Winter'sWomb
A magical 5-night women's winter solstice
yoga retreat above Alaska's Arctic Circle
A magical 5-night women's winter solstice
yoga retreat above Alaska's Arctic Circle
Dec. 17 - 22, 2023
From November 30th to January 9th, the sun stops rising over the mountains here at Arctic Hive and we descend into a phenomenon called Polar Night.
Because we are located 63 miles north of the Arctic Circle and 270 miles from the nearest town, darkness takes on a whole new meaning in Wiseman. The time around the solstice is the darkest time of the year for everyone on the northern hemisphere — but here, we don’t see the sun at all.
The resulting “light of day” is magical — in its own, winter way — a muted blue light for about four hours, and then submerging back into night. It’s not uncommon to wake up in the morning with the Northern Lights still waving through the sky, in bright hues of green, red and purple. A headlamp becomes a permanent fixture as we move around the property, lighting our way through the dark, so we can see the way.
As Alaskans, we know it’s important to not turn away or dread this natural cycle of the Earth...quite the contrary. We must prepare for it, because it’s certain. We must lean into it, embrace it, and experience its transformative powers.
This is the cycle of the womb: Womb Wisdom — the cycle of creation, within and without.
Because we are located 63 miles north of the Arctic Circle and 270 miles from the nearest town, darkness takes on a whole new meaning in Wiseman. The time around the solstice is the darkest time of the year for everyone on the northern hemisphere — but here, we don’t see the sun at all.
The resulting “light of day” is magical — in its own, winter way — a muted blue light for about four hours, and then submerging back into night. It’s not uncommon to wake up in the morning with the Northern Lights still waving through the sky, in bright hues of green, red and purple. A headlamp becomes a permanent fixture as we move around the property, lighting our way through the dark, so we can see the way.
As Alaskans, we know it’s important to not turn away or dread this natural cycle of the Earth...quite the contrary. We must prepare for it, because it’s certain. We must lean into it, embrace it, and experience its transformative powers.
This is the cycle of the womb: Womb Wisdom — the cycle of creation, within and without.
This December, join me for a magical, women’s 5-night/6-day winter solstice retreat called Winter’s Womb. We will harness Polar Night, this unique time in the Alaskan Arctic, to gather in community in the warmth of our Arctic Hive spaces, practice yoga daily, and nourish ourselves on plant-based food and good company.
We will often have twice-daily yoga practice focused on goddess energy and seasonal astrological shifts, using tools like kriya and mantra to tap into our own creativity and harness our own divinity. We will enjoy time getting to know the subsistence village of Wiseman through outdoor activities, a village tour, crafts and more… the perfect balance of programming and spaciousness.
This is not a retreat where I’ll heal you from your pain, or the Arctic herself will transform you into a new person. This is a retreat where you will show up, practice, 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. With the night — and the northern lights as our muse — we will dance, meditate, move and chant mantra to lift one another up, so that we all have the space to just be our true selves. No responsibilities. No labels. No pressure. You will experience all this place has to offer, and after a week in the womb of winter, you will return home with all its wisdom to bring into your life.
A NOTE ON THE YOGA:
We will often have twice-daily yoga practice focused on goddess energy and seasonal astrological shifts, using tools like kriya and mantra to tap into our own creativity and harness our own divinity. We will enjoy time getting to know the subsistence village of Wiseman through outdoor activities, a village tour, crafts and more… the perfect balance of programming and spaciousness.
This is not a retreat where I’ll heal you from your pain, or the Arctic herself will transform you into a new person. This is a retreat where you will show up, practice, 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. With the night — and the northern lights as our muse — we will dance, meditate, move and chant mantra to lift one another up, so that we all have the space to just be our true selves. No responsibilities. No labels. No pressure. You will experience all this place has to offer, and after a week in the womb of winter, you will return home with all its wisdom to bring into your life.
A NOTE ON THE YOGA:
- Please know you do NOT need to be a yoga teacher, or have extensive 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!
- Yoga is the focus of this retreat but not the 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
Press play to get a sneak peek into what our retreats at Arctic Hive are like...
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 the winter using a snowmachine. Guests will experience this unique Alaskan experience just as we locals do!
Once you arrive at Arctic Hive, our main lodge greets you — a cozy enveloped in snow, 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. During Polar Night, this could be all day long!
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 the winter using a snowmachine. Guests will experience this unique Alaskan experience just as we locals do!
