How to Prepare for an Alpine Retreat
Preparing Your Body So You Can Be Fully Present
One of the greatest gifts of an alpine Retreat isn't reaching the summit of the mountains we hike…it's having the capacity to slow down enough to truly enjoy every step it takes to get there.
The Dolomites invite a different pace. Crisp mountain air, winding forest trails, breathtaking ridgelines, and long conversations shared over nourishing meals become part of your daily rhythm.
While our hikes are designed for a variety of fitness levels and emphasize enjoyment over performance, arriving with a little preparation allows you to move through each day with greater confidence, ease, and energy.
Here are a few simple ways to prepare in the weeks leading up to your retreat.
Build Your Walking Endurance
You don't need to be an experienced hiker, but spending time on your feet before you arrive will make a noticeable difference.
Aim for two or three longer walks each week, gradually increasing both your distance and time. If you have access to hills or uneven terrain, incorporate them into your walks to begin adapting your body to alpine trails.
The goal isn't speed—it's comfort.
Strengthen the Muscles That Support Hiking
Hiking relies on more than cardiovascular fitness. Strong legs, stable hips, and a resilient core help you move efficiently while reducing fatigue.
Simple exercises performed two or three times each week can make a tremendous difference:
Bodyweight squats
Lunges
Step-ups
Glute bridges
Planks
Balance exercises
Even 20–30 minutes of strength training each week can help you feel more confident on the trails.
Improve Your Cardiovascular Fitness
Our retreat days include gentle movement, hiking, and time outdoors. Building your aerobic fitness beforehand allows you to enjoy these experiences without feeling overly exhausted.
Walking, cycling, swimming, rowing, or light jogging are all wonderful options. Aim for 30–60 minutes several times each week at a pace where conversation still feels comfortable.
Practice Hiking With Your Day Pack
If you'll be bringing a backpack, spend a few walks wearing it before your trip.
Add a water bottle, a light jacket, and a few personal items so your shoulders and posture become accustomed to carrying a small amount of weight. It's a small step that often makes hiking feel much more natural once you're here.
Choose Comfort Over Brand New Gear
One of the most common mistakes travelers make is arriving with brand-new hiking boots.
Instead, wear your hiking shoes or boots several times before departure. This allows your footwear to soften, helps you identify any pressure points, and greatly reduces the chance of blisters during the retreat.
Comfort is always more valuable than having the newest gear.
Prioritize Recovery
Preparation isn't only about training.
Quality sleep, proper hydration, mobility work, and gentle stretching are just as important as exercise. A well-rested body adapts more easily to hiking and allows you to fully enjoy each day.
If yoga is already part of your routine, continue practicing regularly. Focus on hip mobility, balance, spinal mobility, and gentle recovery sessions throughout the weeks leading up to your retreat.
What to Pack
A few thoughtfully chosen items will help you stay comfortable in changing mountain conditions.
Hiking Essentials
Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes
Moisture-wicking socks
Small day pack
Reusable water bottle
Hiking poles (optional)
Layering is Key
Mountain weather can shift throughout the day, making layers your best companion.
Bring:
Breathable base layers
A warm fleece or lightweight insulated jacket
Waterproof outer layer
Comfortable hiking pants or leggings
Hat and sunglasses
Light gloves or neck gaiter for cooler mornings
Personal Items
Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
Personal toiletries
Any medications
Journal
Camera or phone
We've Planned the Details, So You Can Simply Arrive
One of the beautiful aspects of traveling with a small group is knowing you won't be navigating the experience alone.
We carefully select each hike based on weather, trail conditions, and the group's ability. We'll move at a comfortable pace, take breaks when needed, and create space to pause often—to take in the views, share conversation, and simply breathe.
Between adventures, you'll return to nourishing plant-based cuisine, restorative yoga, luxurious wellness experiences, and a community of remarkable people who, like you, have chosen to step away from everyday life for a few meaningful days.
