For the sake of your practice and your fellow retreatants’ practice, we ask that you agree to participate in this entire retreat without leaving and returning (except in the case of emergencies or medical needs). If you are an online participant, we request that you show up on-time and are able to be present during the entire retreat sessions with your camera on. 

We are committed to accessibility as a center. Big Bear Retreat Center has faith in the power of belonging and generosity. 

Financial Barriers

Are finances a barrier to attend? We recognize that a residential retreat is out of financial reach for many practitioners, due to up-front costs as well as lost income, need for child care, and/or travel expenses. We strive to make retreats as accessible as possible to anyone. Contact us if finances are a burden in any way, we have several options to make these retreats financially accessible to you. We ask that these be prioritized for those who self-identify as BIPOC, hold marginalized identities, or in financial need. Contact us at guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org for more information.

For those who are not able to attend an on-site retreat we now offer affordable online retreat options throughout the year.

Location Barriers

Big Bear Retreat Center is located in a mountain community in Big Bear Lake, California, at an elevation of 7,000ft.  

The road leading up to Big Bear Retreat Center from Los Angeles can sometimes be tricky to navigate, especially in winter months. Most times of the year, most vehicles can make the trip without issue. In icy or snowy conditions, four wheel drive can be helpful but is usually unnecessary. 

The walk between the Lodging, Dining and the Meditation Hall, is hilly. We do have some areas with handrails, but at this time, those with significant mobility issues may need to discuss accessibility concerns with our guest services team at guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org.

Wheelchair Accessibility

Big Bear Retreat Center currently offers wheelchair accessibility, but with limitations. We have a cabin that is ADA accessible. Please contact us with your specific needs / concerns / requests.

Other Physical Limitations

Big Bear Retreat Center recognizes disability as a valued aspect of diversity. If you have difficulty hearing or seeing, please let us know in your retreat registration. We are happy to help you in advance of your retreat with audio/video setup and issues, and closed captioning for our online programs is available.

Covid requirements at the center vary and may require vaccines, boosters, testing, and/or masking. Please reference your specific retreat communication and welcome letter for details. For more visit: https://bigbearretreatcenter.org/covid/

Space is limited. Submitting an online registration form does not guarantee a spot. Spaces are offered on a first-come first-served basis. Once registration is full, applicants will be automatically placed on a waiting list in the order in which they registered. If you are unable to attend due to overbooking, you will be refunded at your request. 

Primary Guest Acknowledgement: I understand and represent that as the Primary Guest, I am responsible for providing accurate information regarding any additional guests, if applicable to this retreat. Coordinating the needs and safety of guests, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, requires transparency and a meaningful amount of advance planning. I acknowledge that I am personally responsible for reporting any substitutions, additions and/or subtractions to my list of “Additional Guests” to Big Bear Retreat Center in writing, no later than 72 hours prior to my arrival. Otherwise, I risk that either I or one or more of my Additional Guests could be turned away at the sole discretion of Big Bear Retreat Center.

Silence and renunciation are at the heart of Insight retreats, and many others, and a sincere commitment to honoring them has a direct and profound bearing on our deepening in meditation. We request that all guests undertake the commitment of noble silence if instructed by your retreat teachers and that you agree to silence throughout the retreat in the entirety of the retreat center. We also request and encourage refraining from cell phones and other technology, as instructed by your teachers. Before each retreat we will share the best method of communication with BBRC staff and teachers that best supports the practice and wishes of the teachers. When in doubt, defer to the teachers’ instructions. Please notify our Front Office if arrangements need to be made for messages to reach you 24/7 from dependent or fragile family members. You can reach our staff at guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org.

Occasionally staff, teachers, volunteers, or contractors will take photos and videos throughout the Big Bear Retreat Center campus, or will use images, video, and/or audio from recorded virtual sessions, to use in promotional materials such as on our website, e-mails, and social media accounts.

By participating in our in-person programs, by being on the big Bear Retreat Center campus, and/or by participating in our virtual programs with your video on when we are recording, you are authorizing and consenting that Big Bear Retreat center shall have the rights to use and permanently retain any/all photographs, audio and video recordings taken during your stay at Big Bear Retreat Center or during a virtual recording. We usually let participants know when there is a photographer in attendance or when we are recording a virtual session, and we strive to represent all images in an honest and respectful way.

The retreat center does not allow pets of any kind, including dogs, in the retreat cabins or on property. Out of respect of our community space, please lovingly leave any pets at home. If you have any questions regarding service animals, please consult our FAQ or contact us.