Once you arrive at Arctic Hive, our main lodge greets you — a cozy enveloped in snow, 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. During Polar Night, this could be all day long!
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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.
There is no cell phone reception from the cabins (or in all of Wiseman!) — although we do have access to service for emergencies, and for those who may need to check in with home once and a while.
There is no cell phone reception from the cabins (or in all of Wiseman!) — although we do have access to service for emergencies, and for those who may need to check in with home once and a while.
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, which is our central lodge and gathering space for meals and community. The Igloo has a large glass ceiling for taking in the mighty views and northern lights. 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 and ceremonies. 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
Mollie
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IG: @MollieOfTheNorth
Co-Founder, Arctic Hive Founder of Yoga Hive Master Yoga, Breathwork & Meditation Teacher Mollie Busby is a driven entrepreneur with the spirit of a summer camp counselor and a kind, midwestern presence. Mollie is a seasoned yoga and meditation teacher and off-grid home builder with her husband, Sean. The Busbys choose to live close to the land off-the-grid and pursue their life’s work. The pair started the non-profit, Riding On Insulin, which Mollie ran as Executive Director for 7 years, until Sean took over in 2017. It was then that Mollie shifted much of her focus to Yoga Hive, and now, to Yoga Hive Studios, a collective of yoga Studios located in Montana, Wisconsin, Colorado, and Alaska. Today, she still owns Yoga Hive Wisconsin and works with an incredible team of studio owners to serve at locations throughout the country. |
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Yoga Hive is known for its inviting vibe, friendly instructors, and willingness to show anyone that yoga is for everybody and every body.
Regardless of the method, Mollie sees her purpose on this planet as cultivating community in small groups — whether shredding down the slopes with kids living with type 1 diabetes, in a yoga retreat setting at Arctic Hive, or during the 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Trainings she runs in Montana, Wisconsin, Colorado, Alaska, and beyond. She enjoys spending time outdoors skiing and dogsledding in the winter, hiking in the summer, and playing with all their sled dogs all year round.
She and Sean have built a dynamic off-the-grid homestead in the heart of Whitefish, Montana, that’s been featured on HGTV, the DIY Network, Discovery Channel, Yahoo News, Daily Mail, and more. They've also built off-grid homesteads in Homer, Alaska and now live full time in the arctic at their home, Arctic Hive.
Hailing originally from Wisconsin, Mollie brings her warm, midwestern hospitality mixed with a wide range of yoga training, spanning well over 1500 hours over the past 10 years. Her teaching draws inspiration from the Vinyasa yoga and a mix of Tantric Kriya, breathwork, and mantra-based meditation from the Himalayas in India. This unique mix gives her classes a magical feel, with a love for teaching the basics to anyone willing to learn, layered with a profound gift of teaching for transformation.
Regardless of the method, Mollie sees her purpose on this planet as cultivating community in small groups — whether shredding down the slopes with kids living with type 1 diabetes, in a yoga retreat setting at Arctic Hive, or during the 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Trainings she runs in Montana, Wisconsin, Colorado, Alaska, and beyond. She enjoys spending time outdoors skiing and dogsledding in the winter, hiking in the summer, and playing with all their sled dogs all year round.
She and Sean have built a dynamic off-the-grid homestead in the heart of Whitefish, Montana, that’s been featured on HGTV, the DIY Network, Discovery Channel, Yahoo News, Daily Mail, and more. They've also built off-grid homesteads in Homer, Alaska and now live full time in the arctic at their home, Arctic Hive.
Hailing originally from Wisconsin, Mollie brings her warm, midwestern hospitality mixed with a wide range of yoga training, spanning well over 1500 hours over the past 10 years. Her teaching draws inspiration from the Vinyasa yoga and a mix of Tantric Kriya, breathwork, and mantra-based meditation from the Himalayas in India. This unique mix gives her classes a magical feel, with a love for teaching the basics to anyone willing to learn, layered with a profound gift of teaching for transformation.
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:
December 17th - 22nd, 2023
Flights:
COVID PROTOCOL:
*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.*
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
December 17th - 22nd, 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 16th), 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 23rd) — 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 a negative PCR COVID test administered 3 days prior to arrival in Alaska, and 2 negative rapid COVID tests taken within Alaska. One test is to be taken the night before departure to Arctic Hive, and one 30 minutes before the shuttle picks you up the following morning. You understand that the cost of these tests is your responsibility.
