For more than 40 years, New Life Hiking Spa gave guests a simple, powerful week in Vermont’s Green Mountains: hike every day, eat well, move your body and learn habits to take home. Founded by Jimmy LeSage in 1978 on Stratton Mountain, it later moved to Killington and ran each spring, summer and early fall.
The spa canceled its 2020 season during the pandemic and has not reopened. If you were one of its loyal returning guests, here’s what to look for in a new hiking retreat, and how Skyterra Wellness Retreat in North Carolina compares.
What guests loved about New Life
- Daily guided hikes through the Green Mountains, at different paces.
- Fitness classes, yoga and stretching to balance the hiking.
- Healthy, whole-food meals.
- Workshops on nutrition, stress and healthy habits.
- A friendly, unpretentious group that came back year after year.
What to look for in your next hiking retreat
- Guided hikes every day, for every level. You shouldn’t have to choose between keeping up and holding back.
- A small group. Fewer guests means coaches who notice how you’re doing and adjust.
- One all-inclusive price. Lodging, meals, classes and transfers in one rate, so you’re not adding up extras.
- A credentialed team. Look for dietitians, physical therapists and licensed therapists, not just trainers.
- A plan for home. The best retreats teach habits that keep working after you leave.
How Skyterra compares
Skyterra trades Vermont’s Green Mountains for the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, with the same mix of daily hiking, fitness, good food and education, and one big difference: we’re open all year.
| New Life Hiking Spa | Skyterra Wellness Retreat | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Killington, Vermont | Pisgah Forest, North Carolina, 30 minutes from Asheville |
| Season | Spring through early fall | Year-round, including holidays |
| Hiking | Daily hikes in the Green Mountains | Daily guided hikes and waterfall trips in Pisgah National Forest, plus nine miles of trails on campus |
| Status | Has not reopened since 2020 | Open |
What’s included at Skyterra
- Guided hikes and waterfall trips in Pisgah National Forest, plus nine miles of trails on our 155-acre campus.
- More than 80 classes a week, from strength and cardio to yoga, mobility and pool workouts, adapted to every level.
- Chef-prepared meals planned with a registered dietitian: real food, no deprivation.
- A team that includes a physician, a registered dietitian, physical therapists, licensed therapists and certified trainers.
- Private lodging, a year-round heated indoor pool, sauna and spa services.
- Never more than 35 guests at a time.
What a week at Skyterra looks like
Every week starts on a Sunday. Fly into Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) and our free shuttle brings you to campus, about 30 minutes away. Your stay begins with an InBody scan and a functional movement screening, so coaches can shape your week around your body. From there, each day mixes guided hikes, more than 80 fitness classes a week, chef-prepared meals planned with a registered dietitian, and daily sessions on nutrition, sleep, stress and emotional eating. There are never more than 35 guests on campus, so the team knows you by name. See how a week works.
One all-inclusive weekly rate covers private lodging, meals, every class and the airport shuttle: $4,900 for one week, $4,655 a week for two weeks, and $4,270 a week for three weeks or more. Interest-free payment plans are available. See rates and what’s included.
Frequently asked questions
Is New Life Hiking Spa open?
No. New Life Hiking Spa canceled its 2020 season and has not reopened since.
Can I hike every day at Skyterra?
Yes. Guided hikes run throughout the week, from gentle walks to longer waterfall hikes, and you choose what fits your energy each day. See our outdoor activities.
How do I get to Skyterra?
Most guests fly into Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), about 30 minutes from campus, and ride our free Sunday shuttle. Others drive; we’re about two hours from Charlotte. See travel and packing details.
Ready to plan your next reset? Start with a free consult with our team and take $100 off your first stay. Plan your retreat or call us at 888-282-1657.
