The Colorado Retreat
September 26-October 5, 2025
In Red Feather Lakes, Colorado
DRALA MOUNTAIN CENTER
Nestled high in the Colorado Rockies, Drala Mountain Center (formerly Shambhala Mountain Center) combines natural beauty, unspoiled wilderness, blue skies and crisp mountain air with the comforts of a modern retreat campus. Accommodations range from lodge rooms with private baths to shared same-gender dormitories. Meals include vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
https://www.dralamountain.org/
Head teacher
Judy Lief
Judy Lief was a close student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, who trained and empowered her as a teacher. She has been a Buddhist practitioner and teacher for over 45 years, and continues to teach throughout the world. Judy is an editor of many of Chögyam Trungpa’s books including, The Profound Treasury of the Ocean of Dharma volumes.
Judy is also active in the field of death and dying, and is the author of Making Friends with Death: A Buddhist Guide to Encountering Mortality. She offers workshops and retreats on the contemplative care of the dying for pastoral counselors, hospice workers, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Her numerous articles have appeared in Lion’s Roar magazine, Buddhadharma: The Practitioners Quarterly, O Magazine, Tricycle, and The Naropa Journal of Contemplative Psychotherapy, among others.
Her podcast series Dharma Glimpses is a series of talks on different aspects of meditation practice and is based on Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche’s unique presentation of meditation.She lives in Boulder, Colorado.
“Generosity is a willingness to give, to open without philosophical or pious or religious motives, just simply doing what is required at any moment in any situation”
– Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche
Financial support
The Profound Treasury Dharma Foundation is committed to offering the authentic transmission of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche’s teachings to all, regardless of their financial capacity.
If it will make the difference between attending or not attending the retreat, we encourage you to request financial support when you apply. Decisions on financial support are made concurrently with the application review.
If you would like to join us in offering financial support to those who need it to attend, please go to our Donations page.
The Profound Treasury Dharma Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
Sample Schedule for a Study Intensive Day
-
7:30-8:30am
Opening Chants and Sitting Meditation -
8:30-9:30am
Breakfast and Personal Time -
10:00-11:00am
Sitting Meditation & Guided Compassion Practice -
11:00-12:00pm
Main Class -
12:00-2:00pm
Lunch and Personal Time -
2:00-3:30pm
Elective Class -
3:30-4:00pm
Tea Break -
4:00-5:00pm
Personal Time -
5:00-6:00pm
Sitting Meditation -
6:00-7:00pm
Dinner -
7:00-8:00pm
Sitting Meditation -
8:00-10:00pm
Study / Personal Time -
10:00pm
Lights Out
The Team
The 2023 Retreat Coordinators
Scott Lafontsee
STAFF & PARTICIPANT LIAISON
Scott and Liz will be making sure all aspects of the retreat run as smoothly as possible. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Scott if you have questions about the retreat that aren’t covered here.
Liz Greene
Registration
Liz will be working closely with Scott and is handling the registration process this year. Please contact her if you need any help navigating any aspect of that.
Fees and Housing Options
Pricing Plans
The price of the retreat includes program tuition, lodging, and meals. The price varies depending on the type of lodging you choose.
For any questions regarding our pricing plans below, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Double Room
$1500 Per Person
- Private Bath
- Linens Provided
- May Specify Roommate
(or will be assigned)
Dorm Room
$1210 Per Person
- 7-bed same-gender dorm
- Shared Bath
- Linens Provided
Single Room with Private Bathroom
$1920 Per Person
- Private Bath
- Linens Provided
Single Room with Shared Bathroom
$1650 Per Person
- Shared Bath
- Linens Provided
Triple Room
$1100
Per Person
- Linens Provided
- Bunk Beds
FAQ
Arrival and Departure
Arrival day is Friday, September 26th. Plan to arrive after lunch and before dinner, 2pm-5pm, to register and settle in. The first event is dinner at 6:30pm, followed by an opening ceremony and welcome talk by Judy Lief at about 7:30pm. If you must arrive later than dinnertime on Friday, please let us know by emailing the retreat coordinators, info@profoundtreasuryretreat.com.
The retreat ends on Sunday morning October 13th around 11am, with final remarks and a closing ceremony.
DMC is located 50 miles Northwest of Fort Collins – about a 2.5-hour drive from Denver. The address is 151 Shambhala Way, Red Feather Lakes CO 80545. Detailed directions can be found here.
If you can offer a ride, or are looking for a ride, please check the RIDE BOARD.
Denver International Airport
If you can offer a ride, or are looking for a ride, please check the RIDE BOARD.
There will be a shuttle bus from Denver International Airport to DMC departing on Friday September 26. The shuttle will return from DMC to DIA on Sunday October 5. If you would like to sign up for the shuttle, please let us know by emailing the retreat coordinators, info@profoundtreasuryretreat.com.
What to Bring
We will provide meditation cushions—gomdens, zabutons, and a limited number of zafus and support cushions. We also have chairs for those who prefer them. However, if you use a meditation bench or a favorite cushion, please bring it with you.
DMC provides each participant with 1 set of linens, which includes sheets, towels, a pillow, and a blanket. If you need anything else, you will need to bring it. For example, you might want to bring an extra blanket or that special extra-fluffy pillow.
The weather in Colorado changes quickly and can vary to extremes. The sun is a higher intensity; gusty winds are frequent. Summers are cool with average highs in the 70s. In any given fall, winter or spring, one may experience mild temperatures and bright sunshine, or heavy snow and intense cold. Daytime and nighttime temperature variations can fluctuate greatly. Rain, snow and wind can blow in quickly.
