Frequently Asked Questions

What is your Registration Process?

Payment of $300 deposit is required to initiate your registration. This deposit will be NON-REFUNDABLE once registration is complete.

Upon initial registration the Feathered Pipe administrative staff will contact your to confirm receiving your registration and will assist with choosing your accommodation and transportation requirements.

Full payment is due at the time of completing your registration by reserving your accommodation. Payment options may be arranged if necessary. All final payments are due 8 weeks before the arrival date of your retreat.

If you wish to facilitate the process please forward your accommodation & transportation preferences via email to kim@featheredpipe.com. Or call the office at (406) 442-8196.

What is included in the price of a Retreat Tuition?

Program tuition includes cost all instruction and program activities. Upon registration Feathered Pipe office staff will contact you to reserve your preferred accommodation choice. Please visit program's specific accommodation page to view the many options for lodging.

Or, for Feathered Pipe Accommodations click here, and for Blacktail Ranch Accommodations click here.

What is included in Accommodations Fee?

Pricing for accommodations includes meals and use of all amenities. Amenities include full access to bathhouse, sauna, hot tub, as well as all Feathered Pipe and Blacktail Ranch facilities and grounds.

What is not included in Retreat Tuition & Accommodations Costs?

Horseback Riding, Massage & Bodywork, and Airport Shuttle Service are available at an additional cost.

What exactly is the Cancellation/Refund Policy?

A $300 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit is required to hold your space at a Feathered Pipe or Blacktail Ranch retreat. For Winter Retreats in Mexico or Costa Rica, typically a $500 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit is required.

Final payment is due 8 weeks out. For cancellations from 8 weeks to 2 weeks out, THERE IS NO REFUND, however we will credit any payments over the deposit to another workshop in 2012. For cancellations within 2 weeks of the start of your class there is NO REFUND AND NO CREDIT. A workshop may be transferred to another person (minus the non-refundable, non-transferable deposit).

Our cancellation policy is firm, therefore we suggest purchasing travel/cancellation insurance (www.travelguard.com), or call Flathead Travel at (800) 338-8785. All cancellations must be received in writing; refunds will be remitted within 30 days.

Which airport should I fly into?

We recommend the Helena Regional Airport for those coming to retreats and programs at the Feathered Pipe Ranch. Airlines fly in from all parts of the country on a regular basis, with Delta serving those flying from  the East Coast, Midwest, Mountain and West Coast via their Mineapolis and Salt Lake City hub, United serving passengers from all over via the Denver hub, and Alaskan Airlines serving West Coast flyers via their Seattle hub.

Missoula International Airport, Bozeman International Aiport, and Great Falls International Airports are also feasible points of arrival but will require a two hour communte via bus or auto that you will need to arrange yourself. For those interested in art and cultural events, Missoula might be the place to spend a few extra days. If you are planning to go to Glacier National Park consider Great Falls, and Bozeman if you wish to spend some extra time in Yellowstone National Park.

If you are coming for a Blacktail Ranch Retreat, we suggest that you arrive either at the Helena Regional Airport or Great Falls International Airport as the Blacktail is about an hours drive from either airport. (Note: Shuttle sevice only available from Great Falls.)

How do I get from the airport to the Ranch?

For those coming for a Feathered Pipe Ranch retreat, we meet flights at the Helena Regional Airport, offering shuttle service for $65 roundtrip. For those coming to a Blacktail Ranch Retreat, we offer roundtrip shuttle service from Great Falls International Airports for an additional charge of $100.

Our driver will meet you at baggage claim wearing a Feathered Pipe t-shirt.  We are now  grouping some pick-ups, so you may have a 30 minute wait.  Please contact the office at: kim@featheredpipe.com or call (406) 442-8196 to arrange and confirm pick-up.

If you prefer to arrive early and stay in Helena, we will contact you at your hotel to arrange your pick-up. There is plenty to do and see in Helena. Contact our local Chamber of Commerce, 1-800-743-5362 or www.helenachamber.com. Helena is 1/2 way between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks (3 hours by car in either direction), so you might consider coming a few days early or staying a few days after your retreat to take in one or both of the country and world's true natural treasures!

How do I get there if I'm driving?

For Feathered Pipe Ranch Directions, Click Here.

For Blacktail Ranch Directions, Click Here.

What if I am arriving early?

If you are not able to arrive by 4 pm on the listed arrival day we encourage you to come in a day early and stay the night in Helena. We are happy to pick you up at your hotel on arrival day. Local lodgings include:

Holiday Inn Downtown - Located on downtown walking mall.  Please ask for the Feathered Pipe Corporate Rate of $94 per night, plus tax. 1-800-465-4329.

Great Northern Hotel - Please ask for the Feathered Pipe Corporate Rate,$112 plus tax, single or double, full breakfast and airport pick- up. 406-457-5500. 800-829-4047.

The Barrister Bed and Breakfast - 19th century mansion, very elegant. Near downtown. $114 plus tax, with full breakfast. (800) 823-1148.

Sanders Bed & Breakfast - Charming, elegant, historic, full breakfast. $115, single, plus tax. (406) 442-3309. Capitol Taxi 449-5525 for airport pick- up.

The Carolina B & B - Totally elegant. $135 plus tax, includes full breakfast. Near downtown. 406-422-0418. Inquire for airport pick-up.

