Take time to recharge and enjoy a mindful week of snowshoeing and yoga in a magical mountain setting. Enjoy delicious artfully prepared vegetarian food, indoor yoga and plenty of time to rest and slow down in a beautifully restored French farmhouse. Reconnect with yourself and nature in a quiet environment, whilst learning tools to bring a sense of calm into your everyday life. Come curious with an open mind. The retreat is open to all levels.
“Nothing to do, nowhere to go“. During half-day mindful snowshoeing excursions, we’ll enjoy the beauty of the winter landscape with its endless forests and snow covered peaks. Together with a mountain guide, we’ll find our own walking rhythm and practise connecting to nature by observing our thoughts and senses. These tools will help you slow down and stay centred to fully enjoy the present moment. Our guide will carefully select snowshoeing routes with easy to moderate climbs. Walkers are required to wear comfortable waterproof boots and
outerwear, while snowshoes and poles will be provided by the mountain guide.
Deepen your yoga practice with daily yoga and meditation classes with our teachers. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced yogi, this program will help you awaken the potential within yourself, through Vinyasa, Alignment-based and Restorative yoga methods, led by a team of qualified yoga instructors. Sessions take place in a beautiful, fully-equipped studio located in a quiet corner of the garden, which benefits from the mountain sunlight and is perfect for practising in small groups.
During this one-hour workshop in the warm and relaxed atmosphere of the studio, coach and mindfulness teacher Sally-Anne, will help you learn tools for bringing a sense of calm into your everyday life. Deepen your mindfulness practice whilst learning how you can counter mental exhaustion, ground yourself and achieve mental clarity through the simple steps of pausing, focusing and breathing. The workshop combines theory and practice.
You will stay in a beautifully renovated farmhouse with four ensuite bedrooms (with twin, triple and quadruple bed arrangements), in the French Alpine village of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.
Fuel the body and mind with our delicious vegetarian breakfast, lunch and dinner, prepared by our in-house chef. Unlimited tea and fresh fruit are also included.
Experience indoor daily sessions of Vinyasa, Alignment-based, Restorative yoga and Meditation along with Mindfulness Workshop led by our team of inspiring qualified instructors.
Enjoy the snow and get back to nature as you explore the valleys and forests of the French Alps. Our snowshoeing walks are led by a certified mountain guide and include equipment.
Complete access to the indoor yoga studio, which is fully equipped with yoga props; including mats, blocks, straps and blankets.
Enjoy a free day to spend as you wish: treat yourself to a massage, explore the local village, enjoy the ski slopes, book a ski lesson or simply rest in the chalet.
Airport Transfers (details below)
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
We are a 75 minute drive from Geneva, and a straightforward journey from Geneva Airport or central railway station* by one of the following options:
Exclusively for our retreat participants, we organise a minibus from the airport to The Chalet in Sixt Fer A Cheval. A driver will meet the group at the arrival flight area at Terminal 1 at 1pm on 8th Feb 2020. The meeting point is Tekoe Cafe.
On the departure day 15th Feb, there will be a minibus from The Chalet to Geneva Airport, departing at 10.00am.
Price: €80 per person (€40 each way). To book contact us: info@yogainthealps.com
* If you’re travelling to Geneva by train, arrive at Gare Cornavin Railway Station, which is connected to the airport by train or bus. From Cornavin station take the 8 minute train ride to the airport (departs every 12-20 minutes) and walk 5 minutes through the shopping area to Terminal 1. Alternatively, take a 20 minute bus (number 5) from Cornavin station to the airport (departs every 30 minutes and stops directly at Terminal 1).
If you’re short on time and require a direct service, you can book a private taxi. The price starts from €200 from Geneva to The Chalet. For information contact us: info@yogainthealps.com
If you can’t make it to our organised transfers, you can book a seat in a shared minibus with Go Massif Transfers with other passengers travelling from Geneva Airport to our area and back. The shared minibus will drop you off/pick you up at the chalet. Please note: the waiting time in the airport can be up to 60 minutes; passengers may go via other Grand Massif resorts before being dropped off – please be patient.
Price: €90 per person (€45 each way)
Book Online with: https://gomassif.com/
Destination:
Maison La Cerisaie, Salvagny, 74740 Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
If you travel by car, you can find us by GPS / Waze. Maison La Cerisaie, Salvagny, 74740 Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. There is parking outside.
