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Blackstrap Provincial ParkEcho Valley Provincial ParkWinter Recharge Retreat
Embrace the Wisdom of WinterWhat's IncludedIn nature, winter is a time of stillness. Trees conserve their resources, animals retreat into rest, and the earth quietly prepares for another season of growth.
Yet, in our everyday lives, we often continue moving at the same pace, regardless of the season.
Our Winter Recharge Retreat invites you to reconnect with nature's rhythms and discover what it feels like to slow down, nourish yourself, and restore your inner reserves.
Nestled within the winter landscapes of Blackstrap and Echo Valley Provincial Parks, this guided outdoor wellness experience weaves together a workshop of wisdom, mindful winter movement, qigong, nourishing food, and the option to unwind in a wood-burning sauna.
An opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and return to yourself.
The wisdom of winter: The Kidney Spirit
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is associated with the Water Element, the kidneys, and the spirit known as Zhi.
Zhi represents our inner will, courage, determination, and capacity to move through life's uncertainties with trust.
Just as nature draws its energy inward during the colder months, Traditional Chinese Medicine encourages us to honour winter as a season for conserving our resources, nourishing our vitality, and cultivating stillness.
Through gentle movement, intentional breathing, meditation, and nature immersion, we'll explore the wisdom of the Water Element and what it means to replenish our inner reserves.
Rather than asking ourselves, "How can I do more?" we'll explore a different question:
"What do I need to feel nourished, supported, and restored?"
❋ Kidney Spirit Workshop
Explore the wisdom of the Water Element and Kidney Spirit through teachings, guided meditation, and Soul Inquiry journalling. Reflect on your relationship with fear, trust, and energy conservation, and discover how to nourish your inner reserves.
❋ Mindful Winter Adventure 
Reconnect with the rhythms of nature through a guided walk, skin ski, or snowshoe experience, depending on snow conditions. Explore the stillness of the winter landscape and discover the beauty of slowing down.
❋ Nourishment & Connection
Enjoy a thoughtfully prepared grazing box by The Prairie Grazer. Gather, connect, and savour a moment of nourishment after your winter adventure.
❋ Water Element QigongCultivate presence and inner steadiness through gentle qigong movements, intentional breathing, and connection with nature. Explore the traditional teachings of the Kidney Spirit through embodied practice.
❋ Optional Wood-burning Sauna Session
Extend your retreat with the comforting warmth of our wood-burning sauna. Relax, unwind, and create space for stillness and restoration.
Nature reminds us that rest is not the absence of growth, but the quiet preparation for what is yet to bloom.
Retreat ItineraryWinter Recharge Retreat
A Journey Inward Through the Wisdom of Winter!
Welcome & ArrivalSettle into the peaceful winter surroundings and begin your journey of slowing down and reconnecting with yourself.
Kidney Spirit WorkshopExplore the wisdom of the Kidney Spirit through teachings, guided meditation, and Soul Inquiry journalling to deepen self-awareness and nourish your inner reserves.
Mindful Winter AdventureReconnect with nature's rhythms through a guided walk, skin ski, or snowshoe experience amidst the stillness of winter. Equipment use will be based on snow conditions at the time of the retreat.
Water Element QigongCultivate inner steadiness, trust, and vitality through gentle qigong movements and mindful breathing inspired by the Water Element in the outdoors during our winter adventure.
Nourishment & ConnectionSavour a delicious grazing box prepared by The Prairie Grazer while enjoying meaningful connection and moments of rest.
Optional Wood-Burning Sauna SessionExtend your retreat with the comforting warmth of our wood-burning sauna, allowing yourself time to unwind, rest, and recharge.
About the Winter Recharge Retreat-
Winter is nature's invitation to slow down, turn inward, and replenish our energy.
The Winter Recharge Retreat is a 4.5-hour guided outdoor wellness experience that brings together the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine, mindful winter adventure (either winter walk, snowshoe or skin ski), qigong, meditation, and soul inquiry journalling.
Inspired by the Water Element and Kidney Spirit (Zhi), this retreat explores our relationship with fear, courage, trust, and the importance of nourishing our inner reserves.
Through intentional practices and nature immersion, you'll have the opportunity to step away from everyday demands, reconnect with yourself, and embrace the restorative rhythm of winter.
No previous experience is necessary. Simply arrive with an open mind and a willingness to explore.
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Our Winter Recharge Retreat is offered in two beautiful Saskatchewan provincial parks:
Blackstrap Provincial Park: Located approximately 20 minutes south of Saskatoon.
Echo Valley Provincial Park: Located in the Qu'Appelle Valley, approximately 30 minutes north of Regina.
The exact meeting location and directions will be provided before your retreat.
