September 19-23, 2023
September is a special time in the Arctic.
During the summer months, the mosquitoes are plentiful and the ground is soft. Much of our hiking terrain is blanketed by tussocks, which are basketball-like mounds of grass that make for challenging hiking in the Brooks Range.
But as the fall colors come and go in late August, September paves the way for freeze up. And, with less and less daylight, the Northern Lights are visible again in the night sky. Although snow typically hasn’t stuck by the Equinox, the weather is brisk, the creeks and rivers are slow, and the ground is firm enough to make hiking longer distances more enjoyable.
Mother Nature’s prime hiking conditions are what inspired our Fall Equinox hiking + yoga retreat, Harvest of the Heart.
This September, join us for a powerful 4-night/5-day retreat at Arctic Hive for both men and women. We will harness September’s unique season in the Alaskan Arctic to go on daily hiking adventures to expansive mountain vistas, majestic waterfalls, and abandoned cabins. Our hikes will be 3-7 miles daily, and the terrain will be a mix of firm tussocks, leftover mud from the rain season, and a healthy dose of Alaskan bushwhacking. There’s also the potential for snow because well… it’s the arctic, after all!
During the summer months, the mosquitoes are plentiful and the ground is soft. Much of our hiking terrain is blanketed by tussocks, which are basketball-like mounds of grass that make for challenging hiking in the Brooks Range.
But as the fall colors come and go in late August, September paves the way for freeze up. And, with less and less daylight, the Northern Lights are visible again in the night sky. Although snow typically hasn’t stuck by the Equinox, the weather is brisk, the creeks and rivers are slow, and the ground is firm enough to make hiking longer distances more enjoyable.
Mother Nature’s prime hiking conditions are what inspired our Fall Equinox hiking + yoga retreat, Harvest of the Heart.
This September, join us for a powerful 4-night/5-day retreat at Arctic Hive for both men and women. We will harness September’s unique season in the Alaskan Arctic to go on daily hiking adventures to expansive mountain vistas, majestic waterfalls, and abandoned cabins. Our hikes will be 3-7 miles daily, and the terrain will be a mix of firm tussocks, leftover mud from the rain season, and a healthy dose of Alaskan bushwhacking. There’s also the potential for snow because well… it’s the arctic, after all!
Rest assured, daily morning yoga practice with Mollie will both prepare our bodies for the day ahead and restore sore muscles from the previous day.
When not exploring the Brooks Range, you’ll have ample time to enjoy peace and quiet of nature, and drop into your own heart to consider what you’re harvesting in this season of your life. We will enjoy time getting to know the subsistence village of Wiseman through a village tour, arctic crafts and campfires in good company… the perfect balance of programming and spaciousness. On the day of the Equinox, you’ll experience a simple, earth-based ceremony immersed in nature to fully release any residual baggage from summer so that you leave feeling refreshed, renewed and clear on your path for the winter season ahead.
This is no ordinary adventure. Harvest of the Heart features an intention-filled space for you to show up, hike, practice yoga, sit, and receive nature’s raw wisdom to evolve your way of being. You will harness your own power in the spaciousness of the Brooks Range, and rise up to be a brighter version of yourself. No responsibilities. No labels. No pressure. You will experience all this place has to offer, and after 5 days of incubation in September’s sacred chrysalis, you will return home from the arctic with all its wisdom to bring into your life.
When not exploring the Brooks Range, you’ll have ample time to enjoy peace and quiet of nature, and drop into your own heart to consider what you’re harvesting in this season of your life. We will enjoy time getting to know the subsistence village of Wiseman through a village tour, arctic crafts and campfires in good company… the perfect balance of programming and spaciousness. On the day of the Equinox, you’ll experience a simple, earth-based ceremony immersed in nature to fully release any residual baggage from summer so that you leave feeling refreshed, renewed and clear on your path for the winter season ahead.
This is no ordinary adventure. Harvest of the Heart features an intention-filled space for you to show up, hike, practice yoga, sit, and receive nature’s raw wisdom to evolve your way of being. You will harness your own power in the spaciousness of the Brooks Range, and rise up to be a brighter version of yourself. No responsibilities. No labels. No pressure. You will experience all this place has to offer, and after 5 days of incubation in September’s sacred chrysalis, you will return home from the arctic with all its wisdom to bring into your life.
