Women Who Can’t Not: The Australian Who Chased Winter Across the World

Sometimes the biggest adventures are not about skiing harder or traveling farther. They’re about trusting yourself enough to go somewhere you’ve never been, knowing nobody, and believing that connection will find you when you get there.

When Noa graduated from university in Melbourne, Australia, she decided to spend a season chasing snow across the world. What began as her first solo international trip became something more meaningful: proof that you can build genuine friendships, feel at home among strangers, and discover new versions of yourself in unexpected places.

What made you decide to join a ski retreat in the United States?

Charlotte: What is your name, where do you live, and where do you like to ski or snowboard?

Noa: My name is Noa. I’m from Melbourne, Australia. Typically, I ski in Australia or Japan, and I recently completed my first ski season in the United States.

Charlotte: How do you spend your time?

Noa: I recently graduated from university where I studied chemistry. Now I teach chemistry at university and also work in book publishing.

Charlotte: How did you find The Retreat Company, and what made you want to join?

Noa: I had an Ikon Pass for the season and knew I wanted to come to the U.S., but I didn’t have any connections here.

I joined the Ikon Pass Facebook group and saw Charlotte’s post about the retreat. I thought, “This is perfect.”

I wanted to meet other women who ski and spend time with people who wanted to be out on the slopes. It felt like a great way to explore.

Charlotte: Did it feel helpful to have a more organized experience while coming from so far away?

Noa: Definitely.

It was my first solo trip abroad, and I wanted a balance between solo travel, exploration, spontaneity, and having moments where I knew I’d be looked after.

I didn’t want to worry about meeting people, food, or accommodation the entire time.

The retreat became this lovely anchor point in the middle of my trip. It felt like, “I just have to get there, and then I’ll be good.”

What was it like taking your first solo international trip as a woman?

Charlotte: Where were you in life when you discovered the retreat?

Noa: I had just graduated and finished my studies. I was looking for a snow chasing trip before figuring out the next chapter of my career.

It felt like the perfect window to do something big.

Charlotte: Had you ever done a solo trip before?

Noa: I’d traveled with friends and spent short periods by myself, but this was the first trip where I flew in and flew out entirely on my own.

I planned everything myself and hoped I’d meet people along the way.

Charlotte: Did traveling solo as a woman change how you thought about the trip?

Noa: Definitely.

I was wary about staying in typical hostels by myself because I didn’t know what I didn’t know about safety.

I still wanted to push myself outside my comfort zone, but I also wanted parts of the trip that felt unquestionably safe.

The retreat became that place.

Whenever I felt nervous before leaving Australia, I would remind myself, “That part will be good. I don’t need to worry about that.”

What surprised you most once you arrived?

Charlotte: Did you have any hesitations about coming?

Noa: Not really. The retreat met and exceeded my expectations.

I hoped I would meet great people and ski with them, and that’s exactly what happened.

What surprised me was realizing I was at a different stage of life than most of the women there.

I was this recent graduate traveling solo from the other side of the world, while many of the other women were taking a few precious days away from busy careers, families, and responsibilities.

Seeing that was really powerful.

It felt like another version of women’s empowerment. For me it was a holiday, but for many of them this was something they had intentionally carved out space for.

That made the weekend feel even more meaningful.

Charlotte: What did you expect the group dynamic to feel like?

Noa: I expected to be the introverted one because that’s usually how I am.

What surprised me was realizing everyone was a little nervous.

Everyone arrived not knowing what to expect.

Once people warmed up, it became obvious we were all there for the same reason.

Charlotte: Was there a moment when you realized everyone was on the same page?

Noa: The first dinner.

We were all sharing why we’d come, and even though everyone’s goals were slightly different, the common thread was connection.

Everyone wanted to meet people, spend time on the mountain, and share the experience together.

That felt really special.

How did the retreat help you show up differently?

Charlotte: Did the group feel different from other social environments?

Noa: Yes. I was surrounded by women in completely different stages of life.

It wasn’t really about work. It was about how they approached life.

I heard perspectives from women building careers, raising families, creating businesses, and designing lifestyles that looked completely different from mine.

It gave me a lot to think about afterward.

I also think there’s still stigma around women taking time away from their responsibilities to do something fun for themselves.

The retreat was only three days, but it felt incredibly full.

Charlotte: Was there anything else that surprised you?

Noa: The food. Tiffany was incredible.

She felt like part of the group, and I genuinely loved getting to know her. I felt very nourished.

The spirit animal reading was also a surprise. That was completely off brand for me, but it was so much fun.

And honestly, the glitter helped. We became this sparkly little crew, and strangers kept complimenting us. More glitter would be my official feedback.

Charlotte: You’ve said parts of the retreat felt off brand for you, but in a good way. What do you mean?

Noa: I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how I show up in new spaces. Usually I’m quiet and reserved.

On the retreat, it felt natural to be a little louder, a little funnier, and a little sillier. I wasn’t forcing it.

I just felt comfortable being my full self.

Charlotte: What made that possible?

Noa: It wasn’t just that it was all women.

It was women who had intentionally shown up to connect.

Everyone was contributing to a warm, welcoming environment.

That collective intention made all the difference.

What would you tell someone who is thinking about joining?

Charlotte: Looking back, what’s your overall takeaway?

Noa: I feel really good about it.

I loved the people I met and loved the experience.

It was definitely one of the highlights of my trip.

If I found myself back in the U.S., I would absolutely do it again.

Charlotte: Did it prove anything to you about yourself?

Noa: It strengthened my belief that meaningful connections can happen quickly.

You can feel closeness and warmth with people after only a few days. That was really lovely.

Charlotte: What is one word you would use to describe the retreat?

Noa: Fun.

Charlotte: What would you tell someone thinking about joining?

Noa: You should go.

Charlotte: What is your ski alter ego?

Noa: Sparkly Snowflake.

Charlotte: If this trip were a movie, what would it be called?

Noa: Sparkly Snowflakes.

Charlotte: What was your spirit animal?

Noa: Cheetah.

Charlotte: Are you living your cheetah life?

Noa: Yes. I am absolutely living my cheetah life.

Charlotte: Any final thoughts?

Noa: Arts and crafts bring people together.

And if I had to describe the retreat in the most Australian way possible?

It slaps.

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