SALVI’s Biduum Coloratanum is a full-immersion Latin weekend workshop at the Sunshine Mountain Lodge in Allenspark, Colorado. Since 2022 we have held events at this mountain retreat with its cabins, lodge, and outstanding views. Participants will enjoy reading and conversing in Latin, a short hike on a nearby trail, a variety of classroom activities, cooking our own meals and the chance to connect with old and new friends, all in Latin!
Program Dates:
Typically in October
Features of Biduum Coloratanum:
- supportive, intimidation-free environment
- outstanding staff to participant ratio (with one staff member for every five participants, we can offer small break-out groups with full instructor support)
- communicating entirely in Latin from Friday evening through Sunday morning
- high-energy, low-pressure conversation exercises
- techniques that will add variety and confidence to your teaching
- readings from a wide array of Latin literature
- professional pedagogical discussions
- enjoy the beautiful Colorado mountains with a short hike nearby in Rocky Mountain National Park
(Curious to hear what people think of SALVI programs? Take a look at reviews for Rusticatio.)
Why would anyone come back to experience a second Biduum or Latin immersion event?
Each time we immerse ourselves in Latin, we become better Latinists. Each Biduum introduces participants to a new curriculum and different classroom techniques that can be immediately implemented in the classroom.
Eligibility
You are eligible to attend this workshop if you have graduated high school, are at least 18 years of age, and have already learned Latin on paper and are interested in developing active command of the spoken language. Please note that Biduum is not an introductory Latin course and thus it is not for people who have no knowledge of the language. Typically, participants have completed, at a minimum, the equivalent of two years of traditional college Latin or four years of a high school Latin program. It is not necessary to have previous experience speaking Latin.
Location
We will reside and conduct all our workshop sessions at the Sunshine Mountain Lodge in Allenspark, CO. The site offers a true Colorado Mountain experience at 7,000 feet elevation and elk bugling and moose sightings are virtually guaranteed. We hope that the Aspen trees will be at peak color for us in early October and there certainly is also a chance for snow.
The lodging is mostly dormitory-style bedrooms with up to six individuals sharing a room together and our classroom and dining room spaces are cozy, so participants should certainly visit the website to see pictures of the accommodations. The Lodge is about a 90 minute drive from Denver International Airport. Out-of-state participants can use the Estes Park Shuttle directly to and from the airport and Uber is also available. We may also be able to help arrange transportation with local participants.
Accessibility
The main building of the Sunshine Mountain Lodge is wheelchair accessible so participants who use a wheelchair could attend. The cabins, however, are not as accessible so participants who use a wheelchair would need to find lodging nearby. We suggest the Dao House, which is about 15 minutes away.
For participants visiting from out of state, it would be easy to extend this trip to a vacation in Rocky Mountain National Park. Allenspark is close to Estes Park, the gateway town to RMNP and about an hour and a half from the ski resorts in Summit County. Participants might also consider visiting Denver, Boulder, or Fort Collins, each about an hour away from the Lodge.
Day participant option:
For those who live close enough to commute to the Lodge from home, we are offering a modest discount. Day participants must agree to attend all Biduum activities, staying each night until at least 9:30 PM and arriving for breakfast each morning by 8:00 AM.
Single room upgrade option:
There are a few single rooms available which we make available to participants for an additional $100. Please see the site map for cabin #3 and cabin #4 to see the layout of a private room with a shared bath. There are no more single rooms available.