FRILUFTSLIV

January 8-11, 2026

Camp du Nord | Ely, MN

Registration nearing full!

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

Friluftsliv translates to: open air living

Get in touch with your true Minnesotan spirit this winter season!

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, fresh snow, cross country ski + snowshoe trails, sledding hills, twinkle lights, delicious meals, lakeside sauna + ice hole cold plunge, cozy wood fireplace with giant windows in our yoga space….ahhhh, winter wonderland abounds.

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.

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 nothing like it!

A woman in a red swimsuit crouching in the snow, holding onto a wooden chair, in a snowy forest setting.
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.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Lodging (full facility cabins) | Daily lunch + dinner | Yoga Classes | Meditation Sessions | Specialty Workshops | Book Club | Groomed Cross Country Ski Trails | Snowshoe Trails | Wild Ice Skating | Snowshoe/Cross Country Ski Rental | Journaling | Wilderness Experiences | Campfire | Lakeside Sauna + Ice Hole Cold Plunge!

“An outdoorsy cousin of hygge, friluftsliv is what Nordic people do outside all day before they cozy up in front of the fireplace with their wool socks on and a cup of hot cocoa.”

— Linda Åkeson Mcgurk, Author

More Info

Your winter wonder weekend awaits!

  • 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 Hygge 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.

Indoor yoga class with four participants practicing poses on mats in a cozy wooden lodge with large windows and a stone fireplace.

“Frilufstliv is a way to nurture a personal relationship with nature through direct experiences.” - Linda Åkeson Mcgurk

Book Club Optional Read

Author Kari Leibowitz, PhD invites you to “harness your mindset to thrive on cold, dark or difficult days”.

Purchase & read: How to Winter before/during/after the retreat to fully embody and savor your retreat experience.

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.

  • Amanda Imes

    Boreal Bliss Co-Owner, Yoga Teacher, Outdoor Enthusiast

    MS, E-RYT 200, Economist

    Amanda is a master at creating a welcoming group space. She teaches vinyasa, while you may be moving fast-paced, she keeps things light, upbeat, and fun. She loves breaking away from strict, straight lines and tapping into creative, fluid movements.

    Amanda is an economist for the State of MN; twice each year she helps produce a forecast of Minnesota’s state General Fund revenues and expenditures for current and future bienniums. Amanda turned to yoga in 2009 to balance stress and anxiety and fell in love with the practice.

    Amanda enjoys reading, hiking, camping, running, working out, laughing, travel, and spending time with her husband and two young children (5 & 3 years-old).

  • Bryana Cook

    Boreal Bliss Co-Owner, Yoga Teacher, Outdoor Enthusiast

    LICSW, E-RYT 500, YACEP, Wilderness First Aid Certified (WFA)

    Bryana is passionate about pursuing outdoor adventure, and loves to celebrate the benefits of yoga, meditation, breathwork, and nature immersion.

    She enjoys teaching gentle and fluid vinyasa classes. Yoga philosophy and the subtle benefits of consistent practice are elements that she can never learn enough about.

    In addition to co-owning Boreal Bliss, Bryana also owns Northern Yoga and Wellness. She is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISCW).

    Bryana’s husband Dan Ryan is a fishing guide. They live outside of small-town Longville, MN with their two boys (6 & 3 years old), black lab Sunny, cat Lucy, and chickens. Small business life in the Northwoods suits them!

  • Stacy Nightwine

    Retreat Leader, Yoga Teacher, Sauna Expert

    RYT 200, Yin Certified

    Stacy lives with her husband 10 miles north of Two Harbors with their fur babies: two pups and two kitties. She also has many “outdoor pets”: deer, birds, frogs, and even a moose! Stacy enjoys the simple life and the great outdoors: fishing in both summer and winter, kayaking, and snowshoeing. Her favorite shows are Dateline 20/20 and Golden Girls. She uses essential oils for anything and everything.

    Stacy owns her own yoga business in Two Harbors: Lake Effect Yoga. She also owns Silver Creek Sauna Co. & loves to bring her mobile sauna to retreats!

    Stacy traveled to Isla Mujeres, Mexico in 2019 to complete her 200 hour YTT with Marianne Wells Yoga School. This was a transformational experience for her on many levels. This was her first time traveling out of the country, first time on a plane, and a huge leap to pursue the study of yoga, and continue to to work on a deeper understanding of herself.

