Our story
We are an eco-conscious retreat company founded by mother, daughter team, Tania and Jennifer Stretton. We host hiking retreats in beautiful mountain locations and aim to improve the wellbeing of our guests through hiking, meditation and yoga. We founded Alpenglow because we wanted to create a retreat space where people can really immerse themselves in nature and check out of the many distractions in their lives for a while. A space where people can step off the conveyor belt of their busy lives and simply enjoy being. We look forward to hiking with you soon!
Eco conscious mountain retreats
Our commitment
The Alps are one of the most beautiful and biodiverse regions on earth. Whilst we want to share this incredible place we call home with our guests, we understand that tourism is yet another pressure on the alpine environment. We promote sustainable living and donate 10% of our profit to fight climate change.
Meet your Hiking Guide and Yoga Teacher
Jen is the founder of Alpenglow Retreats. She is a qualified international mountain leader, yoga teacher and thai masseuse. Originally from the UK, Jen has lived full time in Chamonix, France since 2017.
Jen has guided groups on some of the most famous long-distance hikes in Europe and has hiked and climbed all over the world from the Andes, to the Himalaya and Artic Lapland. She speaks French and is currently learning Italian.
Jen started her ‘spiritual journey’ in 2012 when she completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training in Bali. It was here that she was introduced to Zen Buddhism and soon after undertook her first silent retreat. Jen devotes much of her time to the Zen Buddhist practices of Zazen (meditation) and Sumi-e (Japanese ink painting) which she is studying under Zen Master Beppe Mokuza Signoritti. Encountering Sumi-e was a life changing experience. It has become the means for Jen to express her inner journey and make intimate contact with the essence of Zen practice. She is grateful to have the opportunity to share this practice on retreats.
An avid hiker, climber, animal lover and environmentalist, Jen’s passion for the natural world is contagious. Her mantra is ‘be the change you want to see in the world’ and she hopes you will leave our retreats feeling inspired to make positive changes in your own life and for the world.
Meet your Chalet Host
Tania is the joint founder of Alpenglow Retreats and your chalet host for the retreat. Whilst we are out hiking, Tania is busy in the chalet cooking delicious cakes and a three-course meal for when we get home.
Tania has a strong interest in nutrition and specialises in beautiful, healthy-plant based cuisine. She holds a cooking certification from the vegetarian and vegan society and is constantly experimenting with recipes. Tania is passionate about the healing qualities of food and hopes her menu will give you some fresh ideas and inspire you to make positive changes to your diet after the retreat.
When Tania’s not in the Alps, she lives in a beautiful cottage in the English countryside. She runs a small craft company and enjoys cooking, yoga, gardening, painting and singing in her local choir.
Probably one of the most organised people you will meet, Tania is the person who makes sure the retreat runs smoothly. She is incredibly welcoming and helps everyone to feel comfortable and at home on or retreats.
Behind the scenes
Hayley works behind the scenes to advertise our retreats. She lives in Hertfordshire, UK but loves to explore new places. Her favourite place to travel is the French Alps and she often joins us on our Alps Hiking Retreats to assist Tania with the cooking.
Hayley works as a UX designer in London and is a creative soul – always exploring new art forms – her most recent hobby is brush lettering and water colour painting.
In her spare time Hayley enjoys cycling, art and socialising. She also volunteers with a local charity that provides confidential phone support to callers about personal issues.
Welcoming, kind and always laughing – Hayley is the perfect person to make everyone feel welcome and enjoy our retreats. She looks forward to meeting you soon!