We ask guests to please take extra care in cleaning their cabin and returning it to its original state upon departure. Please take extra care to clean your cabin to help our staff in offering a clean and conducive space for practice for the next guests. More information about cabin cleaning and checkout will be found in your cabins and shared during retreat. Thank you in advance for your care and love of the space.

Meditation is a set of highly effective, proven tools to strengthen the mind and bring greater happiness to life. It is not a religion, though many traditions use the practice. People have been using meditation for thousands of years to bring their lives into balance, to ease suffering, to discover happiness, and to live more compassionately.

How can meditation help me?

Meditation retreats offer opportunities for deepened, focused, and extended practice under the guidance of expert teachers. A “momentum of mindfulness” and multiple insights can develop in a retreat setting that would be far more difficult to attain when one is in their “daily life” with all of the responsibilities, duties, and distractions that exist in that setting. Big Bear Retreat Center is designed and staffed as a full-service retreat destination so you may focus on your practice.

An Insight Retreat (residential, silent, week-long meditation retreat).

In general, the structure of an Insight meditation retreat includes time for sitting meditation, walking meditation, rest, mindful eating, contemplative teachings to deepen your embodied understanding and experience of the mindfulness practices offered.  Along with instructions and guidance, there will be opportunity for practice discussion meetings with the teachers to support you within the container of a silent retreat. All guests are asked to remain on the center grounds, apart from the hiking trails, throughout the duration of the retreat.

Silence and renunciation are at the heart of Insight retreats, and many others, and a sincere commitment to honoring them has a direct and profound bearing on our deepening in meditation. We request that all guests undertake the commitment of noble silence if instructed by your retreat teachers and that you agree to silence throughout the retreat in the entirety of the retreat center. We also request and encourage refraining from cell phones and other technology, as instructed by your teachers. Before each retreat we will share the best method of communication with BBRC staff and teachers that best supports the practice and wishes of the teachers. When in doubt, defer to the teachers’ instructions. Please notify our Front Office if arrangements need to be made for messages to reach you 24/7 from dependent or fragile family members. You can reach our staff at guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org.

The practice of Dana, the Pali word for generosity (pronounced ‘donna’), is a path to happiness. Giving is a way to cultivate compassion and self-awareness. It is a practice of offering from the heart, to whatever capacity feels appropriate. During retreats, Dana can be offered to the teachers, retreat center, and staff. 

Retreat Fees and Teacher Dana:

Your retreat fees for this retreat go towards the center accommodations and all costs for running this retreat. All staff are paid, and not dana-based. Teachers of the retreat are either paid through dana (donation) at the end of retreat offered by students (not paid through fees) or fees are incorporated in their compensation. This is a teacher’s choice and part of the lineage of their teaching. Please see your retreat’s program page to see specifics on this for your upcoming retreat.

More about the practice of Dana and Teacher dana: As part of the Buddhist tradition, many teachers offer the teachings freely with no expectations of fees or payment. As a practice of generosity from the heart, participants are invited to offer “dana” (donations-generosity) to the teachers at the end of the retreat. There are no minimums, expectations, or guidelines. It is not required. Teachers do not receive retreat fees, apart from travel reimbursement support. Learn more here about the practice of dana.

Visit our Upcoming Retreats page for a complete list of available retreats at Big Bear. Contact the Guest Services Manager if you have any issues. 

Learn more about retreat pricing on the Upcoming Retreats page – pricing is listed for each retreat.

Most of our retreats do not require a formal application. Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation receipt when you complete your registration. For retreats that require an application, noted at registration, you will be notified if accepted or space opens. 

If the retreat is full, for most you will have the opportunity to join a waiting list. You will be notified and updated by our team if space is available.

Depending on our program calendar, we welcome early arrivals in exchange for voluntary support on arrival day.  Please reach out at least two weeks ahead of time if you’d like to request extra nights before your retreat. We generally do not support stays after the retreat.

Generally, no. For Meditation retreats we ask that everyone fully attending in the entire retreat. This is important for the retreat community, your practice, and everyone’s experience. Arriving within the arrival window and settling in is important and supportive to grounding before your retreat. 

Sometimes extenuating circumstances or emergencies arrive during the retreat that may require you to leave early. If this is the case, please discuss with a retreat manager on land and the teaching team. 

Please do not plan ahead of time to leave your retreat early. It is important to your practice, presence and community that you plan to attend the entire retreat.

