Winter's Womb
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 4-night/5-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, learn how to dog mush and nourish ourselves on good food and good company.
We will have 1-2 yoga practices per day, using tools like kriya and mantra to tap into our own creativity and our body's innate wisdom. 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, mush, and move 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 long weekend 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 have 1-2 yoga practices per day, using tools like kriya and mantra to tap into our own creativity and our body's innate wisdom. 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, mush, and move 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 long weekend 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
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!
|
|
Here at Arctic Hive, we have four 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 1-2 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 very little (and often no) cell phone reception from the cabins (or in all of Wiseman!). We do have access to cell service for emergencies when a cell booster is plugged in. WIFI is not available for guests. We always recommend guests put their phones in airplane mode to completely disconnect during their stay here!
*Groups that book as a group of 3 willing to share one cabin (using a pullout twin bed + the two existing beds) are each eligible for 10% their tuition.
There is very little (and often no) cell phone reception from the cabins (or in all of Wiseman!). We do have access to cell service for emergencies when a cell booster is plugged in. WIFI is not available for guests. We always recommend guests put their phones in airplane mode to completely disconnect during their stay here!
*Groups that book as a group of 3 willing to share one cabin (using a pullout twin bed + the two existing beds) are each eligible for 10% their tuition.
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. If you have specific power needs during your stay, please inquire with us first!
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 Yoga Hive 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:
|
|
Meet
Mollie
IG: @MollieOfTheNorth
Mollie 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. Follow her adventures in the arctic on Instagram @MollieOfTheNorth, and read more about her retreats, courses and classes at MollieBusby.com.
Mollie 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. Follow her adventures in the arctic on Instagram @MollieOfTheNorth, and read more about her retreats, courses and classes at MollieBusby.com.
Don't just take our word for it...
|
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:
Flights:
*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 - 21st, 2025 (Women Only)
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.
*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 21st
- 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, 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 organic 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 (the chartered van 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 you leave Fairbanks!
- Final night dinner back in Fairbanks on the 21st
- 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.
INVESTMENT:
Early Bird Pricing: $3,000 (Book prior to September 1st, 2025)
Regular Pricing: $3,250 (Book after September 1st, 2025)
*The price of this retreat is subject to change in the event of unforeseen increases in fuel, food, and transport costs. Lock in your price the day you officially pay your deposit!
*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
REFUND POLICY:
Early Bird Pricing: $3,000 (Book prior to September 1st, 2025)
Regular Pricing: $3,250 (Book after September 1st, 2025)
*The price of this retreat is subject to change in the event of unforeseen increases in fuel, food, and transport costs. Lock in your price the day you officially pay your deposit!
*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
REFUND POLICY:
- 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.
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 Fahrenheit 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 Fahrenheit 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.