January 7-10, 2027

Camp du Nord | Ely, MN

FRILUFTSLIV

a winter yoga retreat on edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Winter near the BWCAW

…the ideal setting to embrace the Norwegian concept of Frilufstliv.

Camp du Nord is located on Burntside Lake, just outside of Ely and on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). To be nestled in the wilderness in the winter? There’s absolutely nothing like it!

Snow-covered landscape at night with a ladder leading to a hole in the ice and a snow sculpture with a light inside, under a cloudy sky with stars.
A woman in a red swimsuit crouching in the snow, holding onto a wooden chair, in a snowy forest setting.
A group of people dressed in winter clothing walking on a snow-covered trail through a leafless forest during overcast weather.
A group of people participating in a yoga class inside a wooden, high-ceilinged studio with large windows and candle decor.
A group of women participating in a yoga class in a cozy, wood-paneled room with large windows showing a snowy outdoor scene. The women are on yoga mats, practicing poses, with a fireplace and a carved stone fireplace at the front.
A two-story wooden cabin with a front porch covered in snow, surrounded by snow-covered trees in a winter landscape.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Lodging (full facility cabins) | Daily lunch + dinner | Yoga Classes | Meditation Sessions | Specialty Workshops | Book Club | Cross Country Skiing | Snowshoeing | Wild Ice Skating | Journaling | Wilderness Immersion | Campfire | Lakeside Sauna + Ice Hole Cold Plunge

Winter Yoga Retreat at Camp du Nord in Ely, MN

A spacious wooden-paneled room used for yoga or meditation, with mats, bolsters, and blocks on the floor, a stone fireplace, and a ceiling with a kayak hanging from it.

The excitement of the new year, cozy fireside yoga & meditation with giant picture windows, fresh snow, cross country ski + snowshoe, nature hikes, sledding hills, twinkle lights, delicious meals, lakeside sauna + ice hole cold plunge, ….ahhhh, winter wonderland abounds.

Friluftsliv is a Norwegian term that embraces outdoor living and reconnecting with nature.

Friluftsliv translates to: open air living

More Info

Your winter wonder weekend awaits! (select the drop-down menu below to expand with more detailed information)

  • Most importantly, the meals at Camp du Nord are so good!

    Dietary restrictions (V, GF, DF, etc.) are accommodated for meal service at Camp du Nord.

    We send out a survey 4-6 weeks prior to the retreat and dietary information is one of our survey questions.

    Lunch + dinner are included daily. Guests have access to their full facility cabin kitchen for breakfast and snacks. Your cabin kitchen is full-sized and fully equipped with refrigerator, over, microwave, coffee maker, teapot, and everything you need for prep & eating: pots, pans, coffee filters, utensils, plates, bowls, cups, etc.

    You will want to bring your own coffee, tea, and favorite breakfast items and snacks for your cabins.

  • We have both the Pine Pointe Village and Northland Village reserved for this retreat (descriptions below).

    Full facility cabins include: bathroom (sink, toilet, shower) in your full facility cabin. The cabins have a full kitchen (with coffee pot, tea pot, microwave, oven, refrigerator with freezer, and basic kitchen cookware, utensils, and essentials).

    Every cabin also has a fireplace in the living room, and a dining room table and chairs.

  • There is a short walk outside from your cabin to the yoga space.

  • For meals, we head to the main (Northland Village) campus dining hall.

    If you are in the Restore Track (Northland Village), this is a short walk to the dining hall.

    If you are in the Adventure Track (Pine Pointe Village), this is a 1-mile drive via car or a walk/xc ski across the ice. Hop into your cars for a short carpool to/from meals OR hit the groomed ski trail and ski your way to meals and yoga (my favorite way to travel).

  • We send out a detailed packing list included in our pre-retreat information; something to plan for is bringing your own bedding (sheets, blankets, pillow) and towels for shower and/or sauna + cold plunge.