Typically, for Insight silent retreats it’s recommended to not room (or even share cabins) with people you are familiar with, including loved ones, spouses, partners, family and friends. This is generally recommended by most Insight retreat centers and teachers. The intention to best support your own practice on retreat, ability to go deep into practice during your time at a center, and to best support you in upholding the practices of noble silence. In general, this helps the group container as well as from disturbing folks in silence. Exceptions to this are of course possible and need to be run by the teaching team for approval. 

If you’d still like to request this and feel this is an exception, we’d be happy to help coordinate this. Please follow up with an email to guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org with details about your silent meditation retreat experience and any context as to why you need to share a room. 

Plan to arrive during the check-in period unless special arrangements have been made. Please reach out if you would like to request an early check-in.

Yes, if there is room. But, if the retreat is full, you will be placed on the waiting list.

There is no camping available at this time.

Big Bear Retreat Center is committed to making retreat accessible to those who are genuinely unable to afford the cost of a meditation retreat. We ask those who need assistance to pay the highest amount you can reasonably afford so that we may support others in their needs as well. As a general rule, nobody will be turned away due to finances from retreats. 

We offer discounted or pay-what-you-can spots as a first come first serve basis. 

*Please note that financial assistance does not cover transportation costs, dana, or transportation arrangements. If you plan to attend a dana-based retreat (see registration form for this information), please plan accordingly to have the ability to offer generosity at the end of your retreat to support our teachers, who receive no other financial compensation for dana-based retreats.

How to request financial assistance:

1. To Inquire: Email guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org with 
   • your  name
   • the title of the retreat you would like to attend
   • your first and second choice of available accommodations
   • The amount which you are able to afford. 
2. Once confirmed, we will send you registration info for you to sign up! No applications or follow up once registered is required.

Most of our retreats open to the general public are available for financial support. For the retreats that are led and organized by a different organization, they have a particular process around scholarships and support (which we are happy to share more or forward your request along). For retreats organized solely by Big Bear Retreat Center, we are happy to offer the discounted rates or pay-what-you-can program described here. If you’re not certain, please reach out! 

This program is designed to support accessibility to retreats and is for those who self-identify in need. There is no application or approval process. These spots are prioritized for those who self-identify as BIPOC, from a marginalized community, or of financial need. It is important to us that retreats are accessible, so if finances are a burden in any way for you to attend, please let us know. In general, we are committed that nobody is turned away due to finances. 

This depends. If there is an overwhelming demand for scholarships for a program you may be placed on a waiting list on a first come first serve basis. In these cases, we are generally working behind the scenes to accommodate the demand of financial support, please be patient. A last minute spot may open up.

Please visit our website for the most up to date information on our cancellation policy. https://bigbearretreatcenter.org/cancellation-policy/

Over 8 weeks prior to the retreat – $75
4-8 weeks – $150
Less than 4 weeks – No Refunds

Please notify the Guest Services Manager by email as soon as you know that you are unable to attend. Please refer to the cancellation policy noted in each retreat whether a full or partial refund is available. We ask as much as possible not to cancel last minute, as this generally takes the spot from someone looking to attend. However, we always want to ensure you’re set up to fully be present and supported for your retreat. Please reach out with any questions or uncertainty. 

Our general Cancellation and refund policy for individually booked retreats: https://bigbearretreatcenter.org/cancellation-policy/

Generally, no. However, we may consider such requests to transfer your credit to another retreat on a case-by-case basis.

Can I transfer my deposit to my partner or another person? No.

Covid requirements at the center vary and may require vaccines, boosters, testing, and/or masking. Please reference your specific retreat communication and welcome letter for details. For more visit: https://bigbearretreatcenter.org/covid/

Water bottle: Big Bear Retreat Center  is committed to conserving water. Bring your own water bottle to help prevent having to wash glasses.

Linens: (optional) We provide all the bedding and towels for your stay (self-service at check-in). Guests are welcome to bring their own linens if they prefer. All beds have twin-sized mattresses.

Clothing for all weather: Indoor temperature is controlled by forced-air heating. There can be large temperature swings between day and night so bring appropriate layers.

An umbrella and rain gear in the Spring, and
Winter gear in the Winter.

Footwear: Bring shoes that are easy to slip on and off. Most buildings are shoe-free. Ideally closed-toe shoes in case your work meditation is in the kitchen. For some, it can be helpful to bring indoor shoes or slippers. We also provide indoor-only slippers.

Self-reliance: Bring whatever you need. We are not able to shop for items you may have forgotten.

