Summitwise FAQ | Your Questions Answered

FAQ Categories

Booking & planning

Travel & Logistics

health & Safety

experience & preparation

Group Details & Customization

Booking & planning

How do I book a trip?

Booking your Summitwise retreat is easy. Simply click the ' Join a Retreat' button on our website or 'Speak to a Guide' to complete a brief inquiry form. Once we receive your submission, one of our guides will contact you directly to discuss details, customize your experience, and confirm availability.

What is included in the cost of the retreat, and what is not?

Included: all lodging, meals, snacks, guides, gear (tents, sleeping pads, etc.), permits, transportation within the retreat, and the photographer/videographer. Not included: airfare or ground transport to the regional staging area (unless explicitly quoted), personal gear (hiking boots, day packs, etc.), and optional upgrades (e.g., private heli-transfer). We’ll provide a detailed itemized proposal after your inquiry.

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

We understand plans may change. If you cancel more than 60 days before the retreat, you receive a full refund minus a 20% administrative fee. Cancellations 30–60 days out receive a 50% refund. Unfortunately, cancellations fewer than 30 days before the start date are non-refundable. We encourage scheduling with travel insurance if you have concerns.

Travel & Logistics

How remote is the location, and what are travel logistics?

Our campsites are situated deep in the Colorado Rockies, typically accessed by 4×4 vehicle or helicopter (depending on the retreat). We provide detailed travel information upon booking, assist with air or ground transfers from Denver (or your preferred airport), and coordinate pick-ups to ensure you arrive smoothly and on time.

What do you provide and what should I bring on the trip?

Summitwise provides everything needed for a comfortable and secure backcountry experience—campsites equipped with private latrines, kitchen and dining shelters, high-quality food and beverages, and top-of-the-line six-person tents complete with air mattresses, LED lighting, and entry rugs. Our seasoned guides, each with deep backcountry and leadership experience, handle all logistics and ensure full preparedness for altitude, weather, and wildlife.

Guests are asked to bring personal essentials such as a 20–40 liter daypack, water bladder, sleeping bag, layered clothing for changing mountain conditions, durable hiking footwear, and a few comfort items like gloves, a wool hat, and a headlamp. We provide a detailed packing list upon booking to ensure you’re fully prepared for a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable retreat in the high country.

What’s the bathroom situation?

Our restroom facilities are designed to be clean, private, and environmentally responsible. Each camp is equipped with covered latrines that are separated from both the main camp and from one another to provide comfort and discretion. Every unit is stocked with toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and moist towelettes, and maintained by our team daily to ensure cleanliness and sanitation throughout your stay.

We take great care to make this part of your backcountry experience as comfortable as possible—balancing practicality with respect for the wilderness. The result is a setup that feels both simple and civilized, allowing you to focus on the mountain experience without concern for the essentials.

What are sleeping conditions like?

Rest is a vital part of the Summitwise experience. Each guest stays in a spacious, top-of-the-line six-person tent shared by no more than three guests—offering room to stretch, stand, and settle in comfortably after a day in the high country. Inside, you’ll find thoughtful touches like entry rugs, soft LED lanterns, and a carefully arranged sleeping area designed for warmth and relaxation.

Every guest is provided with a three-inch air mattress and a thick wool blanket that holds warmth through cool alpine nights. The result is a sleeping environment that feels quiet, restorative, and intentionally crafted—blending the simplicity of the outdoors with a level of comfort that surprises most first-time guests.

health & safety

What do you do for altitude sickness?

Our altitude strategy is layered: preparation, gradual acclimation, hydration, paced activity, and expert monitoring. We share guidance before each retreat to help guests acclimate safely, and our approach in the field emphasizes balance—steady pacing, intentional rest, and proper nutrition to support your body’s adjustment at elevation.

Throughout your retreat, our wilderness-first-aid-certified guides monitor each participant closely and adapt as needed. We provide ample water, electrolytes, and nourishing meals, and if anyone experiences discomfort, we slow down, descend, or modify activities. Safety and wellbeing always come first, ensuring your high-altitude experience is empowering—not limiting.

What if I have a health condition?

Your safety and wellbeing are central to everything we do. Before each retreat, we ask guests to share any relevant medical conditions, allergies, or physical considerations so our guides can plan accordingly. This information allows us to tailor pacing, activities, and support to each participant’s comfort level.

All Summitwise guides are wilderness-first-aid certified and carry medical kits, satellite communication devices, and evacuation plans specific to each route. Whether it’s managing altitude sensitivity, joint issues, or a condition that requires extra care, we’re equipped and experienced to ensure you can participate safely and confidently.

What if my family needs to get a hold of me while I’m on a trip?

Your safety and peace of mind are always top priorities. Each Summitwise camp is equipped with Iridium satellite communication devices that allow our guides to maintain real-time contact with our support team and with designated family contacts if needed. Before every retreat, we collect emergency contact information and load it securely into our communication system.

Families are provided with a private tracking link to monitor your group’s location and a satellite contact number for use in emergencies. While we encourage guests to disconnect and be fully present during the experience, you—and those who care about you—can rest assured that a direct line of communication is always available if needed.

Should I be concerned about wildlife?

Encounters with wildlife in our retreat areas are exceedingly rare and generally limited to deer, rabbits, and smaller alpine animals. Larger wildlife—such as bears or mountain lions—are uncommon in the zones where we operate, and our camps are intentionally located, maintained, and secured to minimize interaction.