A FEW NOTES:
- This retreat is open to both men and women. Cabin assignments are determined as bookings are made, and we will place guests with those of the same gender, unless otherwise specified!
- Please know you do NOT need extensive yoga experience (or any at all!) to attend this retreat! Mollie is well versed teaching yogis at all levels of experience, and if you're feeling called to participate, your heart's innate wisdom knows the way, and we'd love to have you!
- Yoga is a component of this retreat but never a requirement! If you're needing space at any point during this retreat, know that the yoga practices are optional. We want you to feel nourished, supported and spacious throughout this week together... so everything is challenge by choice. Reach out if you're unsure!.
About
Arctic Hive
Travel seven hours away from the nearest grocery store, cross the arctic circle, and travel 63 more miles north to the village of Wiseman. There, you’ll get the chance to see the Northern Lights, in an area deemed as having some of the best northern light displays in the world.
Arctic Hive is located just a mile into the bush from the village. We hike in and out of the property, and haul gear in September with our own two feet, as the ground is fragile and we don't use a snowmachine until late October when there's enough snow. Guests will experience this unique Alaskan experience just as we do. Although all your necessities and food will be waiting for you on site, guests will be expected to hike their personal belongings in and out of the property (~1 mile). We will work with you to assure you have the right gear to make this easy!
Once you arrive at Arctic Hive, our main lodge greets you — a cozy Igloo, where we eat all of our meals together around a big wood stove. The Igloo has three massive panels that allow for Northern Lights viewing from the comfort of the indoors.
Arctic Hive is located just a mile into the bush from the village. We hike in and out of the property, and haul gear in September with our own two feet, as the ground is fragile and we don't use a snowmachine until late October when there's enough snow. Guests will experience this unique Alaskan experience just as we do. Although all your necessities and food will be waiting for you on site, guests will be expected to hike their personal belongings in and out of the property (~1 mile). We will work with you to assure you have the right gear to make this easy!
Once you arrive at Arctic Hive, our main lodge greets you — a cozy Igloo, where we eat all of our meals together around a big wood stove. The Igloo has three massive panels that allow for Northern Lights viewing from the comfort of the indoors.
Here at Arctic Hive, we have three cabins to keep you cozy warm during your stay with us — there are mountain views in every direction, and plenty of windows to see the wild landscape and the northern lights! Each cabin will be home to two retreat attendees in twin or double beds (depending on the cabin). All cabins are off-grid, heated with Swedish Nordic oil stoves that keep the space warm and cozy. Cabins have a limited amount of solar/battery-power, for lights and for charging small devices.
Depending on the amount of sunlight, you'll have the opportunity to charge small devices via generator or solar power (such as your phone if you use it as a camera). It wouldn't be wise to bring larger electronics like computers, as they draw so much power from the small battery banks.
The cabins are located just a short walk up the hill from the Igloo. Facilities include a composting outhouse that's cleaned and attended to daily — along with a few designated "facili-trees" in the woods. If you're inexperienced with either of these methods, our team will assure you're up to speed upon arrival!
Down the trail a little further is our 24-foot Geodesic Dome, which we utilize for all the yoga activities. This powerful space is warm and cozy during our practices and provides the peace and serenity, plus all the yoga props you'd ever need, so you can soak up Mother Nature's beauty through a massive bay window:
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Meet
your hosts
Mollie Busby
IG: @MollieOfTheNorth
Co-Founder, Arctic Hive
Founder of Yoga Hive
Master Yoga, Breathwork & Meditation Teacher
Mollie Busby is a driven entrepreneur, writer, dog musher, backcountry skier with the spirit of a summer camp counselor and a love of wild places. Mollie and her husband Sean own and operate their wilderness retreat center nestled 63 miles north of the Arctic Circle called Arctic Hive. The pair crafted the entire facility with their own hands, and lives there in the Brooks Range year-round to host small groups of all kinds and mush with their pack of sled dogs.
