November at Holden Village brings frosty mornings, shorter days, golden leaves to the valley. The snow on the peaks creeps lower and lower as winter arrives. Weeks of rain provide us with more hydroelectric power, which allows us to conserve firewood for the winter. Villagers spend evenings together playing games in the Dining Hall.

The village began its observation of extended Advent with Eucharist on Sunday, November 5th and came together the following evening to make holiday wreaths for the season. The Village buzzes with preparations for Thanksgiving including the joyously awaited PIE PALOOZA! Every week brings wonder and possibility. Come enjoy the wilderness and winter with Holden Village.

Faithfully,

Stacy Kitahata, Mark Bach, and Kathie Bach

Holden honored Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, as well as All Saints Day, honoring the lives of loved ones who have passed into the next life. Tissue paper flowers, paper butterflies, and picture frames decorated ofrendas (offerings) to invoke the lives of those departed.

This year the Village reclaims the ancient tradition to celebrate an extended Advent. We embrace rest and renewal during shorter days and colder nightsand anticipate with eager longing the birth of love and hope in the midst of community.

Winter can be the best time to experience Holden Village community. Register to visit during this cozy, peaceful season when ski and snowshoe trails are pristine.

Learn more about bringing a group, congregation or retreat to the Village.

Spend a winter weekend at Holden Village this February for our annual Women’s Retreat. Through teaching sessions, group conversations, reflections, crafts, and outdoor adventures like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, Women’s Retreat will provide opportunities to build new relationships, rejuvenate past relationships, reconnect with the self, and join other women in conversation and recreation.

Holden Village uses an inclusive definition of women and welcomes trans women and non-binary folks. Attendees only need to identify as a woman in a way that is significant to them.

Holden Village is a remote wilderness community, rooted in the Lutheran tradition, that welcomes all people into the North Cascade Mountains, above Lake Chelan, Washington. Over the course of more than 60 years, Holden Village has been transformed from a copper mining town to a vibrant place of education, programming, and worship.The Operations Manager is responsible for supervising the maintenance and care of Holden Village’s historic infrastructure and creating a safe, positive, and welcoming environment.

Come work and play in a winter wonderland. Gain experience, build your resume, and share expertise! Help us host Holden's guests as a maverick, kitchen or services assistant! Ready to stay longer than just a few weeks? There are both short term and long term opportunities available.

With top-notch outdoor recreation on your doorstep, access to arts and educational classes, and the support of amazing fellow community members, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity awaits you!

 A multi-year work plan for 2024 – 2027 has been completed. This important infrastructure work costs over $50,000 a year to continue, and Holden continues to solicit donations for this capital project. Valuable support continues from restoration experts John Lauber and Harrison Goodall.  

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PHOTOS: Kate Rose, Aj Williams, Berit Kirkegaard, Hannah Lauber, Anny Joy Berntsen, Callie Mabry, Lindsey Scheid