Shaolin Retreat Week in the Aosta Valley 2026
Sun 27.09.2026 – Sat 03.10.2026
Training and practice in the Italian Alps
Retreat details
A week of practice
The retreat week in the Aosta Valley provides a holistic setting to fully immerse yourself in the Shaolin arts away from everyday life. In the ‘sun valley’ at the border of Switzerland, Italy, and France, participants find a peaceful environment surrounded by mountains. The venue offers spaces for personal retreat as well as for practice within the group. The weekly program offers a well-rounded mix of Shaolin Kung Fu, Qi Gong, meditation, Taijiquan, and philosophy.
This retreat is ideal for you if you…
This retreat is limited to 16 participants!
What to expect
- Shaolin Kung Fu
- Qi Gong
- Taijiquan
- Chan meditation & outdoor walking meditation
- Philosophy & Buddhism
- Community with like-minded practitioners
- Italian cuisine and charming accommodation
- Practice in breathtaking natural scenery
- Personal guidance from experienced teachers
Daily schedule
*Guided self-study is an optional block.
Location & accommodation
The Aosta Valley combines the charm of France with the Italian way of life. Our retreat home is a family-run hotel that provides the perfect setting for a week of practice. Whether Qi Gong in the morning sun overlooking the mountains or evening meditation in a cozy practice room — the environment supports deep immersion.
All meals are vegetarian and part of authentic Italian cuisine. Main meals consist of several courses and are accompanied by coffee or tea. In the afternoon, there is a tea break with fruit, cake, and pastries.
Depending on preference, single or double rooms are available. A training hall, meditation room, outdoor training areas, sauna, and a small (cold!) natural swimming pond are available. Numerous walking paths invite relaxation between training sessions.
Review Shaolin Week Aosta Valley 2025
“Slower!”, calls Shi Yong Dao across the training field. The meditative blocking is going well, but the tudis (students) were a bit too enthusiastic. Near the tree line, in radiant October sun, we refine our skills in various Shaolin disciplines including Kung Fu, Taijiquan, Qi Gong, meditation, Wu Gong, Sanda, and defensive techniques.
With each day, our movements become smoother, more controlled, and more aware. This is due in no small part to the clear structure of the training schedule. We begin each morning before breakfast cultivating the mind through Chan meditation and practicing the Wu Qin Xi Qi Gong form. We end each day with philosophical practice on the six gates of Chan meditation.
Alongside determined strikes and focused training, new friendships are formed over delicious meals. Yin and Yang meet within the overwhelming mountain panorama of the Aosta Valley.
Heartfelt thanks to Shi Yong Dao/Dominik and Helen for the wonderful week!
By: Peter, Anouk, Simon, Adrian, Tony
Requirements
- Openness to new experiences
- Basic physical health (fitness level does not matter)
- Willingness to engage in holistic practice
- Minimum age: 16 (younger upon request)
You do not need prior experience or top fitness. Training is adapted to your abilities — not the other way around. Content is structured so that no one feels over- or underchallenged.
Training takes place primarily outdoors. In case of bad weather, indoor facilities are available.
If you're unsure whether the retreat is suitable for you or if something holds you back, feel free to write to us :)
Framework
Date
Sun 27.09.2026 (18:30) – Sat 03.10.2026 (09:00)
Prices
- Single room: 1750 CHF / €
- Double room: 1650 CHF / €
Included in the retreat price: Accommodation, 3 meals per day (incl. coffee/tea), comprehensive training program and personal guidance, tea & cake in the afternoon, sauna (evenings after training)
Travel
The Aosta Valley can be reached from central Switzerland by car in about 4.5 hours.
By public transport, you can travel to Martigny and take the bus through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Aosta, or travel via Turin or Milan.
The nearest airports are in Turin and Milan. From there, trains and buses (or Flixbus) connect to Aosta. The hotel offers a pickup service from Aosta.
Before the retreat, we provide a list for participants to organize carpools.
Participants
To ensure personal guidance, the retreat is limited to 16 participants!