In 2010, Mollie and Sean founded Riding On Insulin, which hosts action sports camps for kids with type 1 diabetes. Mollie ran the nonprofit as Executive Director for 7 years, until Sean took the helm in 2017. Although she still works for the organization on a part-time basis hosting a few camps and managing the operations, Mollie shifted much of her focus to her work and studies in yoga, including founding four yoga studios called Yoga Hive. Her Montana and Wisconsin branches have since been sold, and continue thriving today. Yoga Hive is known for its inviting vibe, friendly instructors, and willingness to show anyone that yoga is for everybody and every body. Today, Mollie teaches classes over Zoom and hosts both in-person and online yoga teacher trainings and courses from her Yoga Hive studio in the arctic — a 24-foot geodesic dome surrounded by a black spruce forest with expansive views of the Brooks Mountain Range.
Hailing originally from Wisconsin, Mollie brings to her classes a warm, midwestern vibe mixed with a wide range of yoga training. Although her training was rooted in a vinyasa/power yoga style, Mollie now takes a softer, feminine approach featuring dynamic breathwork, intention woven throughout the journey, feel-good movements, and Tantric kriya from her extensive studies in the foothills of India’s Himalayas. She infuses her unique brand of magic into every class she guides, alongside her love of teaching the basics to anyone willing to learn.
Co-Founder, Arctic Hive
Founder of Yoga Hive
Master Yoga, Breathwork & Meditation Teacher
Mollie Busby is a driven entrepreneur, writer, dog musher, backcountry skier with the spirit of a summer camp counselor and a love of wild places. Mollie and her husband Sean own and operate their wilderness retreat center nestled 63 miles north of the Arctic Circle called Arctic Hive. The pair crafted the entire facility with their own hands, and lives there in the Brooks Range year-round to host small groups of all kinds and mush with their pack of sled dogs.
In 2010, Mollie and Sean founded Riding On Insulin, which hosts action sports camps for kids with type 1 diabetes. Mollie ran the nonprofit as Executive Director for 7 years, until Sean took the helm in 2017. Although she still works for the organization on a part-time basis hosting a few camps and managing the operations, Mollie shifted much of her focus to her work and studies in yoga, including founding four yoga studios called Yoga Hive. Her Montana and Wisconsin branches have since been sold, and continue thriving today. Yoga Hive is known for its inviting vibe, friendly instructors, and willingness to show anyone that yoga is for everybody and every body. Today, Mollie teaches classes over Zoom and hosts both in-person and online yoga teacher trainings and courses from her Yoga Hive studio in the arctic — a 24-foot geodesic dome surrounded by a black spruce forest with expansive views of the Brooks Mountain Range.
Hailing originally from Wisconsin, Mollie brings to her classes a warm, midwestern vibe mixed with a wide range of yoga training. Although her training was rooted in a vinyasa/power yoga style, Mollie now takes a softer, feminine approach featuring dynamic breathwork, intention woven throughout the journey, feel-good movements, and Tantric kriya from her extensive studies in the foothills of India’s Himalayas. She infuses her unique brand of magic into every class she guides, alongside her love of teaching the basics to anyone willing to learn.
Sean Busby
IG: @SeanBusby
Co-Founder, Arctic Hive
Founder & Executive Director, Riding On Insulin
Professional Snowboarder
Sean Busby is a professional backcountry snowboarder and alternative off grid home builder living off the grid in the wilds of Alaska. Sean has backcountry snowboarded on all seven continents, including some of the most remote and isolated mountain ranges on the planet which is what brought him to the Brooks Range and the eventual co-founding of Arctic Hive. He also specializes in logistics of remote off grid adventures in polar regions.
Sean has been featured internationally in major print and tv shows such as HGTV, DIY, Disney, ESPN, Daily Mail, Yahoo, Frequency Snowboard Journal, and Discovery Channel for his snowboarding expeditions and with his wife, Mollie, for their sustainable off grid building and living methods.
Sean is also the founder and executive director of an international nonprofit, Riding On Insulin, which hosts action sports camps for kids and teens living with type 1 diabetes around the globe.
Sean is the proud owner of a growing dog mushing team of 12 sledogs and spends most of his spare time trying to figure out how to convince Mollie to allow him to add more!
Co-Founder, Arctic Hive
Founder & Executive Director, Riding On Insulin
Professional Snowboarder
Sean Busby is a professional backcountry snowboarder and alternative off grid home builder living off the grid in the wilds of Alaska. Sean has backcountry snowboarded on all seven continents, including some of the most remote and isolated mountain ranges on the planet which is what brought him to the Brooks Range and the eventual co-founding of Arctic Hive. He also specializes in logistics of remote off grid adventures in polar regions.
