Program Tuition & Basic Accommodations: $2495
*Invite a friend(s) new to the Feathered Pipe and you both save $100!
It is our belief that retreating at Feathered Pipe Ranch is one of the absolute best experiences in the world. The Ranch itself is a place that allows one to easily step out of the often frenetic pace of everyday life. We offer a unique retreat experience that combines the Ranch’s natural calm with the healing benefits of gentle yoga philosophy, asana, breath work, yoga nidra, and meditation. This blend allows everyone in attendance to rediscover life with a fresh outlook and a lighter heart.
At our Gentle Way Yoga retreat, we welcome everyone with open arms; no matter your age, size, gender, or ethnicity, we provide space for you to chart out and personalize your week at the Ranch in a way that fits your personal needs. Whether you’re a yoga novice or an advanced student you will find the pace and method that speaks to your uniqueness.
One of our missions is to embrace and celebrate diversity, because we believe everyone has something amazing to contribute to our community. We love getting to know different types of people and watching veritable strangers get to know each other and themselves in a whole new way.
With mindful practices, we open a door that allows people to break down and let go of prejudices they may not even realize they hold about themselves, their bodies, others, and the world around them.
Our class sessions and workshops focus on mindful practices which help participants slow down their bodies and minds and move energetically inward, beginning the process of identifying and releasing anything that no longer positively serves them. Daily dharma talks, interpersonal exchanges and workshops designed specifically for the group are also an important part of our schedule.
Sample Schedule (take as many or few offerings as you would like):
7am — Wake up asana practice
8am — Breakfast
9:30am — Dharma talk, workshop or asana practice
12:30pm — Lunch
1:30pm — Workshop
4pm — Workshop or class
6:30pm — Dinner
8pm — Meditation/Yoga Nidra/Breathwork
You will find ample time scheduled in the week to spread out on your own, hang out and get to know the other participants, partake in the amazing bodywork sessions* and to simply enjoy the openness and energy of the Ranch.
Here are two examples of paths you might take during our Feathered Pipe week:
— Take the opportunity to be on your own in self-contemplation and restfulness as much as you wish. You might take easy hikes, find quiet writing and meditation spaces in which to rest and recharge.
— Yoga Teachers may earn up to 25-hours of Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Hours if you attend daily workshops with Lanita and Diane. These classes will teach the theory and practice methods behind MIMSY-Meditation in Movement Soft Yoga, as well as ways to make your classes more accessible for larger or slower moving bodies.
We invite you to attend as many or as few of our classes and workshops as you would like – letting go of expectations and judgements about what you think you “should” be doing.
Learn more about Feathered Pipe Ranch’s COVID-19 safety protocol.
WHAT LANITA & DIANE’S PAST RETREAT, TRAINING & CLASSES ATTENDEES SAY:
“I cannot express enough how grateful I am to Lanita for choosing to teach yoga as her life’s journey. She is an exceptional yoga teacher, guide, and mentor for so many.”
“Dear Diane – How you communicate such respect for yoga while inspiring ‘just sayin’ laughter is a gift that changed yoga for me. Thank you for leading me into a transformation with so many smiles.”
“I am celebrating my 60th birthday! I met you in Feathered Pipe 10 years ago this month. One of the best experiences of my life! I had studied Iyengar Yoga for years but had quit teaching thinking I was too fat. That Retreat changed my life. Thank you for giving me the confidence to teach and let my light shine”
“What can I say about our Retreat at Feathered Pipe with Diane and Lanita? My cup is full again, and my heart is open, and my body is so happy! I laughed, cried, danced, sang, got the best massages, ate the most delicious food, and met the most amazing people. This is my retreat home. These teachers are warm and wonderful.”
