ENCOUNTER EXCURSIONS: WINTER'S EVE
A D&D Weekend Built Around the Real World
This isn't a D&D vacation package where someone squeezes a game session into a normal trip. Encounter Excursions is two nights at a private cabin in Utah's Sundance corridor, built around one continuous campaign, led by a professional Dungeon Master, where what happens at the table and what happens outside it are deliberately woven together.
6
SEATS
$1,500
PER PERSON
JAN 29-31
2027
Example cabin. Not the cabin for the event.
This Isn't a Vacation With a Game Attached
Most of what happens in a D&D campaign happens in your head. You imagine the cave, the storm, the ruins, and the table does the rest. Encounter Excursions runs that the other direction too. You'll step into something real on Saturday morning, something we're not naming here on purpose, and carry it straight back to the table that night. In the game, you immerse yourself in the story. Out here, the story follows you, and it takes a lot less pretending.
That's the whole premise. Not a branching plot that changes based on what you did that morning, just a weekend built so the line between your character and your actual life gets thinner than it's ever been at a table.
The Weekend at a Glance
Friday, Jan 29
Arrive at the cabin. Dinner provided, then the opening session of the campaign that evening.
Saturday, Jan 30
Breakfast, then the morning excursion (kept a surprise, see below). Lunch provided. Second session that evening, with dinner built into the night.
Sunday, Jan 31
Breakfast at the cabin, then depart.
What's Included
The Essentials
- Two nights at a private cabin in the Sundance area
- A full custom campaign, run across two sessions by a professional DM
- Five meals: Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and Sunday breakfast
- The Saturday morning excursion
What You Keep
- A professionally edited recording of your sessions, plus a highlight reel
- A custom Encounter Excursions dice set
- An event t-shirt
One Excursion. Kept a Mystery On Purpose.
We're not telling you what Saturday morning holds. Part of the point of Encounter Excursions is that you find out alongside your character. What we will tell you: pack layers for Utah in January, and pack like you might get wet. Bring a swimsuit. That's all you're getting.
Who's Running the Table
Your Dungeon Master will be Justin Lewis or Tanner Weyland, the Dungeon Masters behind Session 0 Studios and the How to Be a Better DM podcast. If you've ever built out a themed game room for your home table, you already know why we do this: immersion is worth building for. We're just taking it further than a room can go.
Both of us are professional Dungeon Masters and have hosted the podcast for four years. We've spoken on panels at FanX Salt Lake, and through the podcast we've helped thousands of DMs improve their games. Encounter Excursions is what happens when we stop building immersion inside four walls and start building it into an entire weekend.
Justin Lewis
Dungeon Master, founder of Session 0 Studios and host of the How to Be a Better DM podcast.
Tanner Weyland
Professional Dungeon Master with Session 0 Studios.
What Players Say
★★★★★
5.0 out of 5 stars, based on 8 reviews of our private D&D sessions
"Justin is an amazing DM - the kind that will leave you talking about your session as if it was a crazy adventure you just embarked on & miraculously survived."
Cayden O.
"It was some of the best money I have spent in my entire life. Instant memories and a high-quality recording that we can watch back anytime to relive the adventure!"
Jared W.
"All of us were brand new players and he helped us all feel comfortable and provided clear explanations."
Jordan P.
"No matter what kind of experience you're after as a player you're in for a treat when Justin's behind the DM screen."
Jonah L.
"Justin has a lot of experience, and takes what players want in the session into account."
Tyson G.
Price & The Waitlist
$1,500 per person
Six seats. January 29-31, 2027. This is our first Encounter Excursion, and the price reflects that. It won't stay this low as the format proves out. Join the waitlist now and you lock in this rate, or carry a discount into our next one if this cohort fills before you're in.
Joining the waitlist doesn't cost anything and doesn't commit you to anything. We'll reach out individually to confirm fit and details before any seat is finalized.
Deposit & Cancellation
No surprises. Here's exactly how payment works if you're selected.
Deposit: $500. Due within 7 days of the email announcing the waitlist is closed. It secures your room and covers the booking costs we take on while setting up the event.
Balance: $1,000. Due 30 days before the event.
Changed your mind? Cancel before the balance deadline and your deposit is refunded in full. After that, payments are non-refundable unless we fill your seat from the waitlist, in which case you're refunded. If the balance isn't paid by the deadline and you haven't already asked for your deposit back, we keep the deposit.
If we cancel, for any reason including weather or an unavailable excursion, you get back everything you've paid.
Join the Waitlist
Free, no commitment. Tell us a bit about you and we'll follow up individually.
Questions Before You Commit
Is this a real event, or an idea you're testing?
It's real. January 29-31, 2027, a private cabin in the Sundance area, six seats. This is our first run, so seats are limited and we're building the cohort carefully.
What's actually included in the $1,500?
Two nights of lodging, your full campaign across two DM-led sessions, Friday and Saturday dinner (catered), breakfast and lunch, the Saturday excursion, a professionally edited recording and highlight reel, a custom dice set, and an event shirt.
Is the price per person, or per group?
Per person.
Does joining the waitlist cost anything?
No. It's free, and it doesn't commit you to anything. We follow up individually before any payment changes hands.
Do I need D&D experience to join?
No. We'll meet you where you're at, whether this is your first campaign or your fiftieth.
Where exactly is this happening?
A private cabin in the Sundance, Utah area. Exact address and directions go out once your seat is confirmed.
Do I need to arrange my own transportation?
Yes, getting yourself to the cabin is on you. We'll send directions and logistics once your seat is confirmed.
Who's the Dungeon Master?
Justin Lewis or Tanner Weyland, the professional Dungeon Masters behind Session 0 Studios and the How to Be a Better DM podcast.
Is this affiliated with How to Be a Better DM?
Yes. Encounter Excursions is built by the same team.
How and when do I pay?
A $500 deposit is due within 7 days of our email announcing the waitlist is closed. The remaining $1,000 is due 30 days before the event.
What if I need to cancel?
Cancel before the balance deadline and your deposit is refunded in full. After that, payments are non-refundable unless we fill your seat from the waitlist. If we cancel the event for any reason, you get back everything you've paid.
Is a waiver required?
Yes. Every guest signs a waiver before the weekend. Excursion activities are voluntary and everyone participates at their own comfort level.
What about food allergies, dietary needs or accessibility?
Tell us as soon as you're notified you were selected, and we'll plan around it.
Six seats. One weekend.
Find out what happens when the game doesn't stay at the table.