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Yukon Northern Lights Retreat Aug 29-Sept 2, 2023

 
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Yukon Northern Lights Retreat Aug 29-Sept 2, 2023

August 29 - September 2

Discover the beauty of the North with us on this 4 day retreat in the Yukon. Every day is a new adventure, put your feet up and let us do all the organizing and show you the best time you’ll have all summer!

Carcross and Whitehorse boast a world class trail network ranging from flowy singletrack to stunning alpine descents. Session super fun rock rolls and technical features with our Sweet Skills Coaches and also enjoy longer rides with incredible views in every direction.  This is our 6th year running camps in the Yukon in partnership with Boreale Lodge, and 2023 brings 4 retreats for you to choose from.  Experience the stunning fall colours and turquoise waters along with the northern lights which makes this camp so unique!

At the end of each epic day, we’ll relax at the quiet, secluded lodge with amazing mountain views and eat hearty, delicious meals. Then top it all off with a hot tub, bonfire and a cool drink as you recount the day with new friends. Daily morning stretch sessions are offered along with a maintenance 101 session at the lodge.

This retreat suits the intermediate to advanced rider looking to pedal and learn in an inspiring setting with the best coaching.

Brilliant experience! Everything from the excellent coaching with powerful supported progression to the stunning location to the incredible people. Do it! You won’t regret it!  Tanis

Skill & Fitness Level:

Skill Level: I-A  Fitness Level 3-6 *Unsure if you’re fitness level and ability match this camp? Call Sylvie to discuss: 604-966-8330. See itinerary link below for details.

INCLUDED
  • 4 days guiding & coaching on the trails
  • 4 nights at Boreale Lodge
  • Hearty and delicious food from Boreale Lodge including breakfasts, lunches, dinners, appies, snacks
  • Shuttles to each ride start, plus shuttle assisted mountain biking on 2 of the days
  • Daily morning stretch sessions
  • Après activities including lake excursions, hot tubs, bonfires, visits to local pubs/breweries (drinks at own expense) and, Maintenance 101
  • Whitehorse airport or hotel pick up / drop off
  • Sweet Skills swag, prizes and discounts from sponsors
PRICE & PAYMENT

$1995 + gst $600 deposit due at time of booking.  *Payments by credit card incur an extra 2.9% fee, Etransfer payments have no fees. Send Etransfer payments to info@sweetskills.ca

*Private rooms are not available – rooms are shared with separate beds and private washroom. Yurt is available for a discount for a group of 2 or 3 (washrooms are in separate building).
15 participants max per camp.

**PLEASE NOTE THE LAST 3 PEOPLE REGISTERING WILL BE ASSIGNED THE YURT UNLESS REQUESTED BY OTHER PARTICIPANTS** Discount will apply to balance.

  • Itinerary

    Day 1

    Our adventure begins! After a spectacular flight into Whitehorse you’ll be picked up at the airport and dropped off in downtown Whitehorse for a self-guided wander through town. The lodge is a 30 minute drive away and we’ll get our tour of the lodge around 4pm. After checking into your rooms and meeting the group we’ll put our bikes together and coaches will be around to help, no worries! Soak in some sweet Yukon views from the deck then enjoy our first dinner together. *Driving to Boreale? We’ll meet you there at 4pm 🙂

    Day 2

    Every morning starts with a relaxing stretch session followed by a well stocked breakfast table and endless coffee. Today we head to Carcross for our first day of riding where we’ll be treated to uphill shuttles, lots of coaching tips, and tons of fun riding. Skills for the day may include high speed cornering, descending and braking skills, rock rolls, technical riding and line choice and jumps and drops for the more advanced groups. These trails are so fun you’re not going to want to stop! We save a bit of time for a little wander around the historic town of Carcross and a well-deserved bevy at the local pub or haunted hotel. The shuttle will take us back to the lodge (20 mins) and shortly after we’ll have a bike maintenance session during appies. Soak in the hot tub or just relax in the peaceful setting while another amazing dinner is being made for you!

