Farewell Winter Yoga Retreat 2027
Join us for the Farewell Winter Retreat — a time to make a shift, say goodbye to what was, and welcome all that is new. This accessible Ashtanga yoga retreat is designed for all ages and abilities, meeting you wherever you are in your practice.
Led by Rozel Gonzales, founder of Énergie EnCorps and a yoga teacher with over 25 years of experience, the weekend is rooted in the tradition of Ashtanga while offering options and guidance for every practitioner.
Together, we’ll explore yoga, breathwork, meditation, art, nature, and community — creating space to move, laugh, connect, slow down, and turn inward.
Set in the serene natural beauty of Centre de Vie, the retreat takes place during that magical time when snow still blankets the ground but the early spring sun is shining. Snowshoe in a T-shirt, hike in the fresh air, and enjoy time away from the everyday.
An Énergie EnCorps tradition offered bilingually in English and French, the Farewell Winter Retreat is a chance to rest, recharge, reconnect, and welcome the season ahead.
Breathe, relax and let-go...
Experience a kirtan celebration, snowshoeing or walks in the woods, delicious vegetarian meals, and the zen reading rooms. Delight in the Centre de Vie’s newest improvements: a new organic and local menu, a beautiful wood sauna, a sunroom built inside an old silo, a spacious area equipped with showers, and windows overlooking the forest, as well as access to a dipping stream.
A Natural Sanctuary for the Soul
Centre de Vie — a family-owned retreat centre, in the heart of Petite Nation, Outaouais, surrounded by nature and designed for rest, wellness, and renewal. We’ve been visiting for 13 years, twice a year for our Yoga Teacher Training and Winter Retreats, and are proud to have been one of their very first clients when they opened their doors.
The Sangha
This retreat is an opportunity to come together, share the practice, and build meaningful connections within the yoga community. Sangha, meaning community in Sanskrit, is an important aspect in yoga. Through shared movement, breath, conversation, and moments of stillness, we’ll create space to support one another and deepen our sense of belonging. More than just a weekend of practice, this is a chance to reconnect with the people who make our sangha what it is — a space to learn, grow, and practice together.
Our teaching philosophy
This retreat warmly welcomes beginners to the traditional Ashtanga yoga practice. The experience is designed to be accessible, supportive, and confidence-building, with plenty of guidance to help you feel at ease, no matter where you are starting from.
It’s also perfect for students who are curious to dive deeper into the practice of yoga — to understand the meaning behind the postures, the intention of the breath, and experience the Sanskrit names and traditional counts. For those newer to Ashtanga, it can be a truly eye-opening introduction to what lies beyond the poses.
For experienced practitioners, it’s a chance to deepen your practice, work with an experirenced teacher, receive assists and connect with other yogis, and share your experience within a supportive community.
Along with daily yoga, we’ll enjoy workshops, meditation, creative activities, snowshoeing, time in nature, and plenty of space to slow down and reconnect.
If you feel called to experience yoga in a deeper, more authentic and heart-opening way — this retreat is for you.
Why come on retreat with us
• Space to Return to Yourself
Stepping away from daily life allows the noise to settle. In the stillness of the Québecois forest, you reconnect with your inner rhythm and remember what truly nourishes you.
• Seeds for a Lifelong Practice
reconnect with your practice, your breath, and yourself. Guided with care, this retreat offers space to deepen your practice, embrace stillness, and welcome the transition into a new season. It’s not about doing more — it’s about creating space to reflect, recharge, and carry the essence of your practice with you beyond the retreat.
• Yoga as a Living Tradition
Through breath, rhythm, and mindful repetition, yoga becomes more than movement — it becomes something you live, not just something you do.
• Nature, Nourishment, and Presence
Practicing in lush forest surroundings, enjoying wholesome, vegetarian meals, and stepping away from screens allows the body to soften, the mind to quiet, and presence to naturally return.
• Community That Grounds and Renews
Shared practice creates genuine connection. You’re held in a supportive, human community — returning home steadied, inspired, and deeply rooted in your practice.
The Experience
A weekend to step away from the routines and responsibilities of everyday life and simply give yourself some space.
There is something powerful about leaving your usual environment behind. Without the constant rushing, doing and thinking ahead, you have the chance to settle, breathe and be present.