Located in the magnificent setting of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval village, just 75 minutes from Geneva airport, this is a perfect base for all-mountain activities and anyone seeking a peaceful, restorative retreat. Located in a quiet spot, 15 minutes’ walk from the main village, the chalet faces spectacular mountain views. Built in 1830, the farmhouse has been beautifully renovated to combine traditional Alpine character with contemporary design and original art throughout.
The interior is designed for relaxation in total comfort, with newly fitted ensuite bathrooms in all the bedrooms, spacious living and sitting areas, and a unique dining hall with a wooden knights table that’s perfect for sociable mealtimes. Other comforts include an inviting wood-burning stove, boot warmers, clothes drying rooms and a luxurious hot tub. The peaceful garden hosts a secret yoga studio away from the main hub of the chalet.
The Location
Environmentally rich and unique, the magnificent Alps are one of the largest and highest mountain ranges in the world.
Dynamic and diverse, here you can feel nature shifting around you.
Sixt is a sleepy place in the stunning Vallée du Giffre with charming architecture dating back to the 17th century.
It has long been established as the starting point for many well-known hikes in the spectacular Mont Blanc region.
Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is surrounded by the largest nature reserve in the Haute-Savoie, and is also one of the five ski resorts of the Grand Massif, France’s 4th largest linked ski area.
It’s great snow record and natural landscape make it perfect for a wide-range of winter activities.
The Chef
Based in the mountain village of Samoëns in the French Alps, Jess, the chef and owner of her own catering company Dailycieux, is passionate about creating artful delicious meals, using fresh, local and bio ingredients.
Originally from Holland, living in Samoens for eleven years now, Jess is inspired by the mountains, local gardens, farmers markets and loves to create nourishing and exciting meals.
During this retreat, Jess will serve nutritionally dense, vegetarian food with optional fish choices.
The meals will be served three times per day in the beautiful dinning room of the chalet.
The Hosts
We are the couple behind Yoga in the Alps.
We put our hearts and souls into planning and running yoga retreats, for fun-loving people who want to escape and re-connect through yoga in the mountains.
Polly is a 300hr (Tel Aviv) and 200hr (Switzerland) certified yoga teacher, and also remains a very keen student.
Polly teaches yoga based on the Iyengar method of understanding position and alignment, which has been designed to systematically cultivate stability, confidence and awareness.
Reuben practises yoga, mindfulness meditation and takes part in Vipassana retreats.
Yoga Teacher
Originally from Scotland, Julia fell in love with yoga while living in New York.
After arriving in France, she co-founded O Yoga, Lyon’s first Vinyasa yoga studio, in 2011, where she taught and co-managed the space for several years before leaving the city for the mountains.
Living in the Alps, Julia is passionate about movement, whether it’s yoga or roaming around exploring her mountain home.
Julia’s approach is playful yet thoughtful, combining a creative flow with a focus on alignment and mindfulness.
She invites us to find space, freedom and joy for ourselves.
Her weekly classes and the community of yogis in the Valley are her anchor, but she also leads retreats and workshops elsewhere. Julia occasionally works with Yoga Journal France, and helps to organise the annual Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval Yoga Festival.
Mountain Guide
Originally from Poland, Agnieszka is a mountain guide and climbing instructor, as well as a mum of three.
She has been based in Samoëns for 20 years and is absolutely passionate about mountain sports in all their forms, but especially climbing!
Along with hiking and snowshoeing trips, she also practices yoga and a healthy lifestyle.
It's always a pleasure for Agnieszka to introduce her guests to the magical places of the Giffre Valley in all their beauty and natural power.
Mindfulness Teacher
Sally-Anne Airey, the owner of the chalet and a highly skilled leadership coach, draws on more than 35 years’ experience as a Royal Navy Commander, international business leader, coach and facilitator.
A professional coach for over 12 years, she has an Advanced Diploma in Coaching from The OCM in Oxford. She is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) in the UK, and a certified Mindfulness at Work Trainer and Retreat Leader.
For many years she has been practising mindfulness as a way to clarity, insight and purposeful action. This and her natural empathy enable her to engage strongly with you and open your mind to new possibilities.
