About the Trip
Join us for our 11th Annual Ely Winter Wellness Retreat, an unforgettable long weekend of yoga, fitness, sauna, cold plunging, outdoor adventure, and connection in the breathtaking Northwoods of Minnesota. Surrounded by snowy forests, frozen lakes, and endless star-filled skies, this retreat is designed to help you reconnect with nature, recharge your body, and embrace the magic of winter. Each day offers multiple movement and wellness experiences including yoga, strength training, mobility, sound healing, and mindful movement. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself, restore your nervous system, or simply relax by the fire, you’ll have the freedom to do as much or as little as you like. Experience one of Minnesota’s most beloved winter traditions with invigorating polar plunges followed by warming sauna sessions. This powerful combination supports recovery, resilience, circulation, and overall wellbeing while creating unforgettable memories with your retreat community. Outdoor adventure is woven throughout the weekend. Explore Ely’s pristine winter landscape through snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, winter hiking, and guided outdoor experiences. Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or trying something new for the first time, there are options for every comfort level. After a day of movement and exploration, return to cozy cabins, home-cooked meals, meaningful conversation, and evenings spent gathered around the fire beneath some of the darkest and most spectacular night skies in the Midwest. This Minnesota winter wellness retreat includes yoga classes, fitness classes, sound healing, sauna, polar plunging, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, community, comfortable lodging, and nourishing meals. Join us in Ely for a weekend of adventure, restoration, connection, and winter magic.
Hosts
The Ritual Union Retreats team is passionate about creating meaningful experiences that blend yoga, Pilates, fitness, mindfulness, adventure, travel, and community. Our retreats are designed to help you slow down, reconnect with yourself, explore incredible destinations, and build lasting connections with like-minded people. Whether you come seeking rest, adventure, personal growth, or simply a change of scenery, our hosts are here to support you every step of the way.
Melissa Joy Schoeller - Retreat Leader
Founder of Ritual Union Retreats and Hola Yoga, Melissa Joy Schoeller has led more than 100 yoga, wellness, fitness, and adventure retreats around the world. Her retreats are known for blending movement, meaningful connection, exploration, and unforgettable experiences in beautiful destinations worldwide.
Melissa’s approach is rooted in community, personal growth, and creating spaces where people can slow down, recharge, reconnect with themselves, and build lasting friendships. Whether leading yoga, Pilates, fitness classes, sound healing, hiking adventures, or retreat experiences, her goal is simple: help people come home to themselves while experiencing the beauty of the world.
Highlights
Finnish Sauna
Detox and Relax in Minnesota's best sauna! Combo the sauna with plunging in the lake for the ultimate experience!
Home Cooked Meals
Enjoy home-cooked brunch and dinner daily as a group, with a full kitchen in your cabin for breakfast or snacks.
Polar Plunging
Experience the thrill + benefits of polar plunging in Bruntside Lake, followed by a rejuvenating sauna warm-up.
XC Skiing + Snowshoeing
Explore the stunning Northwoods with XC ans snowshoeing- rental gear included.
What's Included
What's Included
Sauna
Polar Plunging
Dinner
Brunch
Yoga + Fitness classes
Sound Healing
Ski & Snowshoe rental
What's Not Included
Breakfast
Transportation
Gallery
Trip Tips
Getting There
Retreaters take their own transportation. Typically, most people drive and carpooling can be arranged.
Reserve Your Spot
Space is limited! Secure your spot with a 15% deposit and pay the remainder of the retreat in full by 60 days before when the retreat begins, or sign up for a monthly payment plan which requires a $500 deposit to secure your spot.