Day's Inn - 2001 Prospect Ave. 406-442-3280. $89,+ tax, includes breakfast.

Your program will begin with dinner at 6:30 pm, followed by orientation. There’s plenty of free time on arrival day so you can stroll around the ranch, get to know your fellow participants and start to let outside life drift away.

What time should I depart on the final day?

Ranch room check-out is 11 am on the final day with most flights scheduled to leave early from the Helena Airport on that morning. If your flight is not scheduled to depart until later in the day, we will be happy to accommodate you and take you to the airport accordingly.

What kind of Accommodations are available at the Ranch?

Indoor accommodations at the Ranch include comfy 4-bed  rooms within the Main Lodge; each with one twin bunk, two twin beds and a full bath. The Chalet has 6 double rooms with private or shared baths. As well Honeymoon Cabin & Sai Condo are available for those wanting to be more immersed in nature, sleeping 2-3 people.

Camping accommodations include yurts, tipis, and tents. We provide foam pads, light-weight sleeping bags, pillows, blankets and small camp lights. You are welcome to bring your own sleeping bag if you wish, but we have more than enough bedding to keep you warm no matter what the weather. If you bring your own tent we'll help you find a spot to pitch it.

Have a look at some of our lodging options here. As well, Blacktail Ranch accommodations are viewable via the specific retreat listing page or here.

Are Partial Scholarships & Financial Assistance available?

Partial scholarships are available for those needing financial assistance. Recipients assist Ranch staff in free time and during programs. Click here to download the application. Tax deductible contributions to this fund are always welcome – click here to donate.

Are my retreat expenses Tax Deductible?

The Feathered Pipe Foundation is a registered non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Thus expenses of attending a Feathered Pipe program, including travel & housing, are deductible for federal tax purposes as an educational expense if incurred to maintain or improve professional work skills.

Can I bring my children?

Due to limited housing, it is difficult for us to accommodate children, although we sometimes make special arrangements. Please inquire with our office at: kim@featheredpipe.com or call (406) 442-8196.

Is Massage and Bodywork available at the Ranch?

Professional Massage and Bodywork is available during all retreats. Introductions and details will be given at the retreat orientation and appointments can be made then. (Sign up early as their schedule fills quickly!) Payment is by cash or check only; our bodyworkers do not accept credit cards.

How do I get cash or make purchases at the Ranch?

We do not have an ATM at the Ranch, but Crystal at the Shanti Boutique does accept credit cards and will do her very best to accommodate your every need. If she doesn't have it immediately available within her store, she figure out a way to get it one way or another.

How do I contact the "Outside World"?

You may have to walk out up to the parking lot to get good cell phone service as we are at the very end of the road up in the Rockies, but we do have very good wireless internet access within the Main Lodge and Chalet via the magic of satellite dishes!

What can I expect when it comes to food at the Ranch?

We are fortunate to have access to organic food through the Real Food Deli and Market in Helena, Montana's first and only certified organic grocery store. All the meat we serve comes from local organic or transitional producers as does much of our produce. Every day you will enjoy our nutritious salad bars and entrees. Vegetarian, and fish or chicken alternatives are available at most workshops although we do honor the requests of some of our teachers to keep a vegetarian table during their retreat.

We can accommodate most special diets – please complete the allergies/special diet section of the Guest Information packet you will receive upon registration.

And what about your other amenities?

This is a cedarwood building with showers, a sauna, hot tub and massage rooms. Campers have their own storage nook for toiletries, etc. The bathhouse is no more than a 5 minute walk from any accommodation.

Well-marked hiking trails leading in pretty much every direction allowing you to enjoy time to yourself or wandering with a friend. The lake is fed by a pure mountain spring and as all Montana lakes and rivers never quite "warm", but more than refreshing if you care to go for an afternoon dip.

And the wide-open lawn and meadows give you plenty of opportunity to stretch out, read a book from our eclectic and diverse library, or simply gaze up at the Big Sky above and dream away.

Do I need to bring my own yoga props?

We have plenty of mats, blankets, blocks, supports and belts as well as well equipped yoga walls, but we encourage you to bring your own mat if possible, clearly marked.

What is a typical day at the Ranch like?

6:30 am  Optional guided morning walk
7:30-8:30 am  Breakfast
9:00-12:00 noon  Morning class
12:30-1:30 pm  Lunch
1:30-4:00 pm  Leisure time
4:00-6:00 pm  Afternoon class
6:30 pm  Dinner
Evening Program, Time to soak in the hot tub and Relax

What should I bring?

The atmosphere is casual, dress for comfort. Clothes you’ll need include: shorts, t-shirts, a rain jacket, slacks, jeans, light daytime attire, bathing suit, a warm sweater or jacket and long pants for our cool evenings. Don't worry about bedding we have more than enough to keep you warm whether you are in the Main Lodge or snuggled up toasty in a yurt, tent or tipi.

Comfortable walking or running shoes will be needed to wander here and there throughout the ranch grounds, and slippers or socks for wearing in the Main Lodge. You will need a travel alarm clock, flashlight and water bottle as well as cash for bodywork, Shanti Boutique (gift shop) purchases and end of retreat staff tips, if desired.

What should I not bring?

Due to the nature of the retreats and ranch accommodations, please do not bring your pets. The Feathered Pipe Ranch observes all federal and state laws concerning drug use on the property.