ARRIVAL DAY
13:00 Pick up from Geneva Airport Terminal 1
16:30 Check in
17:00 Snack
18:00 Introduction & Restorative Yoga
20:00 Dinner
TYPICAL DAY
07:30 Yoga / Meditation
9:00 Breakfast
10:00 Snowshoe Trip / Workshop / Free Time
14:30 Lunch
16:00 Free Time to Relax
18:30 Restorative Yoga / Meditation
20:00 Dinner
21:00 Quiet time
DEPARTURE DAY
8:00 Breakfast
10:00 Check out & Transfers to Geneva Airport
Our guided snowshoe walks are led by a qualified, highly capable and knowledgeable Mountain Leader. Each walk is around 3 hours, combining beginner and moderate levels: some hiking experience is preferable although not essential, and no snowshoeing experience in necessary. The hike includes easy to moderate climbs and descents, and requires the hiker to have a basic level of fitness and wear comfortable waterproof boots and clothes. Snowshoes and poles are provided.
Absolutely! During this retreat you will be introduced to Vinyasa, Alignment-based yoga, Restorative yoga, and Vipassana Meditation suitable for all levels, including beginners. After booking a retreat, you will be asked to complete a Personal Details Form and a Health Declaration. We recommend you consult with us before booking if you are pregnant, have an injury, are recovering from a disease or have a heart or blood pressure condition, or mental health issues.
The yoga classes and guided hikes will be led in English, however most of the team speak French too.
During this retreat, the chalet will host a maximum of 11 guests, which ensures everyone experiences the space they need to relax.
The chalet is fully equipped with towels, toiletries and yoga mats, we also provide snowshoes and poles. Bring comfortable clothing for on and off the yoga mat.
For snowshoeing bring breathable warm inner layers, waterproof outer layers (snow jacket and salopettes or similar), waterproof hiking boots and hiking socks, a reusable water bottle, a small/medium-sized rucksack to pack for the day, a warm winter hat, neck protector of scarf, waterproof gloves, high-factor sunscreen and sunglasses.
Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit to enjoy the hot tub.
You can expect healthy, nourishing and tasty vegetarian meals. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be packed full of natural, fresh ingredients and carefully prepared by our chef Jess.
Most of our guests are solo travellers and we highly recommend it for many reasons. It’s a great opportunity to create sacred space for yourself, to take a break from daily responsibilities, to make new friends, to gain a fresh perspective and even get to know yourself better. Typically our guests range in age between 25-65 and many are excited to be travelling by themselves for the first time.
We definitely recommend you treat yourself to a massage during your free day. Our local therapists are trained in deep tissue massage, sports massage, Swedish massage and reflexology. Contact us to book your slot in advance!
60 min 80€
75 min 95€
90 min 110€
Stay Local:
- Simply rest in the chalet and/or treat yourself to a massage (see above to book in advance)
- Explore the small local village of Sixt by foot directly from the chalet
- Explore the nearby beautiful mountain town of Samoëns (free shuttles provided, book in advance)
Skiing & Snowboarding:
- The chalet is right next to the small ski area of Sixt village and is a ten minute drive from the Grand Massif Express gondola which takes skiers to Samoëns 1600 for direct access to the Grand Massif ski area and its 265 km of pistes.
- The chalet overlooks the foot of the spectacular 14 km Piste des Cascades. This special run is highly recommended for its unforgettable views. To access the run, skiers must take the Grand Massif Express to Samoëns 1600 and ski to the Flaine summit (your hosts will be happy to show you this on a piste map).
- It's possible to hire ski equipment in local rental shops in Sixt and Samoëns.
- If you’re a beginner or completely new to skiing you can book a private / group ski lesson and enjoy the local beginner areas (book in advance).
- Choose your ski pass and area:
https://www.grand-massif.com/en/your-stay/ski-passes/tariffs-lift/
All clients need to be adequately insured for all activities they are taking part in. Insurance must include repatriation and details should be provided at the beginning of each trip.
All European clients should obtain a European Health insurance card (EHIC), however, this is not a substitute for travel insurance.
Cancelation:
- up to 60 days before arrival – full refund, minus booking fee of €250.
- up to 30 days before arrival – 50% refund of cost.
- up to 14 days before arrival – 20% refund of cost.
- less than 14 days before arrival or no-show – no refund.
Cancelation:
up to 60 days before arrival – full refund, minus booking fee of €250.
up to 30 days before arrival – 50% refund of cost.
up to 14 days before arrival – 20% refund of cost.
less than 14 days before arrival or no-show – no refund.
Please get in touch if you wish to split payments or pay via bank transfer.
Please fill out a Personal Details Form and Health Declaration that will be sent via email after booking.
Price does not include flights, airport transfers, travel insurance and personal expenses.