Surrounded by the quiet of the Québec countryside, you’ll have time to rest, enjoy beautiful meals, spend time outdoors and experience a different rhythm for a few days.
It’s a chance to fill your own cup—to sleep well, laugh, move, breathe and simply enjoy being exactly where you are.
Come home feeling lighter, refreshed and ready to step back into your life with renewed energy and perspective.
About your Host, Rozel Gonzales
Rozel Gonzales is the founder and owner of Énergie EnCorps, a community-rooted yoga and wellness centre in Montreal, Canada, which she has been leading since 2014. With over 25 years of dedicated practice and teaching, her work is deeply rooted in the Ashtanga Yoga tradition.
She is deeply grateful for her close, ongoing mentorships with Kino MacGregor and Tim Feldmann, whom she regularly assists at the renowned Miami Life Center.
Rozel is the lead instructor of Énergie EnCorps’ Yoga Teacher Training programs, having trained hundreds of teachers within her community. A bilingual teacher (English and French), she is known for offering accessible, inclusive yoga for all ages, abilities, and bodies, and for regularly hosting international-level teachers to support continuous learning and growth.
Warm, precise, and grounded, Rozel creates spaces where students feel supported in building a sustainable, meaningful practice — on and off the mat.
An oasis in the countryside
Each option includes accommodations for 2 nights, 6 vegetarian meals, workshops, yoga classes, and retreat activities. Each space features heating, high-speed Wi-Fi, a private bathroom, handcrafted furnishings, and carefully considered details designed to support comfort and rest.
The ideal capacity for this retreat is 15 participants. This intimate group size allows for hands-on teaching, personalized instruction, and individual attention, creating a supportive environment for deeper learning and connection.
Shared Occupancy
$725 CDN
Single Occupancy
$850 CDN
Single Occupancy with private bathroom $925 CDN
Retreat Pricing and Booking Terms
Please let us know in advance of any dietary restrictions, allergies or special accommodation requests. Additional fees may apply for special requests.
PAYMENT POLICY
Your purchase confirms and guarantees your spot on the retreat.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Before February 15: Full refund, less a 20% cancellation fee.
As of February 15: No refunds will be issued.
To cancel, please email info@energieencorps.com.
Questions? Contact us at (514) 505-9642 or info@energieencorps.com.
By registering, you acknowledge and agree to the cancellation policy above.
Transportation & Meeting Information
Our retreat begins with the journey there! We’ll meet at Énergie EnCorps at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, March 12, 2027, and organize carpools for the drive to Centre de Vie.
We encourage everyone to carpool and travel together whenever possible. It makes the trip easier for everyone and is a lovely way to start connecting before we even arrive.
For those travelling from out of town, Énergie EnCorps is approximately 20 minutes from Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL).
Location & Approximate Distances
Énergie EnCorps → Centre de Vie, Ripon: approximately 150 km / 1 hr 50 min
Ottawa International Airport (YOW) → Centre de Vie: approximately 90–100 km / 1–1¼ hrs
Address:
Centre de Vie
14, chemin du Petit 5e Rang
Ripon, Quebec
Frequently Asked Questions
The Winter retreat takes place at Centre de Vie in Ripon, Quebec. For more information on Centre de Vie:
http://www.centredevie.ca/
This retreat is open to everyone at all levels of their yoga practice, interested in learning the Asthanga Yoga practice. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced yogi, we’ll have something for you.
Please note that Asthanga Yoga is a vinyasa style of yoga. If you have questions about the practice, feel free to ask!
Yes of course! Many people go alone. It is a wonderful way to meet people and to connect with like-minded people.
If you select a shared room, you’re welcome to room with a friend. If you’re coming on your own, we’ll be happy to pair you with another participant. Women will be paired with women and men with men.
Prefer your own space? You can upgrade to a private room for an additional $150 + tax.
If we’re unable to find a roommate for you, a private room will be required at the additional cost.
You’ll eat well without having to cook yourself! No need to worry about preparing your own meals. You will be served vegetarian meals for breakfast, lunch and supper! Everything is nutritious, tasty and fresh! Did I mention they serve fresh eggs from their farm for breakfast?
Yes! Once we have the list of people established, we will help you to arrange car-pooling. You can leave your car at the studio over the weekend.
Questions about the Farewell Winter! Yoga Retreat?
Please fill out this form if you if you have any questions prior to booking. We will answer you within a 24-hour window.