Terms & Conditions

Physical Fitness Requirement

This hiking retreat is designed for adventurous and active women. Please review the hike details provided for information on distance and elevation. To gauge your readiness, consider using a hiking app to simulate these conditions or join a local hiking group, such as the Marin Women’s Hiking Group. Participants should be in good physical condition and comfortable with moderate to challenging terrain. While the hikes are not super challenging, fitness levels are relative, and some days will feature more demanding terrain. Easier options will also be available on select days. Expect varied terrain, including steep ascents, rocky paths, and potentially some uneven footing and exposure. Strong cardiovascular fitness and stamina are essential, as is the ability to handle altitude and variable weather conditions. Regular cardiovascular exercise, such as stair-climbing, running, or even better, HIKING, is highly beneficial. If you have any concerns about your fitness level or health, please consult with your doctor before joining the retreat. For participants over 70 or with chronic or serious health conditions, a doctor’s note confirming your ability to safely participate in all activities is required. Participants not meeting the fitness requirements may be asked to refrain from participating to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the group. 

 

Health and Safety Acknowledgment

Physical Fitness: You are verifying that you are physically fit and able to complete the hikes described in the retreat description.

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• Health Conditions: if you have any illnesses, health conditions, injuries or other health concerns that would prevent you from participating in the hikes or pose any additional risk or danger, a doctor’s note is required to confirm your ability to attend. You are agreeing to provide the appropriate documentation within 30 days before the retreat.

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• Age Requirement: If you are over the age of 70, a doctor’s note is required to confirm your ability to attend. You are agreeing to provide this documentation 30 days before the retreat.

 

• Responsibility: You are agreeing to take full responsibility for your safety and well-being during this trip.

 

• By sending in your deposit, you understand the doctor’s approval requirements and will provide the necessary documentation. Failure to provide this will result in cancellation of your participation, and all deposits are non-refundable under any circumstances.

 

Travel Insurance Requirement:

• Travel insurance is mandatory. Participants must provide proof of insurance at least 30 days before the retreat begins.​

• By sending in your deposit you are agreeing to provide the necessary insurance documentation.

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Minimum Travel Insurance Coverage:

• Medical Coverage: At least $100,000 for emergency medical care.

• Evacuation/Repatriation: At least $250,000 for emergency evacuation.

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Optional but Highly Recommended:

• Trip Cancellation/Interruption: Coverage should be sufficient to cover the full cost of the trip, including flights, retreat expenses, etc.

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More Travel Insurance information is provided here.

 

Cancellation policy
All payments are non-refundable under any circumstances.
IF (and only if) all 2025 summer retreats offered by Retreat Savvy LLC fill up completely and someone takes your spot, a partial refund may be given at Retreat Savvy’s discretion, minus a $300 administration fee. It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance. You are responsible for protecting yourself in case you need to cancel for any reason (e.g., illness, sickness, family emergencies, job loss, etc.). Travel insurance should be arranged prior to your trip to cover medical expenses, loss of baggage and travel documents, cancellation or curtailment of your journey. 
 

Retreat Savvy LLC and Laura Christensen will make every effort to adhere to the presented schedule of events and venues. However, in the event of unforeseen circumstances beyond their control (e.g., illness, family emergencies, venue closures, weather conditions, travel warnings, etc.), the schedule, venues, mountain guides, or retreat leader may be subject to change, or the retreat may be canceled. Retreat Savvy reserves the right to cancel the trip under the following circumstances: fewer than seven participants register, Laura Christensen faces a personal or family emergency, illness, or other significant events preventing her from leading the retreat or finding a suitable replacement, or if national or global situations jeopardize safe international travel. In such cases, all payments will be refunded, minus any credit card fees.

 

Payment information:

• A 50% deposit of total package is required to secure your spot.

• Final balances are due by April 1, 2025

• Checks should be made out to: Retreat Savvy LLC.

• Credit Cards are accepted but will incur a 3.5% fee, plus an additional 2.3% for international transactions. 

• American Express payments will incur a 4.3% fee.

• Affirm is accepted, but will incur a 6% fee.

• Once your registration form is accepted, you will receive instructions on where to send your check or how to make your credit card payment.

• Your spot is only confirmed once both your registration form is accepted and your deposit is received. 

• Participants needing a roommate will not be confirmed until the room is fully booked.

 

Please do not purchase airline tickets until your participation is confirmed.

 

Please Note: The remaining balance of the trip may be subject to increase if the currency exchange rate changes significantly from 1 CHF = $1.179.

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PRICES:

Hotel

• Single in single room: $6,300 (only 4 available)

• Single use in double economy room: $6,700

• Single use in double superior room: $7,100

• Double in double economy room: $5,400

• Double in double superior room: $5,700

 

Apartments (owned and operated by the hotel with daily service; a 5+minute walk with a slight incline from the hotel):

• Single occupancy in Hilty Hus studio (#502): $6,200

• Single occupancy in Furggenhorn studio (#571): $6,200

• Double occupancy in Engelhorn 2 bed/1 bath apartment (#561): $5,700. 

• Each person has their own bedroom and shares one bathroom.

• Triple occupancy in Cervin 3 bed/2 bath apartment (#581/582): $5,300 (each person has their own bedroom, and shares 2 bathrooms)

 

Included

• 8 nights’ accommodations in 4-star hotel, or 3-star apartments (with hotel service) at Hotel Kirchbühl.

• 7 days of hiking (weather permitting), led by Laura.

• 8 dinners with 3 or more courses.

• 8 hearty breakfasts (buffet).

• Private, direct airport transfers between Zurich International Airport (ZRH) and Hotel Kirchbühl (scheduled times only).

• Mini fridge in rooms.

• Afternoon cake buffet.

• Use of in-house sauna, sanarium, and steam bath.

• Detailed trip organization and planning.

• Daily hotel tourist tax.

 

Not Included

• Flights (recommend arrival at Zurich International Airport).

• 8-day Berner Oberland Pass (287 CHF with Half Fare Card for 2024, or 395 CHF without; prices may increase for 2025.) For more details, visit berneseoberlandpass.ch.

• Swiss Half Fare Card (147 CHF for 1 month in 2024), useful for travel beyond the retreat itinerary or additional activities 

• Ground transportation (excluding the airport transfers mentioned above), lifts, gondolas, excursions, etc. Most will be covered by your Berner Oberland Pass, and the Swiss Half Fare Card will give you discounts on what is not covered.

• Lunches.

• Alcohol and all beverages except water and those provided at breakfast and dinner.

• Travel insurance: REQUIRED.

• Tips.

• Note: There will not be professional mountain guides.