because there is no electricity at the huts (except for lights), we cannot turn on any fans at the huts.
4. We will require symptom checks in the days leading up to the retreat. Persons with COVID-like symptoms that are not otherwise explained (e.g., known allergies) may not attend.
5. 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.
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.
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. As mentioned above, you drive to the lodging at the YMCA. The YMCA and the hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park are both at much lower altitude than the Tenth Mountain huts. On the YMCA trips, we also have options for easy and moderate hikes.
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.
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. You cannot build a community if the retreats are limited to one household (one person) per sleeping area. 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. Everyone must be fully vaccinated and have at least one booster shot.
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 be keeping the windows open for increased circulation, including windows in the bedrooms and common areas. We have small window fans we will use at the YMCA retreats to increase air flow. Because there is no electricity at the huts (except for lights), we cannot turn on any fans at the huts.
4. We will require symptom checks in the days leading up to the retreat. Persons with COVID-like symptoms that are not otherwise explained (e.g., known allergies) may not attend.
5. 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.
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.
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. As mentioned above, you drive to the lodging at the YMCA. The YMCA and the hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park are both at much lower altitude than the Tenth Mountain huts. On the YMCA trips, we also have options for easy and moderate hikes.
What are the accommodations like?
It depends on whether you are going to one of the Tenth Mountain Division cabins, or to one of our retreats based at the Estes Park YMCA.
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, electrical outlets. 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. Rooms configurations vary, but our trips are based on double occupancy.
It depends on whether you are going to one of the Tenth Mountain Division cabins, or to one of our retreats based at the Estes Park YMCA.
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, electrical outlets. 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. Rooms configurations vary, but our trips are based on double occupancy.
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.
But it’s not just about filling your soul: we’ll pamper you with great food, too! Our menus emphasize healthy, gourmet, cancer-fighting recipes. 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.
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.
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.
But it’s not just about filling your soul: we’ll pamper you with great food, too! Our menus emphasize healthy, gourmet, cancer-fighting recipes. 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.
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.
All retreats are open to survivors and caregivers. Feel free to bring a spouse, significant other, friend or relative to accompany you on this restorative weekend. Sorry, no dogs allowed.
Thanks to the generosity of our great sponsors and donors, our retreats are FREE!