Sean has been featured internationally in major print and tv shows such as HGTV, DIY, Disney, ESPN, Daily Mail, Yahoo, Frequency Snowboard Journal, and Discovery Channel for his snowboarding expeditions and with his wife, Mollie, for their sustainable off grid building and living methods.
Sean is also the founder and executive director of an international nonprofit, Riding On Insulin, which hosts action sports camps for kids and teens living with type 1 diabetes around the globe.
Sean is the proud owner of a growing dog mushing team of 12 sledogs and spends most of his spare time trying to figure out how to convince Mollie to allow him to add more!
Don't just take our word for it...
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Our trip to Arctic Hive exceeded all of my imaginings... and I anticipated a lot! It was educational, beautiful, delicious, inspiring, fun, relaxing and peaceful. All of the experiences were significant. The accommodations simply perfect. I am enriched. Thank you for all your work in sharing this time in the special place with us. Great love.
— Sherry, Washington |
Logistics & Pricing
Dates:
September 19-23, 2023
Flights:
COVID PROTOCOL:
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
September 19-23, 2023
Flights:
- We will be leaving from Fairbanks no earlier than 8am on the first day of the retreat. We will arrive back in the early evening of the final day of the retreat, depending on weather.
- To be absolutely sure you're on time, we recommend arriving into Fairbanks Airport (FAI) the day before the retreat (the 18th), and flying out on a red eye flight in the early morning after we arrive back to Fairbanks (either late night, after 11pm on the 22nd, or 12:30-1am on the 24th) — most people leaving FAI take red-eye flights back to the lower 48.
- If you do arrive the night before the retreat, we will connect you with others who are too, and you will be responsible for booking lodging for that night.
- Once you've paid your deposit, just make sure to coordinate with Mollie on booking your flights. Travel to and from (and within) Alaska is a tricky business — but we've got your back. We've been doing this for a while! We'll help you every step of the way to assure you have exactly what you need.
COVID PROTOCOL:
- Only 8 spots are available, 2 people per cabin.
- We require all guests present 2 negative at-home COVID 19 tests taken within Alaska. One test is to be taken three days prior to arrival in Alaska, and one the night before departure to Arctic Hive. You understand that the cost of these tests is your responsibility.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Transport from Fairbanks to Wiseman
- Transport back from Wiseman to Fairbanks
- Lodging from the 19th to the morning of the 23rd
- 5 days (4 nights) of dynamic programming, including but not limited to the drive tour up and back including crossing the Arctic Circle and the mighty Yukon River, daily yoga and hiking, crafts, northern lights tour, mingling with Wiseman village folk, and more!
- Three delicious meals a day, light refreshments and all the clean mountain water you could ever want, including coffee/tea/snacks throughout the weekend. (Dietary needs can be accommodated!). We do not provide alcohol, however you're welcome to bring whatever drinks/snacks with you that you'd like for the trip.
- All linens, duvet, a hand towel — freshly washed and ready for you!
- Baby wipes and dry shampoo!
- Yoga mats and props
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Flight/Transport to Fairbanks from your home
- Lodging in Fairbanks before and after the retreat, if applicable
- Breakfast and lunch on the first day (you will be stopping at the grocery store before leaving Fairbanks so you can pick up whatever food you'd like for lunch)
- Showers (You won't need one, we promise!)
- Alcohol— but you are welcome to grab what you want at the grocery store before leaving Fairbanks!
- Final night dinner back in Fairbanks on the 23rd
- Travel Insurance, should your trip be interrupted for reasons beyond your control... we HIGHLY recommend getting some insurance due to not knowing the weather, and unexpected delays on the road that would require us to lodge at Yukon River Camp, or in Fairbanks. If there are delays caused by human error (e.g. NOT weather), Arctic Hive will cover those expenses.
- The cost associated with your COVID-19 tests (more info on this above, under COVID protocol)
INVESTMENT:
$2,450 — save an extra $200 off this price if you pay in full before June 15th using the promo code HARVEST
*If you do have a group of 3 traveling together willing to share 1 cabin, we will offer a 10% discount for each of the three attendees, on a space available basis.*
Everyone is required to pay at least a nonrefundable $1,000 deposit to hold your spot. That $1,000 is applied toward your total investment.