Add-ons to Enhance your Weekend!

Massage therapy and Thai yoga bodywork. We have wonderful options for you to round out your retreat experience.

All registered attendees will receive an email 4-6 weeks prior to the event with limited (first come, first serve) specialty appointment reservation opportunities.

  • Add a 60-minute swedish or deep tissue massage appointment to your retreat!

    Hi, I’m Jessie Brooks—Massage Therapist, Health Coach, and Personal Trainer in Ely. For the past nine years, I’ve been supporting my community with hands-on care and practical wellness guidance, specializing in women’s health.

    In my massage practice, I offer Swedish, deep tissue, shiatsu, hot stone, CBD massage, cupping, and prenatal massage—always tailored to your needs, whether you’re looking for deep relaxation, pain relief, or support through pregnancy.

    Beyond the massage table, I lead small group coaching for women who feel overwhelmed by the wellness industry. My approach is realistic and sustainable—no guilt, no fads—just simple steps that help you feel strong, balanced, and at home in your body.

    As a single mom of three boys, I know how important it is to make wellness both flexible and enjoyable. When I’m not working with clients, you’ll find me outdoors hiking, paddle boarding, or unwinding in a sauna—or at home baking, reading, and trying to master embroidery knots.

  • Add a 60-minute Thai yoga bodywork session to your retreat!

    Alison is a yoga teacher, Thai yoga bodyworker, attorney, and had a past life experimenting with all kinds of exercise and sports activities! She completed her yoga teacher training through Devanadi School of Yoga and Wellness, fell in love with Thai yoga bodywork and completed foundational TYB training through Devanadi as well. 

Choose your track

At registration, you will choose a cabin in either Adventure Track (the Pine Pointe Village cabins) or Restore Track (the Northland Village cabins).

  • The greatest difference between the two villages is the proximity to the dining hall.

    Restore Track in the Northland Village is a short walk to meals, while Adventure Track in the Pine Pointe Village creates a built-in outdoor group adventure with the 1-mile trek to/from meals.

  • Reserving your Friluftsliv retreat with the Adventure Track in the Pine Pointe Village includes:

    • lodging: full facility cabin stay

    • yoga: a short walk outside to your Morning Glory Yoga Space

    • meals: a 1-mile walk/cross country ski or drive to meals in Northland Village dining hall

    • activities: hikes/xc ski, snowshoe, workshops, classes, appointments, and more.

    • sauna: a short walk outside to Northland Village electric sauna (use anytime), and a little further walk to Du Nord Village woodfired sauna + cold plunge sessions available for sign-up.

    • wi-fi in the Pine Pointe Village cabins and in the yoga space. 

  • Reserving your Friluftsliv retreat with the Restore Track in the Northland Village includes:

    • lodging: full facility cabin stay

    • yoga: a short walk outside to your yoga space in the dining hall building

    • meals: a short walk outside for meals to the Northland Village dining hall

    • activities: hikes/xc ski, snowshoe, workshops, classes, appointments, and more.

    • sauna: a short walk outside to Northland Village electric sauna (use anytime). Sign-up for woodfire sauna + cold plunge sessions in the du Nord sauna.

    • no wi-fi in the Northland Village cabins, but there is wi-fi in the dining hall.

Link to Map
Group of six women dressed in winter clothing, posing cheerfully on a wooden porch with snow-covered trees in the background, some standing and some doing acrobatic poses.
Group of people practicing yoga in a wooden-finished studio with windows, a stone fireplace, and a ceiling kayak, all engaged in a side stretch pose on yoga mats.
A cozy living room with wood-paneled walls and ceiling, featuring a staircase with wooden railings, a round wooden coffee table, armchairs with rustic logs for arms and backrest, and a sofa with a patterned fabric. The room is lit by a hanging lanter
Three women in swimsuits and winter hats sitting in the ocean at night, smiling, with a wooden ladder in the background, surrounded by snow and waves.