*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.*
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Transport from Fairbanks to Wiseman
- Transport back from Wiseman to Fairbanks
- Lodging from the 17th to the morning of the 22nd
- 6 days (5 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, twice daily yoga, hikes/snowshoeing, crafts, dogsledding, northern lights tour, mingling with Wiseman village folk, meditation 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 17th (we will be stopping at the grocery store before leaving Fairbanks so you can pick up whatever food you'd like)
- Showers (You won't need one, we promise!)
- Alcohol— but you are welcome to grab what you want at the grocery store on Wednesday before we leave Fairbanks!
- Final night dinner back in Fairbanks on the 22nd
- 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 PCR test dated within 3 days of your arrival into Fairbanks + 2 rapid tests (more info on this above, under COVID protocol)
INVESTMENT:
$3,450
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 nonrefundable deposit. Your deposit balance will be kept on file with Arctic Hive and/or Yoga Hive for a designated retreat, training or program within 2 years of the retreat.
Cancellations after that 60 day mark are 50% refundable. Your remaining balance will be kept on file with Arctic Hive and/or Yoga Hive for a designated retreat, training or program within 2 years of the retreat.
Cancellations within 30 days of your retreat start date are 25% refundable. Your remaining balance will be kept on file with Arctic Hive and/or Yoga Hive for a designated retreat, training or program within 2 years of the retreat.
$3,450
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 nonrefundable deposit. Your deposit balance will be kept on file with Arctic Hive and/or Yoga Hive for a designated retreat, training or program within 2 years of the retreat.
Cancellations after that 60 day mark are 50% refundable. Your remaining balance will be kept on file with Arctic Hive and/or Yoga Hive for a designated retreat, training or program within 2 years of the retreat.
Cancellations within 30 days of your retreat start date are 25% refundable. Your remaining balance will be kept on file with Arctic Hive and/or Yoga Hive for a designated retreat, training or program within 2 years of the retreat.
There are only 6 spots. Will you be joining us?
Want to chat with Mollie first? Click below to get in touch via email with any questions you have!
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 2-4 miles per day in variable terrain, as Arctic Hive is located over a mile from any destinations in the village or beyond. We provide snowshoes and trekking poles, but you will bring all other winter gear you need. We will provide an extensive packing list, and will provide any support you need to assure you come prepared! But know that there is hiking involved, typically with a light backpack.
Do I need to do ALL of the yoga practices?
Yoga is the focus of this retreat but not the 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!
What is the weather like during this time of year?
If you learn anything about Alaska, it's that every day is unpredictable! Although the weather website try their best, the forecast can turn in an instant. "Typical" temperatures in the arctic in December are around 0-degrees farenheit during the day and can drop into the negatives over night. When heading into town for an adventure or on a short hike, know that our activities are based on the safety of the group and we have plenty of indoor spaces to enjoy the warmth of fire! The cabins and yoga dome are heated with Nordic oil drip stoves, and the Igloo common space is heated with a wood stove. So yes, it is winter. In the arctic. But we live here year round, and we're confident (from our experience!) that this retreat will be cozy and comfortable for guests!
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 — and this time of year is one of the most popular for photographers and adventurers to the great white north! We will also have a full moon, which has the possibility to light up the night sky like nothing you've ever seen before. When the two phenomenon collide, it makes for an incredible show.
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 2-4 miles per day in variable terrain, as Arctic Hive is located over a mile from any destinations in the village or beyond. We provide snowshoes and trekking poles, but you will bring all other winter gear you need. We will provide an extensive packing list, and will provide any support you need to assure you come prepared! But know that there is hiking involved, typically with a light backpack.
Do I need to do ALL of the yoga practices?
Yoga is the focus of this retreat but not the 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!
What is the weather like during this time of year?
If you learn anything about Alaska, it's that every day is unpredictable! Although the weather website try their best, the forecast can turn in an instant. "Typical" temperatures in the arctic in December are around 0-degrees farenheit during the day and can drop into the negatives over night. When heading into town for an adventure or on a short hike, know that our activities are based on the safety of the group and we have plenty of indoor spaces to enjoy the warmth of fire! The cabins and yoga dome are heated with Nordic oil drip stoves, and the Igloo common space is heated with a wood stove. So yes, it is winter. In the arctic. But we live here year round, and we're confident (from our experience!) that this retreat will be cozy and comfortable for guests!
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 — and this time of year is one of the most popular for photographers and adventurers to the great white north! We will also have a full moon, which has the possibility to light up the night sky like nothing you've ever seen before. When the two phenomenon collide, it makes for an incredible show.