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Blackstrap Provincial Park
Sunday, January 3rd from 1 to 5:30 pm
Friday, January 15th from 1 to 5:30 pm
Friday, January 29th from 10:30 am to 3 pm
Friday, February 12th from 10:30 am to 3 pm
Sunday, February 28th from 1 to 5:30 pm
Sunday, March 14th from 1 to 5:30 pm
Friday, March 26th from 1 to 5:30 pm
Echo Valley Provincial Park
Sunday, January 17th from 10 am to 2:30 pm
Sunday, February 28th from 10 am to 2:30 pm
Sunday, March 14th from 10 am to 2:30 pm
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Winter Recharge Retreat: $185 CAD/person + tax
Optional Wood-burning Sauna Add-on: $45 CAD/person + tax
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Your Winter Recharge Retreat includes:
Guided Kidney Spirit Workshop exploring the Water Element and the wisdom of winter
Grounding meditation and Soul Inquiry journalling practice
Guided winter adventure through Blackstrap or Echo Valley Provincial Park
Snowshoes or skin skis provided if needed
Water Element qigong practice in nature
Grazing box prepared by The Prairie Grazer
Guidance and support from an experienced outdoor wellness guide
A welcoming small-group environment for reflection, connection, and personal growth
Optional Add-On: A 90-minute wood-burning sauna experience for those wishing to extend their retreat.
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Winter in Saskatchewan can be beautiful and invigorating, and dressing appropriately will help you stay comfortable throughout the experience.
We recommend bringing:
Warm, breathable layers suitable for outdoor winter activity
Insulated winter jacket and snow pants
Warm winter boots suitable for walking or snowshoeing
Toque, insulated mittens or gloves, and a neck warmer
Warm wool or synthetic socks
Water bottle and a thermos with your favourite warm beverage
Small backpack for personal belongings
Your own snowshoes or skin skis, if preferred
Journal and pen/pencil
An open mind and willingness to slow down
If participating in the optional sauna: Bring a swimsuit, towel, sandals, water bottle, and a change of dry clothes.
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Beginner-friendly | Easy to Moderate
The Winter Recharge Retreat is designed to be accessible to a variety of fitness and experience levels.
Our winter adventure includes approximately 60 minutes of gentle to moderate walking, snowshoeing, or skin skiing, with opportunities to pause, rest, and connect with the surrounding landscape.
No previous experience with qigong, meditation, snowshoeing, or skin skiing is required.
Participants should be comfortable spending time outdoors in winter conditions and moving over natural, potentially uneven or snow-covered terrain.
The activity will be adapted to weather, trail conditions, and the group's abilities where possible.
If you have questions about accessibility or whether the retreat is suitable for you, please contact us before registering.
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Do I need previous experience with qigong or meditation?
Not at all! All practices are beginner-friendly and guided, allowing you to participate at your own pace.
What is the Kidney Spirit?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Kidney Spirit is known as Zhi and is associated with the Water Element, winter, willpower, courage, and inner resolve. During the retreat, we'll explore these traditional teachings as a framework for self-awareness, reflection, and cultivating trust in ourselves.
What is Soul Inquiry journalling?
Soul Inquiry is a guided reflective practice that encourages you to explore your inner world through thoughtful questions. It offers an opportunity to become more aware of your beliefs, patterns, emotions, and personal needs, helping you reconnect with your own inner wisdom.
Do I need to bring my own snowshoes or skin skis?
No! Equipment will be available for participants who need it, subject to sizing and availability. You're also welcome to bring your own.
Will I need to be physically fit to participate?
You don't need to be an experienced outdoor adventurer, but you should be comfortable with approximately one hour of gentle to moderate winter activity. Please contact us if you're unsure whether the experience is suitable for you.
What if the weather is extremely cold?
Your safety and comfort are our priorities. We'll monitor weather and trail conditions leading up to the retreat and may modify, reschedule, or cancel outdoor activities if conditions are unsuitable.
Is the sauna included in the retreat price?
The sauna is an optional add-on for an additional $45 per person. Guests who choose this experience can enjoy 90 minutes of relaxation following the retreat.
What kind of food is provided?
Each guest will receive a grazing box prepared by The Prairie Grazer, featuring a selection of savoury and sweet grazing items. Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or allergies when registering so we can determine whether accommodations are available.
Can I attend on my own?
Absolutely! Many guests join Back2Nature experiences on their own. Our retreats offer a welcoming space to connect with like-minded people while enjoying time for personal reflection.
Is this retreat offered at both Blackstrap and Echo Valley Provincial Parks?
Yes! Winter Recharge Retreats will be offered at both locations on select dates throughout the winter season.
What if I need to cancel?
Please review our cancellation and rescheduling policy when booking. As this experience includes advance food preparation and limited spaces, we encourage guests to review the policy before registering.