February 14 – 17, 2026
Saturday – Tuesday, Valentine’s Day & Presidents’ Day Weekend
Yoga Classes with: Leah Gillman & Gordon Jonas
Assisted by Karen Johnson
Escape to a remote mountain town at the base of the majestic Sierra Buttes Mountain in Tahoe National Forest. Sierra City is a charming old gold mining town, population 225, and a 3.5 hour scenic drive from Oakland.
OUR HOMEBASE
The Sierra City Community Hall, in the 2 pictures above, is a sweet, rustic venue located just off Main Street. It’s a grand, 40′ x 50′ room and its ceilings are 22′ high in the center, 13′ at the side walls, so you’ll never feel cramped. It has impressive log construction, beautiful wood floors, and central heat.
YOGA
In a week of balanced practice that includes asana, movement, breathwork, and relaxation, we’ll have physically active morning classes and restful, rejuvenating evening classes.
Classes will accommodate all levels with the expectation that students are in relatively good physical condition and familiar with the asanas and transitions common to vinyasa yoga. Students are (always) encouraged to modify the practice to meet their needs.
SNOWSHOEING, SLEDDING & OTHER GREAT IDEAS…
Winter is Leah’s favorite time of year in Sierra city. It’s extra quiet, with even fewer residents, visitors, and vehicles. And it’s beautiful. The photo opportunities are truly epic.
Sierra City is at 4000′ elevation so as the snow line rises and falls throughout winter, the town will vary from lots of snow, to very little snow. No worries, if the snow line is high during the retreat. Just 5 miles away is the Gold Lake Highway, pictured below, which is closed for recreation all winter. It’s at 5,300′ elevation where there is snow cover throughout winter. Yuba Pass, at 6,700′ elevation, another designated recreation area, is just 12 miles away. So, plenty of snow to be had.
Bring your (rented?) snow shoes, sleds, snow boots, snowman making gear… Leah will have destination suggestions prepared for various interests and all ability levels. You can even bring your skis and try the (very) roughly groomed, hardy, cross country skiing pictured below.
Have road safety concerns? Barring extreme storms, Highway 49, the main access road, is generally kept clear as are Siera City’s primary neighborhood streets . Four, or, all- wheel drive is recommended. Two-wheel drive is often sufficient, but, for two-wheel drive vehicles, carrying chains is absolutely necessary. Of course, if there is a major storm predicted, we’ll simply need to cancel the retreat, in which case all tuition costs will be refunded. (For summertime retreats we have similar considerations for wildfire smoke).
NOTE:
- All activities are at your own risk, you’ll be required to agree to a Release of Liability form.
- The tuition for this retreat is not “all inclusive”, read on!
ACCOMODATIONS
Make your reservation asap! Because it’s a holiday weekend, demand will be a little higher and the winter housing supply is more limited. Check the reservation cancellation policies before booking. Here are some suggestions:
The Buttes Resort, where we usually stay for our Sierra City retreats, is already booked for Yoga & Snowshoeing in the Sierras.
Vacation Rentals are still available. Check the rental’s vicinity to the Community Hall, 14 Castagna Alley, it’s nice to be close by. And, be sure to review their cancelation policy before making your reservation. Ask Leah for assistance if you like.
MEALS
Plan to bring groceries for most of your meals and snacks. Meals are not included in the cost of the retreat. The Red Moose Cafe, located just one block from the Community Hall will be open but with limited hours.
BODYWORK
Leah will offer two, one-hour bodywork sessions at 10:00 & 11:05 a.m. for $100 per session on Sunday & Monday.
RETREAT SCHEDULE (subject to change)
Saturday
4:00 – 5:00 pm Yoga Class with Leah
5:30 pm Burrito Bar Dinner served at the Sierra City Community Hall
Sunday
8:00 – 9:30 am Yoga Class with Gordon
10:00 – 11:00 Available Bodywork Session
11:05 – 12:05 Available Bodywork Session
12:30 pm Outdoor Activities – Meet at the Buttes Resort parking lot.
7:00 – 8:00 Restful Yoga with Leah
Monday
8:00 – 9:30 am Yoga Class with Leah
10:00 – 11:00 Bodywork Session
11:05 – 12:05 Available Bodywork Session
12:30 pm Outdoor Activities-Meet at the Buttes Resort parking lot.
7:00 – 8:00 Restful Yoga with Gordon
Tuesday
8:00 – 9:30 am Yoga Class with Gordon
11:00 am Group Lunch in Downieville, Two Rivers Cafe
Four quick steps to sign up…
1) REGISTER
2) TUITION
Tuition covers the cost of classes, afternoon suggested activities, and general retreat facilitation. Accommodations, all meals, travel insurance (required), bodywork sessions, travel and any other costs are not included in the tuition.
Cost:
$500
Payment Options:
Venmo: @Leah-Gillman-1 (Last four digits for confirmation: 3450)
Zelle: 510leahg @ gmail.com (without the spaces)
Need a payment plan? Let Leah know what will work best for you!
CANCELLATION POLICY
Tuition payments are refundable less $50 until January 14, 2026
After January 14, 2026 cancelations are non-refundable, regardless of the reason.
3) BOOK YOUR STAY
The Buttes Resort, where we usually stay for our Sierra City retreats, is already booked for Yoga & Snowshoeing in the Sierras. That said, there are still vacation rentals available. If you’re interested in joining us, contact Leah—she’ll connect you with housing options.
4) TRIP INSURANCE
You are required to purchase trip insurance, including medical evacuation, by January 14th, 2026. This helps keep the cost of the retreat down while ensuring that you’ll be covered in the event of a medical emergency, or if you’re unable to attend.
OTHER ITEMS
Book a bodywork session with Leah ahead of time, if you like. Choose from the “Available Bodywork Session” days/times listed in the schedule above.
You’ll be required to sign a Release of Liability Form prior to the retreat.
Want to bring someone with you who won’t be participating in the yoga? a partner? friend? maybe a kid? Great! You can include that in the Registration Form. Kids under 12 come for free, Over 12 yrs of age, the cost is $80, includes dinner on Saturday night, and any or all of the suggested outdoor activities. Trip Insurance, including medical evacuation, is required for all attendees, including guests of all ages.
Closer to the retreat date, you’ll receive an email regarding what to bring and how to get here. At that time we’ll know more about the weather and conditions and will be able to give more specifics.
Would you like to carpool to and from the retreat? are you able to drive? looking for a ride? have space in your car for a passenger?…
Leah Gillman 