What are the essentials?
• Layered clothing to accommodate a wide range of temperatures on any given day.
• Sturdy shoes, with good traction and stability for walking on trails and uneven ground.
• Chapstick, sun protection and sun hat.
• Water bottle, waist or day pack, flashlight, batteries, camera if desired.
• Light layers for warmer days and indoors; warm layers of fleece/wool in cooler months.
• A windproof jacket; water-resistant or waterproof in wetter months.
• Thick socks for indoor areas.
Daily dress for the program is casual but uplifted (in other words, not loose work-out clothing). Please refrain from clothing with complicated designs and messages as they can become distracting entertainments or annoyances during sitting periods. We advise you to check the weather in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, for the retreat period just prior to coming and bring appropriate outdoor clothing. Colorado in the fall is likely to be chilly in the mornings and evenings so layers are recommended. You should have rain gear and/or an umbrella. We have a celebratory banquet on the last night, so please bring one dressy outfit for that occasion.
Please bring two Covid test kits with you.
Bring all your own toiletries including soap and shampoo. These items are not provided. Also bring any other personal care items and prescription, non-prescription vitamins & supplements that you use or may need. Again these items are not provided and unless it’s an emergency we are not able to shop for them during the retreat.
What other miscellaneous things should I think about?
• A flashlight
• You may want a shawl or a throw for chilly mornings or evenings in the shrine room.
• Open containers like mugs are not allowed in the shrine room. If you need to bring liquids into the shrine room, please bring a spill-proof bottle or mug.
Preparation
Practice. Practice. Practice.
The most important preparation you can do for the retreat is to have a regular sitting practice. Try to meditate every day and do longer sessions on the weekends. If you are able to attend group meditation sessions, that would be excellent. If you have been introduced to tonglen practice, make it a point to incorporate this into your daily and weekly practice so that it feels familiar to you.
If you’d like to purchase a PTR Chant Book ($30 including shipping within the US), please email info@profoundtreasuryretreat.com.
Another great way to prepare for the retreat is to watch the video courses of past Profound Treasury Retreats produced by Shambhala Publications, available here.
Food and Drink
The kitchen provides three healthy meals per day with Omnivore, Vegetarian, and Vegan/Wheat-free choices at all meals. They are not able to accommodate special dietary needs beyond these three options. Participants with more specific or restrictive diets may bring their own food supplements to ensure proper nutrition and limited refrigerator space is available. A microwave and hot water are provided for participant use. Unfortunately kitchen access is prohibited by State Code regulations.
In the case of severe allergies, please report this at registration. Keep in mind that any known allergy is the responsibility of the person with the allergy.
With respect and consideration for other participants, PTR & DMC have a policy of no public consumption of alcohol during the retreat – except at the banquet when alcoholic beverages are offered. The retreat is an opportunity to explore our habitual tendencies – including those around alcohol – and participants are encouraged to refrain from drinking during the retreat.
Facilities
Nestled high in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Drala Mountain Center is situated on 600 acres of native forests, gentle meadows and sweeping valleys at 8,000 feet in Northern Colorado. While the land will nourish your soul and provide ample opportunity to connect with nature and community, Drala Mountain Center is not a 5-star resort. Accommodations range from clean and comfortable private lodge rooms with bathrooms to dorm rooms with shared bathrooms. Our aim is to support your basic needs while you participate in your program, provide a safe, clean and comfortable environment with wonderful food and a staff dedicated to the success of your retreat.
Is there a store?
DMC does have a gift store which sells snacks, drinks, some toiletries, and a few over-the-counter medications. Also books, journals, meditation, and gift items Only credit cards are accepted. Open Friday to Sunday 1:30-3:30pm.
Is there internet access?
WiFi is available in the Lodge buildings – but please note that access is limited and shared between guests and staff. Please limit usage.
Cell phones do not get reception at DMC. Public phones are available for calls within the US and Canada.
Download the DMC Campus Map HERE.
Costs and Money
Prices range depending on the type of accommodations you select. Please see the Pricing section for more details.
If you withdraw within three weeks of the start date, a refund is unlikely as we will be committed to paying our host facility for the full cost of your participation. After the retreat, the Administrative Team will review finances and make additional refunds wherever possible.
The Profound Treasury Dharma Foundation is committed to offering the authentic transmission of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche’s teachings to all who want to receive them, regardless of their financial capacity. Please see Financial Support above for more details.
You can apply for a financial support during the Application process. Funds are not unlimited, and are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please apply as early as possible. You will be notified of your financial support in your acceptance letter.
There is no ATM on premises or nearby. Please plan for cash needs before arriving since we cannot make trips into town to get money.
Since there is no ATM on site, you should bring some cash (and/or a checkbook) if you wish for incidental expenses. There will be an opportunity to offer a teaching gift to the head teacher (a traditional offering after receiving teachings). The amount of your teaching gift, if you wish to offer one, is completely up to you. We can accept major credit cards for offerings if you don’t have cash.
Photography and Use of Electronic Devices
Participants cannot make video or audio recordings of the talks under any circumstances. An official retreat photographer will be taking photographs during the retreat.
The Retreat Location
Drala Mountain Center
151 Shambhala Way, Red Feather Lakes,
CO 80545, United States
970-881-2184
frontdesk@dralamountain.org
Getting to Drala Mountain Center