FAQ

How many women attend Green Mountain each week?

We accept no more than 35-40 women total into the program at any one time. We do this intentionally to ensure that each woman is provided as much as possible of a personalized experience during her stay, to maximize her ability to 'take the program home' successfully. Women often comment that they like the atmosphere that smaller numbers create; they feel that they don't get lost "between the cracks" and are able to work more closely with our professional staff.


I have a knee injury. Can I still benefit from exercise?

Many women who attend the program have a host of orthopedic conditions, including knee, hip, ankle and shoulder problems. Our professional staff of exercise physiologists and our kinesiologist has had years of experience and training to provide a more personalized exercise prescription and modification of the exercise program to allow you to fully benefit from your time at Green Mountain at Fox Run. Of course, we will also provide full guidance and recommendations on what exercises you shouldn't be doing, to reduce risk of injury or re-injury. Our conservative approach to modified exercise for 'at risk' participants has allowed many orthopedic surgeons to recommend Green Mountain for their pre- and post- operative patients.

Who goes to Green Mountain?

Women from 17 to over 70 and from all parts of the world come to Green Mountain to experience our non-diet approach to weight management and permanent lifestyle change. Some women have health concerns, others weight issues, and still others are busy professional women looking for a low- key, health-conscious, women's fitness retreat. All find a safe, supportive environment where they can relax, de-stress and begin the process of creating a happy, healthier lifestyle. Though we deal with issues of weight loss, binge eating, emotional eating and body image, we are not a medical facility or a program designed to meet the needs of women with serious eating disorders such as anorexia.

Why do you call Green Mountain a retreat and not a spa?

The emphasis at Green Mountain is for women to learn how to take better care of themselves in the total sense... body, mind and spirit. Here the focus is on education and the strategies and techniques that will allow them to achieve lasting change. Unlike a spa that offers services and amenities, women come to Green Mountain for its PROGRAM, representing over 33 years experience. Although we have spa services such as massage, wraps, and reflexology available for guests, the emphasis here is not on glamour or pampering but on fitness, healthy eating and emotional well-being as well as practical lifestyle change. The Green Mountain program does not involve expensive special foods, vitamins, cosmetics or special treatments available only through the spa. The idea is to give women the tools they need to get fit and healthy on an ongoing basis in their regular lives. Accommodations are in single, double and triple rooms in a comfortable former ski lodge overlooking Mt. Okemo. Dress is casual. Groups are small-usually about 35-40 women at any one time.

How long should I stay?

That depends on your needs and your schedule. The minimum stay is one week but many participants stay two, three or for the full four week program. Four-week "alumnae" qualify for a 20% discounted rate on all future stays. It takes four weeks to absorb the full four week program, which has educational, nutritional, and exercise components. However, since the program is offered in week-long, self-contained modules, the four weeks need not be done consecutively. Amongst the staff and participants, a two or more week stay provides the best opportunity for 'take-home' success.

Will my health insurance cover Green Mountain?

Insurance reimbursement is relatively rare but not impossible. Most insurers consider programs like ours to be educational and preventative in scope and therefore not covered. However, participants with a primary medical condition other than obesity, such as hypertension, diabetes or orthopedic complications, may be successful in getting insurance coverage. Having a referral from your primary care physician is critical. We will certainly cooperate with your physician and insurer to help you get coverage if possible.

When is the best time of year to visit Green Mountain?

Each season has its special advantages. Summer offers hiking, swimming in our own outdoor pool, tennis, riding and the naturally "air conditioned" climate of central Vermont. Fall foliage season is a very special time, with the spectacular blaze of colors and winter means access to downhill and cross country ski trails as well as our ever popular snowshoeing program. Summer is our most popular season and our rates reflect that. Winter (except for the last two weeks of December and the first week of January when we close) is the time when we offer our lowest rates.

May I bring my cell phone?

Yes, but don't expect to be able to spend much time on it. You will be very busy with workshops and activities during the day, and for the comfort of others, we ask that you not carry cell phones with you during the day. A digital cell phone tower has recently been built in Ludlow; we’ve found that Verizon and AT&T have the best reception. At this time PCS plans such as Sprint, Cingular, Nextel, etc. don’t have reception in this area.

Should I bring my laptop?

Again, you won’t have a lot of time for it, but feel free to bring it if you desire. Many women have found that after a few days, they are more selective about interrupting their Green Mountain experience, and pull the plug on the laptop. If you must be connected, there are a couple ways. Selected rooms have hi-speed cable capabilities – a network card is required; we can loan you the CAT-5 cable. If your room doesn’t have a high-speed cable hook-up, there is an extra port in a common area to plug in your laptop.

You can also connect via telephone lines; AOL and MSN have recently added a few non-long distance numbers for this area. An economical way around making long distance calls is to sign up for an account with our local dial-up service provider, TDS (888-815-8992). Costs range from $9.95 per month (20hrs max) to $19.95 per month for (unlimited). No minimum sign up required.

Please remember – our focus is making your long-term health and weight goals a reality – we’ll help you if we can, but we don’t have a “Computer Fitness Consultant” on staff – so you’ll need to troubleshoot your own computer!

Is there a computer available to check my web-based email?

Yes. We have a computer with high-speed cable modem available to check web-based email in the den.

I am overweight. Will everyone else be thin?

Definitely not. Fully 90% of the women who come to Green Mountain want to lose weight-from a few pounds to one hundred or more. In fact, most have tried many diets and have gained and lost hundreds of pounds over the years. For some, extra weight has been a lifelong struggle, for others a recent event tied to childbirth, midlife, or a long sedentary period.

Will I be able to keep up with the exercise program?

Every Green Mountain participant has an initial evaluation by one of our exercise physiologists to determine fitness and activity level. Programs are suited to individual needs, and these vary tremendously. Whatever your age, weight, or fitness level, you will be given a program that is right for you . Classes are small and geared to the needs of every fitness level.

I am vegetarian or I have special dietary needs. Will I get enough to eat?

We make sure that everyone is well nourished and that eating is a pleasurable experience. We don't want you to feel deprived while you are with us. We take personal food needs and preferences very seriously. A vegetarian option is always available to all participants, and we are well equipped to deal with food allergies and specific medical conditions on an individual basis. These special dietary needs have included conditions as diabetes, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, diverticulitis, gastric ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders.

Is there a physician on staff?

We are associated with a number of physicians in the local community who attend to our participants immediate or ongoing needs. Our physician consultants can monitor participants during their visit, if requested by their primary physician, as well as attend to any illness or emergencies if they arise. The specialities of our physician consultants include orthopedics, internal medicine, endocrinology, family medicine, obstetrics & gynecology, and psychiatry.