  • Nora Woodworth

    Outdoor Educator, Yoga Teacher, Nature Enthusiast

    MS, RYT-200, First Aid + CPR Certified

    Nora is an outdoor educator and trained 200-hour yoga teacher. She is Happy Dancing Turtle’s program manager, which entails designing and implementing nature educational programs for youth and adults.

    Many summers spent outdoors at summer camp led Nora to pursue a B.S. in Conservation and Resource Management, but her love for sharing her passion for nature led her down the environmental education route instead, obtaining an M.S. in Education and a K-6 MN Teaching license. Nora started at the Pine River location but has moved on to the Driftless Region, bringing HDT’s programs with her!

    She lives in Trempealeau, WI with her husband, Jake and beloved pup, Stryder. When she’s not at work, you’ll find her outdoors (no matter the season!) hiking, paddling, snowshoeing, skiing, camping, reading, hammocking, looking for critters, taking pictures, or just staring and wondering at the marvels of nature!

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. 

New! Choose your track!

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

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

    Hygge 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 Hygge 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 Pine Pointe Village electric/woodfired sauna (use electric function anytime). Sign-up for woodfire sauna + cold plunge sessions.

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

Link to Map

Retreat is nearing full!

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

Email us at hello@borealblissyogaretreats.com for cabin buyout option for groups of 4+, payment plan options, or with any questions. We are happy to help!

Hygge Track - Northland Village

  • A group loft open area at this retreat is for 3 people to share. This is upstairs and is an open loft over the living room & kitchen space in the shared cabin.

    You have your own twin bed to sleep on. You have your own space at the top of the stairs, above the kitchen & living room - there is one wall open to the living room below the loft.

    You can register a friend(s), or you can register solo and room with soon-to-be friends. You and your loft-mates will have a shared 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.

  • Email us for this option! Fill an entire cabin with 4-7 (or more!) of your friends. Each of you will purchase a cabin buyout ticket for the retreat. You will each have your own bed. Your cabin has a shared bathroom (sink, toilet, shower). The cabin has 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. The cabin layout will depend on your group size. There is typically one private bedroom with a queen bed, one semi-private with two twin beds (an additional third bed with a bunk bed), and/or one more space with a loft that has three twin beds.

  • A semi-private room is for you and a friend, or opt to bring your partner along. You will each have a twin bed. If you’d prefer to share a queen bed, please let us know.

    You can also register solo and meet a new soon-to-be friend as your roommate.

    You and your roommate will have a shared 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.

  • Opt for a private room within a cabin with others. You will share a bathroom (sink, toilet, shower) in your full facility cabin with your cabin-mates. 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.

Adventure Track - Pine Pointe Village

  • A group loft open area at this retreat is for 3 people to share. This is upstairs and is an open loft over the living room & kitchen space in the shared cabin.

    You have your own twin bed to sleep on. You have your own space at the top of the stairs, above the kitchen & living room - there is one wall open to the living room below the loft.

    You can register a friend(s), or you can register solo and room with soon-to-be friends. You and your loft-mates will have a shared 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.

  • Email us for this option! Fill an entire cabin with 4-7 (or more!) of your friends. Each of you will purchase a cabin buyout ticket for the retreat. You will each have your own bed. Your cabin has a shared bathroom (sink, toilet, shower). The cabin has 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. The cabin layout will depend on your group size. There is typically one private bedroom with a queen bed, one semi-private with two twin beds (an additional third bed with a bunk bed), and/or one more space with a loft that has three twin beds.

  • A semi-private room is for you and a friend, or opt to bring your partner along. You will each have a twin bed. If you’d prefer to share a queen bed, please let us know.

    You can also register solo and meet a new soon-to-be friend as your roommate.

    You and your roommate will have a shared 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.

  • Opt for a private room within a cabin with others. You will share a bathroom (sink, toilet, shower) in your full facility cabin with your cabin-mates. 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.

Choose between the Adventure Track in the Pine Pointe Village and the Hygge 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 are offering scholarships to Black, Indigenous, people of color for our fall and winter yoga retreats. Please fill out a BIPOC scholarship application here. Thank you!

    • 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. Your timely response is important! Thank you!