This retreat is over ¾ full! Not seeing your desired lodging option available? Join our waitlist here.

Restore Track - Northland Village

  • This shared cabin sleeping space accommodates up to 3 guests and may be arranged as a cozy loft or shared bedroom with twin and/or a bedroom with twin + bunk bed. Each guest has their own bed and designated sleeping space within the cabin.

    Whether you attend with friends or come solo, shared accommodations offer a welcoming opportunity to connect with fellow retreat participants.

    Guests sharing the room also share a full cabin bathroom (sink, toilet, and shower). Each cabin includes a fully equipped kitchen with essentials for simple meals and beverages, along with a comfortable shared living area and fireplace for relaxing during your stay.

  • Waitlist here

    Interested in creating your own retreat home base? Email us at hello@borealblissyogaretreats.com about our Cabin Buyout option!

    Reserve an entire shared cabin for your group of 4–7+ friends and enjoy a more private, connected retreat experience together. Each guest will purchase a Cabin Buyout retreat ticket and will have their own bed within the cabin.

    Cabin layouts vary and may include a mix of private, semi-private, and loft-style sleeping spaces with queen, twin, and/or bunk beds to best accommodate your group.

    Each cabin includes:

    • A shared bathroom with sink, toilet, and shower

    • A fully equipped kitchen with cookware, utensils, coffee pot, tea kettle, microwave, oven, and refrigerator/freezer

    • A cozy shared living room with fireplace

    Perfect for friends, couples, or small groups looking to retreat together while still enjoying the comfort and charm of shared cabin living.

  • A semi-private room is designed for two guests and is perfect for friends attending together or partners sharing the retreat experience. Rooms typically include two twin beds, though a shared queen bed may be available upon request.

    You’re also welcome to register solo and be paired with a fellow retreat guest — often a soon-to-be friend.

    You and your roommate will share a bathroom (sink, toilet, and shower) within your full-facility cabin. Each cabin includes a fully equipped kitchen with a coffee maker, tea kettle, microwave, oven, refrigerator/freezer, cookware, utensils, and basic kitchen essentials. Cabins also feature a cozy shared living area with a fireplace for relaxing during your stay.

  • Waitlist here

    Enjoy the comfort and quiet of your own private room while still experiencing the warmth of shared cabin living with fellow retreat guests.

    Your full-facility cabin includes a shared bathroom (sink, toilet, and shower) as well as a cozy communal living space to relax and connect throughout the retreat. Each cabin also features a fully equipped kitchen with a coffee maker, tea kettle, microwave, oven, refrigerator/freezer, cookware, utensils, and basic kitchen essentials for simple snacks and beverages.

    After a full day of retreat activities, unwind by the fireplace in the cabin’s inviting shared living room.

  • Reserve your retreat with a $200 deposit. Email us after reserving to select your desired lodging option. We will set-up the monthly payment plan for you via electronic invoice.

    Email: hello@borealblissyogaretreats.com

Adventure Track - Pine Pointe Village

  • Waitlist here

    This shared cabin sleeping space accommodates up to 3 guests and may be arranged as a cozy loft or shared bedroom with twin and/or bunk beds. Each guest has their own bed and designated sleeping space within the cabin.

    Whether you attend with friends or come solo, shared accommodations offer a welcoming opportunity to connect with fellow retreat participants.

    Guests sharing the room also share a full cabin bathroom (sink, toilet, and shower). Each cabin includes a fully equipped kitchen with essentials for simple meals and beverages, along with a comfortable shared living area and fireplace for relaxing during your stay.

  • Waitlist here

    Interested in creating your own retreat home base? Email us at hello@borealblissyogaretreats.com about our Cabin Buyout option!

    Reserve an entire shared cabin for your group of 4–7+ friends and enjoy a more private, connected retreat experience together. Each guest will purchase a Cabin Buyout retreat ticket and will have their own bed within the cabin.