“When I broke my back, my doctor said it would never heal. Because my first teacher trained with A Gentle Way Yoga, and then I followed and received my A Gentle Way Yoga certificate, I refused to believe that my back could not heal. I was guided to reach out to Diane and work with her one-on-one on Zoom. The healing of my back has been a true miracle. “
Summer Vacation Tip! Extend your time in peace and beauty while savoring Western hospitality by spending some time exploring the great West’s National Park treasures either before or after your retreat with Lanita Varshell & Diane Ambrosini at Feathered Pipe Ranch. Glacier National Park is a glorious and scenic 3.5-hour drive north and west of Feathered Pipe, while Yellowstone is just a 4.5 hour drive south and east of the Ranch through some of the prettiest Western territory you’ll ever see.
ABOUT LANITA VARSHELL:
Lanita Varshell is a soft, kind, mystic earth mother. She emanates love and compassion. Lanita is one of the oldest and most respected plus-size, gentle and therapeutic yoga teachers in the United States. She has been a pioneer in the world of body positive, accessible and adaptive yoga.
Owner of A Gentle Way Yoga and Joyful Movement, she has taught yoga and trained teachers full time since 1996, and owned a busy yoga studio for over 20 years, all while living with chronic health, weight, and life challenges. She has inspired thousands of students and teachers to look at themselves and others through the eyes of kindness and love. In addition, she is an inspiring writer, public speaker, and yoga life coach.
Learn more about Lanita: agentleway.com
ABOUT DIANE AMBROSINI:
Diane Ambrosini, MA, is the author of the highly acclaimed Instructing Hatha Yoga: A Guide for Teachers and Students. An anatomy geek, Diane earned a Masters Degree in Exercise Science, with an emphasis on Kinesiology and shares her knowledge with her yoga clients as well as those studying to be yoga teachers. She is a certified yoga therapist (IAYT) and Reiki practitioner who uses both Eastern and Western modalities to guide clients deep into self-healing.
Diane strives to improve the art and science of teaching yoga and to help others enjoy the myriad benefits of yoga as a lifestyle. She is an outdoor enthusiast, and her students love that she presents knowledge from her heart with a sense of humor, inquiry, and humbleness.
Learn more about Diane: di4yoga.com
PRICING & REGISTRATION:
Program Tuition & Basic Accommodations: $2495
*Invite a friend(s) new to the Feathered Pipe and you both save $100!
Registration deposit required: A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to secure online registration. Full payment is due eight weeks before the start of the program.
Tuition fee includes: Triple Occupancy Main Lodge, Shared Yurt/Deluxe Wall Tent/Sai Condo, or Single Tipi/Tent, plus meals and use of all amenities – our bathhouse, sauna, hot tub, as well as all the Feathered Pipe Ranch facilities and grounds. Upgraded accommodation are available.
Additional lodging upgrade pricing: Click here
Full description of accommodations options: Click here
The retreat will include:
— 7-nights indoor or outdoor accommodations (upgraded accommodations require an additional fee)
— All daily classes and group sessions, suitable for all
— Delicious and lovingly prepared international cuisine
— Shuttle service from/to Helena Regional Airport on arrival/departure day
— Full access to the extensive Feathered Pipe grounds (including the hot tub and sauna)
Not included:
— Airfare
— Any/all excursions off-campus
— Bodywork & Massage
— Montana Accommodation Tax $25
— Staff gratuities
— Laundry
Shuttle service: Shuttle service from/to Helena Regional Airport on arrival/departure day is complimentary (free) for all registered guests. Please note that if you are needing pick-up or drop-off on any other day, that there will be a $50 one-way charge.
Arrival and departure: Please plan to arrive at the Feathered Pipe Ranch no later than 3pm on the arrival day (Saturday, 14 June) of your retreat so you can join us for a tour of the grounds before dinner at 6:30pm and our group evening orientation following dinner. Please arrange to leave the Ranch in the morning or early afternoon of departure day (Saturday, 21 June). Checkout is at 9am, and guests are welcome to stay at the Ranch until their flight leaves that day.
Interested, but still need more information? Visit our FAQ page, drop us a message including your contact details here, or give us a ring at (406) 442-8196.
Thanks and look forward to seeing you!