Our guides are trained in wildlife awareness and response protocols, and all food is stored securely in compliance with U.S. Forest Service backcountry standards. We brief every group on simple best practices—like keeping food sealed and maintaining clean campsites—that ensure both your safety and the wellbeing of the surrounding environment. Wildlife awareness is part of the backcountry experience, and our preparation helps make it safe, respectful, and uneventful.

What happens in case of bad weather or unsafe conditions?

Safety is our top priority in every decision we make. The Colorado high country can change quickly, and our guides are trained to anticipate and adapt to evolving weather conditions. We monitor forecasts closely and adjust routes, timing, or daily activities as needed to keep the group safe and comfortable.

In the rare event of severe weather or unsafe conditions—such as lightning, high winds, or wildfire risk—we follow established contingency plans that may include adjusting elevation, rerouting, or temporarily pausing activity. Our guides have decades of collective experience in the Rockies and make every decision with professionalism and caution, ensuring your experience remains safe, seamless, and well-managed no matter what the mountains bring.

Experience & Preparation

How do I prepare for a hiking trip like this?

The best way to prepare for your Summitwise retreat is to build consistency—not intensity. We recommend starting six to eight weeks before your trip with light walks or hikes, gradually increasing both distance and elevation gain each week. Simple aerobic conditioning such as walking, hiking, cycling, or rowing at a steady, conversational pace will help your body adjust to sustained activity at altitude. Training with the same gear you plan to bring—especially your shoes and daypack—will make the experience far more comfortable.

While every guest responds differently to elevation, those who invest in preparation tend to enjoy the journey more and recover faster. Focus on endurance, hydration, and familiarity with your equipment rather than high-intensity workouts. Even modest, consistent training pays off once you’re on the trail—allowing you to move steadily, breathe easily, and fully experience the beauty of Colorado’s high country.

What is the schedule like each day?

Each Summitwise retreat is thoughtfully structured to foster both individual renewal and collective alignment. While the agenda is customized for every group, a typical rhythm is a four-day retreat that combines purposeful outdoor challenge with space for reflection, dialogue, and rest.

Every element is curated to balance physical challenge, mental stillness, and meaningful conversation, ensuring leaders return with renewed perspective and practical alignment for the road ahead.

Will you be capturing any of the footage?

Yes. We provide a photographer, videographer, and drone pilot as part of your service. All content will be provided to you following the completion of your retreat. You can view a sample of the footage by visiting our Instagram page.

group details & customization

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?

We typically have a minimum of 6 participants to activate a retreat and a maximum of 14 (for our standard format). This ensures an intimate and collaborative atmosphere while maintaining personalized attention and safety. For larger teams, we can expand capacity with additional guides and support staff—just let us know your needs during booking.

Are there age restrictions?

While we do not have formal age restrictions, our experiences are designed for adults and professionals. Guests under 18 require management approval and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. We assess each case individually to ensure safety and suitability for the environment.

Can I bring additional guests (spouse, partner, non-executive team members)?

Yes — we often accommodate partners or non-executive guests, subject to retreat capacity and customization. Please let us know at the time of inquiry so we can tailor lodging, meals, and activities accordingly, and provide relevant pricing

Can the retreat be customized for a specific business objective?

Absolutely. One of our unique strengths is that our guides are business leaders themselves with deep experience, so we design sessions around your company’s strategic priorities—whether it’s vision casting, leadership alignment, merger integration, or digital transformation. We’ll work with you in advance to define goals, agenda, and deliverables so the retreat has both experiential and business impact.

Do you offer trips beyond business or leadership retreats?

Yes! While many of our experiences are designed for leadership teams and executive groups, Summitwise also curates deeply personal retreats for families, friends, and individuals seeking connection and renewal. We’ve hosted father–son, mother–daughter, and family-style experiences that carry the same spirit of adventure, reflection, and presence—just without the corporate agenda. Each journey is fully customizable and designed to create shared memories that last a lifetime.

Our camps and guides are fully equipped and experienced in hosting both men and women in the backcountry. From private accommodations and thoughtful camp design to professional female guides and staff, we ensure that every guest feels comfortable, welcome, and at ease in the wilderness.

Jason Scott, Summitwise Alum ’21

"Summitwise doesn’t just guide hikes; they guide conversations. Through intentional prompts and shared reflection, I found myself unpacking not just the day, but my own trajectory — both personally and professionally."

Eric Regan, Summitwise Alum ’22 and ’24

There’s a kind of clarity that only comes when the noise stops. That’s what Summitwise created for me — a rare space to step out of the constant motion of leading and remember why I lead in the first place.

Paul Nobrega, Summitwise Alum ’24

"While sitting at the campfire, I realized that some of my greatest strengths — self-reliance, resiliency, and steadfastness — were also limiting me. It was then that I began a second, more fundamental ascent — a climb towards understanding what it looks like to not constantly be my own rock."

summitwise

retreat faq

how do i book a trip?

book your retreat

booking is easy

FAQ Categories

Booking & planning

Travel & Logistics

health & safety

Experience & Preparation

group details & customization

Jason Scott, Summitwise Alum ’21

Eric Regan, Summitwise Alum ’22 and ’24

Paul Nobrega, Summitwise Alum ’24

plan your retreat

info@summitwise.com

50+

summitwise

summitwise

retreat faq

Let's Go!

Let's Go!

how do i book a trip?

book your retreat

booking is easy

FAQ Categories

Booking & planning

Travel & Logistics

health & safety

Experience & Preparation

group details & customization

Jason Scott, Summitwise Alum ’21

Eric Regan, Summitwise Alum ’22 and ’24

Paul Nobrega, Summitwise Alum ’24

plan your retreat

info@summitwise.com

50+

summitwise