All tuition must be paid in full 60 days prior to the retreat start date. Cancellations prior to that date are eligible for a refund, minus the $1,000 nonrefundable deposit.
Cancellations within 30-60 days of the retreat are 50% refundable.
Cancellations within 30 days of your retreat start date are 25% refundable.
Cancellations within 15 days of your retreat start date are 0% refundable.
$2,450 — save an extra $200 off this price if you pay in full before June 15th using the promo code HARVEST
*If you do have a group of 3 traveling together willing to share 1 cabin, we will offer a 10% discount for each of the three attendees, on a space available basis.*
Everyone is required to pay at least a nonrefundable $1,000 deposit to hold your spot. That $1,000 is applied toward your total investment.
All tuition must be paid in full 60 days prior to the retreat start date. Cancellations prior to that date are eligible for a refund, minus the $1,000 nonrefundable deposit.
Cancellations within 30-60 days of the retreat are 50% refundable.
Cancellations within 30 days of your retreat start date are 25% refundable.
Cancellations within 15 days of your retreat start date are 0% refundable.
There are only 8 spots. Will you be joining us?
We'd be honored to host you. Click the button below, and you'll be taken to our booking platform, Momence — which handles all bookings for Arctic Hive Retreats and for Yoga Hive online trainings/workshops. If you have any trouble with the process, please don't hesitate to reach out.
FAQ
Do I need any yoga experience to attend?
No! Please know you do NOT need yoga experience to attend this retreat! Mollie is well versed teaching yogis at all levels of experience, and rest assured if you're feeling called to participate, your heart's innate wisdom knows the way, and we'd love to have you!
What physical ability do I need for this trip?
You will need to feel comfortable hiking 3-7 miles per day in variable terrain, as Arctic Hive is located over a mile from any destinations in the village or beyond. We provide trekking poles and crampons for your boots if there's ice, but you will bring all other gear. We will provide an extensive packing list, and will provide any support you need to assure you come prepared! But know that there is daily hiking, typically with a light backpack.
Do I need to do ALL of the yoga practices?
Yoga is a feature of this retreat but not a requirement! If you're needing space at any point during this retreat, know that the yoga practices are optional. We want you to feel nourished, supported and spacious throughout this week together... so everything is challenge by choice. Reach out if you're unsure!
What is the food like?
If you could read our guestbooks, you'd see that food is one of the common highlights of our guests' experience! Mollie and Sean prepare delicious, vegetarian cuisine and are well versed in many common dietary restrictions. Vegans and meat-eaters alike will feel at home on this retreat, and you just may leave with some food inspiration to take back with you!
Will I see the northern lights?
Although we can never guarantee Mother Nature's display, you are more likely to see the northern lights here in Wiseman than you are anywhere else in the world. It always depends on weather, but we sit directly under the aurora oval. That means chances are extremely good!
No! Please know you do NOT need yoga experience to attend this retreat! Mollie is well versed teaching yogis at all levels of experience, and rest assured if you're feeling called to participate, your heart's innate wisdom knows the way, and we'd love to have you!
What physical ability do I need for this trip?
You will need to feel comfortable hiking 3-7 miles per day in variable terrain, as Arctic Hive is located over a mile from any destinations in the village or beyond. We provide trekking poles and crampons for your boots if there's ice, but you will bring all other gear. We will provide an extensive packing list, and will provide any support you need to assure you come prepared! But know that there is daily hiking, typically with a light backpack.
Do I need to do ALL of the yoga practices?
Yoga is a feature of this retreat but not a requirement! If you're needing space at any point during this retreat, know that the yoga practices are optional. We want you to feel nourished, supported and spacious throughout this week together... so everything is challenge by choice. Reach out if you're unsure!
What is the food like?
If you could read our guestbooks, you'd see that food is one of the common highlights of our guests' experience! Mollie and Sean prepare delicious, vegetarian cuisine and are well versed in many common dietary restrictions. Vegans and meat-eaters alike will feel at home on this retreat, and you just may leave with some food inspiration to take back with you!
Will I see the northern lights?
Although we can never guarantee Mother Nature's display, you are more likely to see the northern lights here in Wiseman than you are anywhere else in the world. It always depends on weather, but we sit directly under the aurora oval. That means chances are extremely good!