    Cabin layouts vary and may include a mix of private, semi-private, and loft-style sleeping spaces with queen, twin, and/or bunk beds to best accommodate your group.

    Each cabin includes:

    • A shared bathroom with sink, toilet, and shower

    • A fully equipped kitchen with cookware, utensils, coffee pot, tea kettle, microwave, oven, and refrigerator/freezer

    • A cozy shared living room with fireplace

    Perfect for friends, couples, or small groups looking to retreat together while still enjoying the comfort and charm of shared cabin living.

  • A semi-private room is designed for two guests and is perfect for friends attending together or partners sharing the retreat experience. Rooms typically include two twin beds, though a shared queen bed may be available upon request.

    You’re also welcome to register solo and be paired with a fellow retreat guest — often a soon-to-be friend.

    You and your roommate will share a bathroom (sink, toilet, and shower) within your full-facility cabin. Each cabin includes a fully equipped kitchen with a coffee maker, tea kettle, microwave, oven, refrigerator/freezer, cookware, utensils, and basic kitchen essentials. Cabins also feature a cozy shared living area with a fireplace for relaxing during your stay.

  • Waitlist here

    Enjoy the comfort and quiet of your own private room while still experiencing the warmth of shared cabin living with fellow retreat guests.

    Your full-facility cabin includes a shared bathroom (sink, toilet, and shower) as well as a cozy communal living space to relax and connect throughout the retreat. Each cabin also features a fully equipped kitchen with a coffee maker, tea kettle, microwave, oven, refrigerator/freezer, cookware, utensils, and basic kitchen essentials for simple snacks and beverages.

    After a full day of retreat activities, unwind by the fireplace in the cabin’s inviting shared living room.

  • Reserve your retreat with a $200 deposit. Email us after reserving to select your desired lodging option. We will set-up the monthly payment plan for you via electronic invoice.

    Email: hello@borealblissyogaretreats.com

Choose between the Adventure Track in the Pine Pointe Village or the Restore Track in the Northland Village during registration: campus map here.

Register

 FAQs

    • Opt to arrive for our 2:30pm Welcome Circle or arrive by 4:00-5:00pm for enough time to unpack into your cabin, enjoy dinner at 5:30pm, and join the second Welcome Circle at 7:00pm.

    • Check-out time is 11:00am on Sunday.

    • More details emailed to registered retreaters.

  • As part of our ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion in the yoga space, we have more information on scholarships here.

    • 6+ weeks notice: $40 fee

    • 4-6 weeks notice: $150 fee

    • 4 weeks and less notice: 75% of total amount fee

    • 14 days or less notice: no refunds available

    We hope that you can appreciate the amount of time, love, and energy we wholeheartedly put into each retreat.  Not just during the event, but the many months leading up to it. 

    Please note: Our winter venue does not issue refunds due to weather. As such, we are unlikely to cancel the retreat except in a very extreme scenario.  In most situations, we hope our guests plan ahead to accommodate Minnesota weather conditions in winter to safely travel to and from the retreat- which may occasionally mean allowing extra travel time.

    In the event of widespread extreme weather, including highway closures, the retreat will be rescheduled. If you are unable to attend the rescheduled weekend, you may be able to receive a partial refund or transfer credit to a future retreat. If the retreat is not cancelled/rescheduled, we will be unable to issue refunds on an individual basis due to the weather. 

  • Camp du Nord is located outside of Ely, MN on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

    Address: 3606 N Arm Rd, Ely, MN 55731

  • Check your emails! Approximately 4-6 weeks prior to the weekend, we send you an email with important information regarding your weekend retreat including a detailed itinerary, FAQ, pre-retreat survey with roommate requests, dietary needs, and more.

    Our emails often land in your promotions/junk folder - please drag them to your main inbox and add hello@borealblissyogaretreats.com‍ ‍to your contacts. Your timely response is important! Thank you!