    Aprox Daily Stats: 10-15km /  6hrs (all shuttling! Lots of descending and very minimal climbing – stats depend on the group)

    IMG 7530Day 3

    Stretch out yesterday’s riding muscles and fuel yourself up for the day! Today we head into Whitehorse for a classic ride along the Yukon River Trail.  Enjoy some of Whitehorse’s best singletrack along Grey Mountain and break out into some stunning views along the river with lots of photo stops along the way. Lots of pedalling today and less skill sessioning as we wind our way through the trails back into town. After another brewery stop, the shuttle takes us back to the lodge, where you can treat yourself to a guided foam rolling session or just soak it up in the hot tub… or both! Another amazing round of appies, dinner and desert awaits us.. Then relax in the lodge, hang out by the bonfire, and enjoy the midnight sun or the northern lights (depending on which camp you sign up for)

    Aprox Daily Stats: 18km /  5-7hrs (500m climbing, 1220m descending)

    Day 4

    Another stretch session and big breakfast greets you in the morning. Today we hit the alpine on Mt McIntyre! You’ll be blown away by the views, the trails and the whole adventure of the day! After hopping out of the shuttle we pedal up some more and are treated to 360 degree views of beautiful Yukon wilderness! Shred down the trails and stop along the way to session some sweet corners, technical sections, and rock gardens (for more advanced). Option to keep pedaling along the classic flowy Yukon trails or pull the plug early and hit the Brewery. Everyone meets back up at the Brewery then we head back to the lodge to fill ourselves with more delicious food. You will not want to go back home. Tonight’s another fun night and includes prizes for everyone!

    Aprox Daily Stats: 18km /  5-7hrs (200m climbing, 780m descending)

    Day 5

    The adventure is not done yet!  Another early stretch and breakfast with a quick pack of our bags as we’re hopping onto the shuttle for a morning ride at Carcross.  Revisit some of your favourite trails or try something new and dial in some skills for the last time. Back at the lodge we have a quick lunch while we pack our bikes and load up the shuttle by about 2pm (tbc) to head back to the airport. Lots of high fives and hugs, new friends and awesome memories for a lifetime!

    Aprox Daily Stats: 5km /  3hrs (all shuttling! Lots of descending and very minimal climbing – stats depend on the group)

    *Itinerary subject to change at any time due to weather or other unexpected circumstances, no refunds for changed schedule

  • More Details

    Within 1 week of registering, you’ll be emailed a ton of information including details on pack list, bike prep, directions, and FAQ sheet.

    Check out the Yukon Retreat FAQ here in advance.

    GETTING THERE:

    Airfare is not included in the price. Best airline to book with is Air North.  They will provided a 10% off discount to participants of this camp.  Code will be emailed upon sign up.  Timing for flights: Land in Whitehorse by 3pm on day 1 and leave no earlier than 3:30pm on last day. If you plan to come earlier or stay later in Whitehorse we can arrange pick up  / drop off to your hotel.

    GEAR NEEDED:

    All-mountain bike (140-160mm travel) – there will be pedalling, see itinerary for ride stats, knee pads, all bike gear, 15L pack, lodge clothes. You are responsible for bringing and packing your bike – we can help you build it back up and pack it up. Within 1 week of registering you will be emailed a ton of information including details on pack list, bike prep, flight info, Whitehorse to-do, FAQ sheet.

    THE LODGE & ROOMS:

    The lodge is located partway between Whitehorse and Carcorss on a large and secluded property. Impressive views of the surrounding landscape, mountains, and sky offer serenity, relaxation and a great place to enjoy the northern lights or midnight blue sky. Lodge rooms each have 2 beds with a private washroom in each. Some rooms can be configured to have an additional 3rd single bed for a discount. The Yurt is steps away from the lodge and is very spacious and can be configured with 2 or 3 beds, no washrooms inside yurt but available close by at lodge. Yurt discounts will apply for either double or triple occupancy. No single occupancy available due to limited rooms/beds. The lodge has a spacious social room with couches, dining area, upstairs viewing lounge, hot tub, fire pit, and walking trails nearby. A separate yurt for bike storage is available with limited tools.

