There’s nothing like a few days away to reset and boost team morale. Team retreats come in all shapes and sizes, but there’s something inherently peaceful about mountain destinations. The fresh, unpolluted air, the majesty of the forest, the endless views… Mountain retreats have much to offer. What are the main benefits of mountain retreats? How to choose the perfect resorts in the mountains for your team event? Here’s everything you need to know.
Mountain Retreats: A Destination Like No Other
If you wish to host an inspiring company retreat, resorts in the mountains may be just what you’re looking for. Far away from the hustle and bustle of city life, amid pristine landscapes, ancient trees, undisturbed snow, and opalescent lakes, mountain retreats provide a unique opportunity to escape the daily chaos.
Mountains are also ever-changing, and the settings can be widely different from one season to the next or even from one location to another. There are a few points to consider when choosing your mountain resort for a successful retreat.
The main factor remains the type of benefits you wish to get from your mountain retreat. Are you looking to boost team morale? To improve your company culture? To work on employee engagement? Or simply to give everyone a well-deserved break?
The scenic appeal can contribute to achieving any of these goals. The frosty landscapes and cozy cabins create a picturesque and enchanting atmosphere, evoking a sense of wonder and tranquility. The stunning natural beauty of mountain locations inspires a shared appreciation for the surroundings, fostering a connection between individuals. Cold weather and mountain environments often instill a sense of awe and respect for the natural world.
Through their collective appreciation for nature, the participants can bond over something that is both moving and humbling, putting every activity they enjoy together in a whole new perspective.
Exploring the outdoors as a group, marveling at breathtaking vistas, or engaging in snow-related activities like skiing or snowboarding creates shared experiences and a link with nature and each other.
Location & Logistics: Practical Matters
At TeamOut, we’re here to help you organize the perfect mountain retreat for your team. Here’s how it works:
We’ll set up a first meeting with one of our trip designers to assess your needs and give you access to our platform. From there, you’ll be able to browse over 2,500 retreat properties and activities in the US and abroad. Our catalog of curated destinations features picturesque mountain locations with comfortable accommodations and suitable facilities for meetings, team-building activities, and recreational pursuits. Your trip designer will help you select the ideal one for your group.
Consider factors such as accessibility, proximity to airports, and transportation services to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for all participants. Once that’s settled, we’ll go over the activities available at that location and build a tailored itinerary.
Your dedicated trip designer will also coordinate transport and finalize all the details so you can focus on getting your team ready for their mountain retreat.
The Right Resort in the Mountains for Your Team-Building Needs
As we’ve already touched upon, it’s crucial to select the right type of mountain retreat for the team-building activities you have in mind. For instance, outdoor adventures like hiking, rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding, or mountain biking tend to encourage teamwork, boost morale, and promote physical well-being. If you’re looking for sporty activities that provide an immersive experience, the mountains are the perfect place!
This doesn’t mean that mountain retreats don’t lend themselves to more subdued interests, as the quiet coziness of these resorts provides a chance to bond, have fun, and create lasting memories. Mountain locations offer a range of indoor activities that bring people together, such as board games, movie nights at the cabin (make sure your resort can supply a nice flat screen), or group cooking sessions. You could also choose a property that comes equipped with a hot tub, a pool table, and other amenities.
Mountain retreats also allow you to set up a unique mix of activities based on your team and your goals for the stay. The flexibility and cohesiveness of smaller or younger teams do well with a great spectrum of ideas. You could go on a hike and visit beautiful hot springs for the best pool-with-a-view experience, enjoy a snow day before sitting down around a comforting meal, or book exciting workshops.
With larger teams, the logistics might be more difficult. For big companies, the ideal mountain retreat venue could have a spa, individual cabin rentals for anyone who appreciates a more intimate stay, a conference room or restaurant for when you wish to address all your guests at the same time, and a range of activities designed to appeal to various group sizes.
Let the Mountain Bring Out the Best in Your Team
The mountain context puts the social aspect forward in everything you undertake. Up there, in the cool fresh air and with the trees for company, a simple team-building game of tug-of-war, relay races, or friendly sports tournaments to strengthen relationships and promote healthy competition take on a whole new dimension.