Please bring:

• Personal Food and Snacks that might support you on retreat. There are refrigerators and pantries in each cabin for your use.
• No chemically scented toiletries: toothbrush/paste, shaving items, sunscreen, shower supplies, etc.
• Medical and personal supplies: Tylenol/aspirin, cough drops, eye drops, melatonin or magnesium if you have a hard time sleeping in altitude, and lip balm.
• Sunglasses and sunhat for walking outdoors.
• Sunscreen 
• Shawl or wrap for the mediation hall
• Hiking boots or comfortable sneakers for walking around center or trails
• Indoor “slipper” shoes or extra warm socks. (No shoes in most buildings.) No shoes allowed in the meditation hall and residential cabins 
• Flip flops for shower room
• Flashlight or headlamp (and batteries)
• Water bottle
• Reusable thermos for hot beverages (i.e. tea)
• Anything that may help you acclimate to the altitude (7,000 ft)

Generally, check-in is from 2 to 4 pm on arrival day and check-out of cabins is 9:30am on departure day. Please reference your retreat schedule for more up to date and specific information.

For Insight Retreats, our typical schedule is:

• 2-4pm Registration Table Open on Arrival Day
• 11am Program Ends on Departure Day

Yes, you may leave the center’s contact information with loved ones or colleagues while you are on retreat to be reached. We will relay any messages while you are on retreat. This allows guests to fully be present, particularly in extenuating circumstances at home. 

BBRC office cell (760-885-9898) or email guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org

In the event of a medical emergency the retreatant will be taken to a LOCAL hospital or Urgent care facility as applicable. We are not able to accommodate requests to other facilities.

Generally, we ask that no packages be sent here, as the timing of the mail here in the mountains is extremely unreliable. If this is an emergency or very important – to receive a package while on retreat, please inform the Retreat Manager on the land. The Retreat Center is in a rural area and specific arrangements may need to be made to accommodate package deliveries.

We ask that all retreatants not use chemically scented products during their time on retreat, including chemically scented shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soaps and abstaining from use of perfumes and colognes. This helps those that are affected by these products in the shared spaces. Products with naturally scented fragrances are acceptable (such as shea butter, coconut oil, and essential oils), especially if that is important to personal use during your time here. We will also have a dedicated space in the hall for scent-sensitive folks. If you need any unscented products, the retreat center has these on hand to lend. 

Please keep in mind this includes avoiding, as best you can, washing your clothes immediately before your arrival using chemically scented laundry detergents and fabric softeners. If needed, the center can provide washing machines and unscented detergent during your stay.  For resources about how to be fragrance-free, we highly recommend visiting EBMC’s site, they offer a very detailed overview of how and why to be chemically fragrance free on retreat.

Zabutons (mats) and round cushions are provided in the meditation hall. Cushioned chairs are also available. The meditation hall floor is wood. Retreatants are encouraged to bring their own bench or special cushion if they prefer. We have several meditation props as well. 

Yoga Mats are also available and provided at the center, as well as some limited props and blankets. You may want to consider bringing your own special supplies, but not required.

The daily schedule varies from retreat to retreat. However, a typical day is as follows:

• All retreats are in silence unless specified otherwise.
• Wake-up bell: 6 or 6:30 am
• Alternating 30 to 45-minute periods of sitting and walking meditation
• Guided yoga or movement practice
• Meditation instruction and daily dharma talks
• Breakfast, lunch and a light supper are provided 
• A daily work meditation period, typically kitchen, housekeeping or grounds-keeping.
• Periodic group practice discussion with the teacher(s).
• Sleep: 9:30 pm.

Sometimes called interviews, these are an opportunity to discuss your meditation practice and retreat experience with a teacher. They usually occur in small groups with a teacher. Specifics will vary depending on the teaching team.

These are typically part of all of our meditation retreats. These are daily about 30 minute periods as a meditation practice. Jobs include helping with meal preparation, kitchen cleanup, housekeeping, grounds-keeping, bell ringing, and so on. Guests sign up for these upon arrival at the registration table.

Yes. Some retreats will feature guided yoga or other mindful movement instruction. Additionally, there are a number of areas that can accommodate yoga. Keep mindful to avoid distracting fellow retreatants. For Insight retreats, the Sitting Hall is generally reserved for sitting practice only. Each teaching team will confirm this during the retreat opening. In general, please plan to do movement practice outside of the meditation hall. There are outside decks around the meditation hall and cabins. As well as cabin living room spaces, all conducive for movement practice. 