    WAIVERS:

    Each guest will be required to sign a Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement at time of registration, prior to start of trip. Click here to view and fill in the online waiver at time of booking.  Participants are required to inform Sweet Skills of any allergies, medical conditions or injuries that might affect their riding or health and any medications taken.

    AGE:

    Minimum required age is 18 for our camps and clinics. Requests can be made on a case-by-case basis. It’s recommended for youth between the ages of 14 and 18 to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

  • Cancellation Policy

    Guest Cancellation

    Outside of 60 days:

    Payments made for any camp cancelled outside of 60 days before the start date of your reservation will be refunded less $75. Or transfer 100% of balance to another camp during the current season or carry over for 12 months. After which time it is non-refundable.

    Within 59-30 days:

    Payments made for any camp cancelled between 59-30 days of the start date of your reservation will be refunded less 50% of the total fees paid. Or transfer 100% of balance to another camp during the current season or carry over for 12 months. After which time it is non-refundable.

    29-0 days:

    Payments made for any camp cancelled within 29 days of the start date of your reservation are non-refundable and no credit is available for future camp. Your camp entry can be transferred to your friend (of similar ability) for no cost. If Sweet Skills is able to fill your spot you will receive a refund less 50% of fees paid.

    Trip Cancellation Insurance

    Our guest cancellation policy is firm and we recommend you purchase a trip interruption/cancellation

    insurance policy to avoid disappointment should you need to cancel your trip last minute. Travel insurance can be purchased through World Nomads, or your travel agent. Ensure your travel insurance covers you and your equipment and that your current health insurance covers the unforeseen like medical flights and back-country emergency rescue.

    Sweet Skills Cancellation

    Sweet Skills reserves the right to cancel or adjust a reservation at any time due to minimum participation requirements not being met, or any other circumstance that arises. Should Sweet Skills need to cancel or reschedule your reservation you will be offered 100% credit to reschedule for another date, or option of a full refund.

    Cancellations due to a 3rd Party/Unforeseen Circumstances:

    Should your booking need to be cancelled due to extenuating circumstances beyond our control, including

    (but not limited to): border closures, cancellations of any sort from Lodges or other 3rd party operators, government-initiated shutdowns due to a pandemic or wildfire, extreme weather which is deemed by Sweet Skills to be a safety issue. Sweet Skills may offer you a 100% credit to reschedule for another date, or give you the option of a full refund minus 10% of the deposit paid.

    Should any necessary changes affect your pre and/or post-tour travel plans, Sweet Skills will not be responsible for additional expenses incurred by guests (non-refundable airline tickets, rental cars, hotel reservations, etc.) Again, we recommend you have purchased your own trip insurance policy.

    ITINERARY CHANGES & WEATHER:

    Every attempt will be made to adhere to our scheduled itinerary, we do not plan to make changes ahead of time. However, participants acknowledge and willingly accept the possibility of unexpected changes to our route, timings and itinerary. Safety issues, weather and/or any extenuating circumstances beyond our control may contribute to this possibility. Should these changes affect your pre and/or post-tour travel plans, Sweet Skills will not be responsible for additional expenses incurred by guests (non-refundable airline tickets, rental cars, hotel reservations, etc.). No refunds will be given for itinerary changes. We ride rain or shine! Riding in the mountains means we can encounter variable weather at any time and participants must be prepared for this. Weather can also change very last minute, therefore we do not cancel trips with forecasted rain or smoke unless our accommodation and transportation partners are shut down.

 

Details

Start:
August 29
End:
September 2
Event Categories:
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Event Tags:

Venue

Whitehorse
Whitehorse, Yukon

Organizer

Sylvie Allen