Come play in the snow. With proper layers and a cozy homestead with a woodstove, this northwoods winter get-away will remind you why winter is many people's favorite time of year. The white blanket of snow covers everything in a hushed silence, offering stillness and peace and fun. Whether you've never strapped on a pair of skis or snowshoes, or whether you're a long-time winter adventurer, this trip is for you. We'll offer as much or as little instruction as you desire, with optional outings of varying lengths. You decide how much you want to do. The important thing is to leave behind computers, commitments, cell phones, and traffic, and to enter into winter's gift of invigoration, rest, and renewal.
The Wild Institute carefully designs trips that combine fun and adventure, with time to relax and unwind. Many women choose our trips, in part, out of a desire for some quiet reflection time, the company of other wonderful women, and to connect with nature. This trip combines the joy of romping in the snow with the introspection of the hibernating season.
Your days will be filled with skiing, snowshoeing, cozying up by the fire with a good book, great food and, undoubtedly, laughter and camaraderie. If you choose, join our night snowshoe tramp, with the last sliver of moon in February, and brilliant stars.
Your accommodations are an elegant bunkhouse in the northwoods at Camp Bark in the Dark (named for the two very friendly black dogs that will greet you and happily accompany us on our snowshoe outings). Cozy and warm, with a wood stove for additional heat, this is "roughing it" in a very comfortable fashion, with indoor plumbing, a shower, electricity, and comfy beds. We gather at the main house to eat delicious meals prepared by our 
professional wilderness chef, share stories of the day, and relax.
Your
guides for this trip are long-time winter enthusiasts, Chris Heeter (owner and founder of The Wild Institute) and Sherry Rovig (guide and chef extraordinaire). Both are eager to share a weekend in the northwoods with you.
What to bring: When you register, you'll receive a detailed packing list, so you'll be sure to have what you need. We stay in a cozy cabin. You bring only your personal gear, sleeping bag or bedding, and skis/snowshoes. Rentals are available at several locations in the Twin Cities or at the Ski Hut in Duluth.
How in shape do I need to be: Though many women use their trip as motivation to get in better shape before they go, no experience or particular level of fitness is necessary for this trip.
Weather: February in northern Minnesota is more variable than you might imagine. Past trips have experienced temperatures below zero and into the 20's. Your packing list will help you be prepared for all occasions, with the warm cabin for eating, sleeping, and relaxing.
Meals: Food and comfort matter! Play outside…eat a lot, one of the gifts of winter activities. Delicious meals prepared mostly from the organic gardens and chickens that are raised right at the homestead.
What does my trip fee cover: Your trip fee of $365 includes private trails, fabulous and hearty food prepared by our wilderness chef, lodging, and guides with decades of experience.
Group size: Minimum of 4, maximum of 10
Schedule: Arrive at 1:00 on Friday, February 17. We'll get settled in and likely snowshoe around the private 40 acres of trails. The rest of the trip will be filled with skiing and snowshoeing on nearby trails, eating fabulous meals, telling stories, and relaxing by the fire. The trip ends on Sunday, February 19, after lunch.
Location: The trip is located at Camp Bark in the Dark in Duluth Township. A beautiful homestead designed and largely built by the owners. Nestled deep in the northwoods, with solar panels and a masonry stove (complete with wood-fired oven), you will be a part of a much simpler, less complicated way of life.
Transportation: Duluth, MN is about 150 miles north of Minneapolis/St. Paul. If you are driving from the Twin Cities, plan on about a three hour drive. If you are flying, there is a major airport right in Duluth. When you register, we'll send more travel info as well as the names of other women on the trip so you can carpool or coordinate travel plans.
Payment information:Your $100 deposit is not refundable. If you must cancel, please do so in writing. If you cancel 90 days prior to the trip or more, the balance of your trip fee is refundable; 60 to 89 days, the balance of your trip fee is transferable to any other Wild Institute trip through the end of the following year; 0-59 days, the trip fee is not refundable or transferable. The Wild Institute reserves the right to alter trip plans due to severe weather, water/snow conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.
How do I sign up:A deposit of $100 holds your spot, and payment in full is due by January 5, 2012. With your deposit, please send name, address, phone, and e-mail address.
The Wild Institute
16401 Buchanan St NE
Ham Lake, MN 55304
Click Here to view and print registration form
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