Pure Mountain Spirit

get the most out of zermatt

Ashtanga Yoga Retreat in Zermatt, Switzerland

7-14 September 2008

 

The Place

Zermatt is one of Switzerland most famous mountain resorts, and is located in a broad sunny bowl at the head of the Matter valley (Mattertal) near the Swiss/Italian border, overlooked by the famous Matterhorn, one of the Alps’ highest peaks.

In the winter season, skiers and snowboarders from around the world flock to Zermatt’s massive network of ski trails and challenging off-piste terrain. As Spring sees the snowline retreat up the mountains, walkers, climbers, ski tourers and mountain bikers start to appear as the resort gears up for a summer season every bit as vibrant as the winter. Alpine (downhill) skiing continues year round on the highest glacier runs.

The Retreat

The alpine yoga retreat will enable Ashtanga practitioners to develop and deepen their practice in a beautiful, peaceful and uplifting environment as well as indulge in a wide range of summer mountain activities. Zermatt has a unique energy and the laid-back summer vibe will help you quickly relax and forget about the pressures and hassles of the outside world.

The week will be run along the lines of a retreat which might be found in a more “traditional” location, with daily morning yoga practice and a number of workshops later in the days focussing on yoga techniques and philosophy, relaxation and meditation. Meals will be designed to offer a healthier alternative to the usual stodgy fare found in the mountains whilst still providing enough energy and protein for as active a week as our guests wish to have.

The Venue

The retreat will be based in a comfortable chalet in a quiet location near the edge of the town. The chalet sleeps up to 10 people and has a large living room with views of the mountains which will be used for yoga practice and workshops (weather permitting, sessions may also be held outside). Accommodation is in twin or double rooms, most of which have en-suite facilities. The chalet is within easy walking distance of the town centre and the network of walking paths leading up into the surrounding mountains and meadows.

Activities

As well as yoga, on-site massage will be available with one session per guest during the week included in the retreat price (additional sessions can be arranged at an extra cost). We are also able to arrange the following activities and services (again at extra cost) through our extensive network of contacts and partner businesses in the resort : - 

• Skiing
• Ski touring
• Climbing
• Abseiling
• Mountain biking
• Paragliding
• Guided walking
• Nordic walking
• Tree park/zip lining
• Swimming
• Squash
• Tennis
• Golf
• Sauna
• Beauty therapy
• Reflexology
• Aromatherapy

If you are interested in an activity which is not listed here, there is every chance that it is available so please let us know and we will see what can be arranged.

Cost & What’s Included

The retreat is priced at £625 (or CHF1250) which includes the following : -

• 7 Nights’ accommodation
• Yoga tuition
• Food – morning brunch and evening meal, teas, coffee, juices, soft drinks
• One massage treatment during the week
• Return taxi ride from Zermatt train station to the chalet

 The following are not included: - 

• Travel to Zermatt
• All other activities (we will however, arrange these on your behalf and ensure that you get the best deal with the best people in the resort)
• Travel insurance (please ensure that you are adequately covered for the duration of the retreat and your journey to and from home)
• Wine and other alcoholic drinks (you are welcome to provide these yourselves, but please drink in moderation and be respectful of other guests)