• 5 nights accommodations
• 3 meals per day (excluding alcoholic beverages) starting with dinner on the first night and ending with breakfast on the last day. Included meals will feature locally sourced ingredients, connecting you to the surrounding landscape.
• Group Ground Transportation to/from Seattle-Tacoma Airport (SEA) to Lodge.
• Daily guided photography sessions with hands-on instruction and one-on-one mentorship.
• Evening review circles with image feedback and post-processing tips.
• Mindfulness practices to support creative flow.
• Personal retreat time (having time to nap, explore, walk, read, and just be).

Accommodations

Escape to a tranquil Cascades Mountain Retreat in Washington State’s serene Methow Valley. Far from the everyday hustle, this retreat venue seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern comfort, offering a truly serene escape. Each room and spacious cabin features oversized windows that showcase breathtaking lake or mountain views. The decor throughout reflects the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, with warm wood finishes and inviting furnishings. The Mountain Retreat is more than just a place to stay; it’s a gateway to tranquility and outdoor adventure. The magnificent main lodge welcomes guests with a grand stone fireplace and comfortable seating areas. Enjoy year-round relaxation in the outdoor heated pool and hot tub, or explore water activities directly from the private lakefront. Dining experiences feature locally sourced ingredients, connecting you to the surrounding landscape and visits to local restaurants. Whether you seek a quiet moment by the fire, a peaceful stroll along the lake, or an exhilarating outdoor pursuit, The Mountain Retreat offers a sanctuary where you can reconnect with nature and yourself.

Grant Gunderson

From the high peaks of Switzerland and the deep ski culture of Japan to his home turf of Mt. Baker, Grant Gunderson’s iconic images have captured the pure action and true essence of skiing, biking, travel and adventure in spectacular mountain ranges around the globe. A natural storyteller, Grant prides himself on an ability to document mountain culture and mountain lifestyle in addition to capturing the action. A founding editor of The Ski Journal, Grant served as the publication’s photo editor for six years before earning the title of photo editor emeritus. He has shot for a long list of ski, bike and outdoor publications including Outside, ESPN, Skiing, Backcountry, Bike, Freehub, Kootenay Mountain Culture, Ski Canada, and Powder Magazine, where he served as senior photographer for over a decade. He has tallied more than 300 covers of European, Japanese and North American publications. One of the industry’s most dedicated, passionate and professionally organized photographers, Grant has worked with a deep roster of influential pro athletes and for an extensive list of authentic mountain brands. His images have set the tone for everything from digital marketing campaigns and product launches to seasonal catalogs and store displays. His visual storytelling has defined editorial features and his work hangs framed on the walls of hundreds of ski houses and mountain cabins. A featured social media contributor for National Geographic Adventure, Grant has also twice been selected to compete in the prestigious Olympus Pro Photographer’s Showdown. When he is not traveling the globe in search of deep snow or good light, you will find him lapping his local Galbraith Mountain trails, tinkering with mechanical projects out in his shop or teaching his son how to stick the landing.

While the primary activities will be focused on the photography itinerary,  the Mountain Retreat offers a perfect blend of relaxation and surrounding outdoor activities, leveraging its stunning natural environment. Enjoy serene lake views, a heated outdoor pool, and comfortable lodge amenities right on site. Step off the property to explore the vast and beautiful Methow Valley, known for its extensive trails and pristine wilderness. While on retreat you may have the opportunity to sign up for optional activities time permitting.  

Please be sure to review Our Policies. For technical questions or alternative payment options, please contact us.

Getting There

True Nature specializes in curating and offering the best retreat experiences. For your flights, we recommend that you use Google Flights or a trusted travel agency. You will be flying into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The Mountain Retreat is located in Mazama, Washington, a scenic drive from SEA. Before booking tickets, please be sure you have received your official confirmation note that the retreat has met its minimums. There will be one group airport shuttle each way based on our flight window guidelines. Or you may choose to drive separately and meet the group at the lodge. Be sure your flights align with the provided flight windows if you wish to use the group shuttle. The drive time to the center is approximately 3.5 hours.

Travel Insurance

We cannot emphasize more the importance of travel insurance. As we all know, especially as travelers, “life happens.” Whether it’s family, work, mother nature, or a change of heart, it is important to be prepared in case you need to unexpectedly change your travel plans. Often for less than $150, you can purchase a travel insurance policy and be protected in the event that you need to make a change or need to be covered financially prior to or during your trip. We have partnered with Trawick International (available for U.S. Residents only). Read more about their policies here. We encourage you to research the insurance company and policy that best meets your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you have questions about traveling abroad? After you register, we will provide you with a Participant’s Package with helpful information. Also, be sure to check out our Participant FAQs. If you have other questions, feel free to write to us at info@truenaturetravels.com and let us know how we can help!

Save $300 on shared accommodations (share only) ends October 15th!

Shared Accommodations – $3495 USD (Full Price $3795 USD)
Single Accommodations – $4195 USD
Deluxe Single Accommodations – $4495 USD
1 Bedroom Suite – Couple – $4195 USD
1 Bedroom Suite – Single – $5095 USD
2 Bedroom Suite – Shared – $4395 USD

Deposit & Payment Requirements

To secure your tuition rate and reserve your spot, a non-refundable and non-transferable deposit is required at the time of registration:

• $350 for registrations made more than 90 days before the trip.
• $1,000 for registrations made 60–90 days before the trip.
• Full payment is required for registrations made within 60 days of the retreat.

A non-refundable $50 payment processing fee will also be added to the tuition at registration. If you select Deposit Payment, depending on when you registered, your remaining balance will be split into 1-3 payments and processed with your credit card on file on the dates indicated on your Confirmation Letter. Follow this link to review our payment schedule policies. For technical questions or alternative payment options, please contact us.

Cancellation

• Initial deposits and the $50 registration fee are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• 50% of payments are refundable up to 90 days before a retreat excluding the initial deposit and the $50 registration fee.
• 89 days prior to a retreat, tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Full tuition is refunded* if the trip is canceled due to low enrollment. The $50 registration fee is not refundable.
• True Nature Travels is not responsible for any loss incurred due to currency conversion rates.

*Refundable amounts do not include applied credits. If you wish to cancel your spot on a trip you must submit your cancellation by email to info@truenaturetravels.com.