Arrange social events like bonfires, barbecues, or talent shows where colleagues can relax, bond, and showcase their hidden abilities with the mountains as their backdrop. Consider organizing friendly competitions such as cooking challenges or photography contests, encouraging creativity and fostering a sense of camaraderie.
There’s something about the cold weather that fosters community, as the warmth in people’s hearts makes up for the harshness of the surroundings. Mountain retreats often feature warm and inviting accommodations, such as log cabins, lodges, or chalets with crackling fireplaces and comfortable communal spaces. As they seek comfort around a fireplace or even a campfire, enjoying hot beverages and snuggling up with blankets, participants find more opportunities for shared experiences. These cozy settings provide a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, encouraging people to gather, share stories, and connect on a more profound level.
The colder temperatures and natural beauty of mountain locations often lead to a sense of coziness and intimacy. People tend to gravitate towards each other, seeking warmth, companionship, and shared experiences, which, in turn, fosters togetherness. This is why a mountain retreat is such a great way to cultivate company values and employee engagement.
Unplugged Time and Reflection – Your Team Deserves a Break!
One of the main benefits of a retreat is that it gives people a chance to step away from day-to-day matters that can monopolize the mind.
Resorts in the mountains sit within unspoiled surroundings. They are perhaps even more conducive to introspection than any other destination. Encourage participants to disconnect from digital distractions and embrace the serenity of the mountains, allowing for deep relaxation and personal reflection.
In between sports, challenges, and team-building sessions, allocate dedicated periods for mindfulness activities such as yoga, meditation, or nature walks to promote mental clarity and well-being.
Provide spaces for quiet reflection, journaling, or sharing personal experiences, allowing individuals to gain fresh perspectives and recharge their creativity. A stay in the mountain offers an opportunity to focus on self-care and emotional health.
Examples of Mountain Retreat Venues
One of our best tips for a successful retreat is to choose the right venue. Here are a few examples of magnificent mountain resorts for your inspiration.
- Colorado remains one of the most awe-inspiring destinations. Mountain towns abound, and ski resorts offer countless activities that evolve with the seasons. Winter Park & Granby are home to beautiful ranch-style spa resorts. These destinations feature stunning scenery and fine-dining experiences, along with plenty to do on-site.
- In upstate New York, Mohonk Mountain House is a firm favorite. The place boasts over 40,000 acres of protected forests and trails, an award-winning spa, and three gourmet meals are provided daily for the guests. Amid the unspoiled wilderness, you can enjoy 40+ team-building and group activities, including human ice bowling, challenge courses, and mindfulness hikes.
- In Alaska, the beauty of the wild is just on a different order of magnitude. In Denali National Park, Grande Denali Lodge sits at the heart of nature, where snowy mountain peaks are interspersed with Alpine tundras and icy lakes. There, the rugged wilderness spans six million acres, broken only by a single road. The settings are ideal for an unforgettable dogsledding excursion.
- Of course, the rest of the world also boasts superb mountain destinations. In Norway – the birthplace of skiing – Voss Mountain Village is home to a network of cross-country trails, 15 slopes, and a ski school. The vintage atmosphere of the Myrkdalen Hotel Voss is something to behold.
- In Hokkaido, Japan, the Kimamaya Boutique Hotel is a luminous barn-like structure set in the ski region of Niseko-Hirafu, on the northernmost island. This one is all about the luxury experience of thermal baths, high-grade materials such as elm floors and black granite, and the cozy, crackling fireplace in the lobby. A wonderful way to unwind after a day on the slopes!
- And let’s not forget about Switzerland, which might just be the ultimate mountain destination. There’s nothing quite like relaxing in the cocoon-like warmth of the oldest hotel in Saas-Fee, the Dom while admiring the mountains and glaciers all around.
- Finally, Canada has countless mountain resorts to choose from. The Sutton Place, in British Columbia, sits right in front of Mount Mackenzie and offers luxurious accommodations with a year-round pool and hot tubs, a fitness studio, and yoga sessions on-site. It’s a beautiful place from which you and your team can go adventuring in the Canadian wilderness.
Understanding how to plan a corporate retreat in the mountains takes time and practice. At TeamOut, we’re here to help you design the ideal mountain retreat for your group, for a stay that will provide an amazing bonding opportunity.
.png)