Read Terms & Conditions
This was the perfect break - refreshing, relaxing and recharging!!! Everything was perfect from organisation and logistics point of view, Jackie was a wonderful yoga teacher and so willing to share additional perspective and learning, the lodgings and food were outstanding and Polly and Reuben were the perfect hosts. Thanks a lot and see you next year!
Ruth, 3-7 Aug 2018We had a really great experience with Yoga in the Alps. I convinced my husband to join me for a 5-day yoga retreat. Polly & Reuben put all their heart and soul into this retreat and did it amazing. Daily yoga, walking meditation and more. The chalet was very cosy and the nature around went perfectly well with yoga experience. Estelle, has lovingly cooked us balanced, varied and delicious meals. The atmosphere was very pleasant and the different cultures from all over were very inspiring. We can fully recommend this yoga retreat to anyone who’s looking for active relaxation and a mindful time out.
Susanne, 12-17 July 2018Fantastic journey I had with fantastic people, amazing nature and professional teacher️! Thanks to high level of yoga classes I went deeper into the practice, refreshed my mind, found the balance in my thoughts, emotions and body. It was a perfect time to take a moment just for myself, reuniting with nature and community. Polly & Reuben are organising the retreat perfectly, thinking about every small detail so just choose your retreat and let it happen. Waiting for the schedule of your next retreats for next year...
Alena, 19-23 July 2018Thank you so much Polly and Reuben for this incredible week. We had excellent yoga classes, thanks to Julia, excellent food and comfortable room in a really nice “maison suisse”. We spent the week, practicing yoga, relaxing, walking in the Alps and enjoying the present moment. I strongly recommend this yoga retreat!!!!!
Sonia, 17-21 Aug 2018Polly & Reuben are fantastic hosts! This was my first Yoga Retreat ever so I was rather anxious about how it would all turn out. However, my expectations were greatly exceeded! The organisation was excellent - we were picked up from Geneva Airport. The schedule worked out really nicely with yoga mostly practiced outdoors so we got to enjoy the beautiful French Alps air and views! The atmosphere that was created was also so conducive for relaxation. New friendships were made here and that’s so wonderful to be connecting with so many people from different walks of life. I had a really wonderful time and highly recommend this retreat!
Lester, 19-23 July 2018
Cette retraite a Morillon a été très bien organisée, du début a la fin, aucune fausse note....
Accueil chaleureux, hébergement plus que confortable, cuisine excellente, cours de yoga impeccables.... Pendant 5 jours, « nothing to do, nowhere to go »! On revient plein d’energie positive, comme après un voyage.
I loved the thoughtful, unpretentious, generous, and self-loving approach to a yoga retreat. Every detail was considered and the entire experience was lovely. I look forward to attending another retreat in the future.
Christy, 27-31 July 2018This summer I had the privilege to spend an amazing few days in Morzine attending one of the yoga retreats Polly and Ruben hosted. I had the most amazing time from the first moment till the very last. Polly and Ruben made sure we had the most relaxing and fulfilling experience ever. I can't wait to visit again.
Eszter, 27-31 July 2018This was the perfect getaway! Very well balanced between relaxing and active experiences. Loved everything! The yoga classes, the place, the food, and the wonderful group gathered from around the world. Polly and Ruben made it so beautiful and inspiring, they truly deliver the experience you see in the pictures. Hope to book again next summer.
Bat Chen, 19-23 July 2018Organisation parfaite, prof de yoga de grande qualité, une nature à couper le souffle... de beaux moments privilégiés que je vous recommande vivement!! Merci encore Polly pour cette expérience magique.
Marine, 3-7 Aug 2018The best yoga retreat I’ve ever been to!!! A magical combination of yoga with the amazing teacher Jackie, the breathtaking French Alps and the awesome hosts Polly and Reuben. Looking forward for the next year retreat!
Dina, 19-23 July 2018Loved everything about this retreat! Had wonderful days in a diverse international group. Estelle, the owner of the chalet we stayed in, made spectacular meals. Nice balanced yoga classes from a professional teacher. And the mountains...
Marte, 7-11 Aug 2018
Tout était parfait.
Le yoga, les actuvités, le temps de repos, le chalet, la nourriture, l’atmosphère du groupe...
What an experience, this was really a inspirational trip! The organisation and attention to detail was fantastic,
combination of Yoga, Trekking and Food was spot on. I was challenged just enough, never hungry and always relaxed. Extended expectations and I can not wait for next year to do it all again!
E: info@yogainthealps.com
P: +33 771 07 24 04