For our meditation retreats, we serve delicious all vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, and a light supper) prepared by our talented chefs. Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and serious allergy requests are always available. Please be sure to note this before arrival so our cooking team can adequately accommodate you. Big Bear Retreat Center does not accommodate individual dietary preferences, unless medically necessary. We thank you in advance for gratefully accepting the food we offer.

For other groups and trainings, we’ll offer custom menus based on the types of groups, sometimes offering meat. Please see your group organizer or contact us for more details on your particular program.

Yes, we offer tea, coffee, and hot water throughout the property. These are all available self service 24/7.

We do our best to make special dietary accommodations, when medically necessary. Please contact Guest Services if you have specific requests and/or concerns. Since you are sharing a cabin with others, we ask that you check in with us before your arrival.

Yes. Please reach out or indicate on your registration form so we can plan accordingly.

There is one plug-in station for electric vehicles on our campus. Please bring your own plug in cord and necessary adapters. There will be a sign up sheet at registration and all EV owners will be assigned a time to charge by retreat staff. Here is a link to Plugshare with a list of all available EV charging stations in Big Bear, 4 of which are free. If you plan on charging your vehicle at one of these off-site locations please do so before or after retreat.

A 220 volt charger is available on campus. This requires a specific charging unit for the make and model of your vehicle. If you do not have the 220 volt charging unit, we can arrange for charging with a standard wall outlet of 110 volts. The 220 volt charges a vehicle in 7 or more hours, while the 110 volt can take 1-3 days, depending on the amount of charging needed and the vehicle type. Please coordinate charging availability and timing with BBRC staff, on your arrival.

Big Bear Retreat Center currently offers wheelchair accessibility, but with limitations. We have a cabin that is ADA accessible. Please contact our Retreat Manager with your specific needs / concerns / requests.

There is no smoking anywhere in the facility or grounds of Big Bear Retreat Center. This includes electronic cigarettes, vapes and marijuana.

The center’s laundry facilities are not available to retreatants. To help conserve water, bring enough clothes to not have to do hand laundry if possible. For longer retreats (i.e. 10-days to 1-month), we will coordinate laundry options for folks. 

If you feel you have to bring a hair dryer, it should only be used at times it won’t disturb others, typically right after meals for about 45 minutes.

Trained service dogs in ADA-specified service are allowed. Please specify this on your registration or application form so we have maximum time to notify other retreatants, in case any have dog issues or allergies. Our Retreat Manager will also let you know our house rules regarding the care and exercising of your service dog.

Big Bear Retreat Center does not allow animals providing emotional support, comfort or therapy.

It can snow in Big Bear from November to May. The months of heaviest snow are typically January and February. Since we are a heavily trafficked ski town with many visitors, the roads are regularly and quickly well maintained and plowed. Roads are typically clear within a day or two of a large snow storm, if not the same day. We’ve provided some recommendations and resources during our winter months.  

**During winter months, especially during heavy snow months, it is REQUIRED to carry snow chains in your vehicle for your safety. These can be purchased at the bottom of the mountain or in your local city, and can often be returned if unused.**

For more, visit: https://bigbearretreatcenter.org/snow-chains-and-winter-driving/

During our winter season, please be sure to check road conditions before driving: 

– https://kbhr933.com/big-bear-roads/
– https://roads.dot.ca.gov/
– http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ 

Caltrans offers resources on Winter Driving Tips and a Winter Driving Brochure.

You can also monitor Big Bear weather here on Ben’s Weather or The Weather Channel.

For more visit https://bigbearretreatcenter.org/getting-to-bbrc/

We have three main roads to Big Bear: the 330/18 through Highland (from the West), the 18 through Victorville/Hesperia (North), and the 38 through Redlands/Mentone (South/East). Please check road conditions ahead of time during winter months. All three are well maintained main highways.

For more, visit https://bigbearretreatcenter.org/getting-to-bbrc/

In the event of road closures due to weather, you will be able to receive a full refund or apply the  balance towards a future retreat. We will only offer a refund if the roads are closed due to weather.  Please let us know well in advance if you anticipate any issues driving in winter weather conditions. Please note there are three ways up the mountain and an alternative route may be necessary. 

If you are expecting snow during your retreat, we generally have you covered once you have arrived. It is always a good idea to bring layers and warm clothes, along with good shoes for the weather. The center offers cleats with spikes to slip onto guest shoes to provide traction for all guests in snow/ice. We also offer gators to cover pants if hiking into deeper snow, and snow shoes for borrowing. All cabins have central heating. We also offer a few winter clothes for borrow at the dining hall.