Winter is likely to be a synonym for less time spent outdoors and is often associated with a noticeable decline in team initiatives and bonding activities. Beware of winter’s potential, because it’s so much more than woolen sweaters and hot cocoa!
Winter is an outstanding season to revitalize your team spirit with meaningful activities. The colder months, often marked by shorter days and long to-do lists, can sometimes leave employees feeling a bit left out or even exhausted. But here's the catch: team-building events - yes, even during winter - can dramatically improve your team’s cohesion and productivity.
Research from Harvard Business Review highlights that 40% of employees report feeling isolated at work, leading to lower engagement and a weaker commitment to their organization. Similarly, BetterUp’s studies show that working towards promoting a sense of belonging can lead to a 56% increase in job performance, a 50% reduction in turnover risk, and a massive 75% cut in sick days! And you’re right, these savings will later translate to millions for larger companies.
Why not harness the winter spirit to break the monotony of your office routine and improve company culture? From snowy outdoor adventures to indoor problem-solving challenges and creative workshops, no one is left behind!
In this article, you'll discover:
Outdoor Activities for Adventurous Teams
Competitive & Problem-Solving Indoor Activities
Creative Activities for Every Team
Winter Activities to Unwind
Virtual Activities You Can’t Miss
Dive in and prepare to uncover the ultimate list of activities that will have your team thriving this winter season!
Nothing beats a thrilling ice skating session with your team. It doesn’t really matter if your colleagues are professional skaters or first-timers: this activity guarantees team bonding and even friendly races (if you’re brave enough!). Most rinks offer rental skates and warm drinks, making it a winter classic your team will love.
Time estimate: 1–2 hours Group size: 10–30 people Great for: Encouraging teamwork and stress relief. Price estimate: $10–$25 per person (skate rental included) Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
2. Snowball Fight
Challenge your crew to a well-organized snowball fight. Divide into teams, build forts with materials you can spare, and let the battle begin. For a creative addition, add goals like "capture the flag" or set up a safe zone for warming up with hot chocolate.
Time estimate: 30 minutes–1 hour Group size: 8–30 people Great for: Boosting energy, breaking the ice, and fostering competition. Price estimate: Free Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
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3. Winter Olympics
Bring out your team’s competitive side with a personalized Winter Olympics that suits everyone’s taste. Games can include sled races, snowman building contests, or indoor games such as winter trivia. Hand out medals to the winners and gather for team drinks afterwards.
Time estimate: 1–3 hours Group size: 10–50 people Great for: Promoting collaboration and team spirit. Price estimate: $20–$50 for supplies and prizes Accessibility: It depends on the activities.
4. Ice Fishing
Take a break from the office, head outdoors, and try something new as a team: ice fishing! For the activity, you’ll need to rent a heated shack or instead fish in the open air. Bring snacks and hot drinks to make the experience more pleasant. It’s a tranquil activity that encourages conversation and team bonding.
Time estimate: 3–6 hours Group size: 5–15 people Great for: Small teams, providing both relaxation and challenge. Price estimate: $30–$70 per person (gear and permits included) Accessibility: Partially accessible.
5. Winter Scavenger Hunt
Plan ahead and organize a personalized Winter Scavenger Hunt for your team in the office or nearby park. Create clues that lead groups to items or landmarks they are meant to find, and set a timer to add some friendly competition to the event. Remember to include rewards and prepare for a Winter Wonderland experience.
Time estimate: 1–2 hours Group size: 10–40 people Great for: Encouraging teamwork and problem-solving. Price estimate: $10–$50 (for printed clues and small prizes) Accessibility: Yes
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6. Winter Hike
Make the most of the great outdoors and experience the beauty of winter with a team hike. Snow-covered trails and the cold air are everything your team is looking for in this activity. Equip your employees with poles and spikes for icy patches and don’t forget the thermoses of hot chocolate.
Time estimate: 1–3 hours Group size: 5–20 people Great for: Reconnecting with nature and promoting physical activity. Price estimate: Free to $10 per person (for trail access or rentals) Accessibility: It depends on the trail.
7. Sledding
Nothing says winter fun like sledding, and we’re here to prove it! Plan ahead, head to a local hill, rent some sleds, and let your team enjoy the thrill of racing downhill. Combine it with a hot beverage and a fire pit s'mores session for post-sled relaxation.
Time estimate: 1–2 hours Group size: 10–30 people Great for: Boosting morale and promoting friendly competition. Price estimate: $5–$15 per person (for sled rentals if needed) Accessibility: Partially accessible.
8. Snowman Building Contest
Take your team’s creativity to the next level in a snowman building contest! Split into groups, set a time limit, and provide fun props like scarves, hats, and carrot noses. Award prizes for categories like “most creative” or “tallest snowman.”
Time estimate: 1–2 hours Group size: 10–50 people Great for: Teamwork and boosting creativity. Price estimate: $10–$30 (for props and small prizes) Accessibility: Yes
Competitive & Problem-Solving Indoor Activities
9. Ice Hockey
Prepare for some action on the ice with a friendly game of ice hockey. Rent a rink, define rules and play a structured match, or make it beginner-friendly for non-skaters.
Time estimate: 1–2 hours Group size: 10–20 people Great for: Physical activity and collaboration. Price estimate: $15–$30 per person (rink rental and gear) Accessibility: No
10. Escape Rooms
Escape rooms are the ultimate indoor activity that will challenge your team while bringing its members together. Work to solve puzzles, crack codes, and escape before time runs out. Choose from several themes to match your team’s taste and get ready, set, go! Time is ticking.
Time estimate: 1 hour Group size: 5–20 people Great for: Improving problem-solving and communication, and teamwork under pressure Price estimate: $25–$40 per person Accessibility: It depends on the venue
11. Gingerbread House Competition
Test your architect skills with a Gingerbread House Competition. Split into teams, equip each of them with gingerbread kits, frosting, and candy, and have a jury decide who created the most amazing edible masterpiece. One thing’s certain: this activity combines teamwork with a challenge. The best part? You get to taste your creations!
Time estimate: 1–2 hours Group size: 5–50 people Great for: Creativity and collaboration. Price estimate: $10–$25 per person (gingerbread supplies) Accessibility: Yes
12. Murder Mystery Dinner
Indoor activities become especially popular during winter, and this is the one you can’t miss! Transform your evening into an adventure with a Murder Mystery Dinner. Choose a themed kit, assign roles to participants, and watch as everyone gets into character, while solving clues to discover the “killer" over a team meal. This immersive experience brings a combination of drama and team collaboration.
Time estimate: 3–4 hours Group size: 10–30 people Great for: Problem-solving and breaking the ice.
Price estimate: $30–$70 per person (venue, meal, and kit) Accessibility: Yes
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13. Board Game Tournament
It’s time to bring out everyone’s competitive streak with a Board Game Tournament. Pick between classic and modern games, from Monopoly to Catan, and let participants face off in teams, pairs, or individually. Offer small prizes for winners, and don’t forget snacks to add an extra hype to the event.
Time estimate: 2–4 hours Group size: 5–50 people Great for: Strategy and teamwork. Price estimate: Free–$20 (if purchasing games or snacks) Accessibility: Yes
Creative Activities for Every Team
14. Ice Sculpting Workshop
Transform blocks of ice into sculptures with a guided Ice Sculpting Workshop. Professionals will help you turn ice into art, teaching participants the basics of carving. Teams can work together to craft their masterpieces, fostering teamwork.
Time estimate: 2–3 hours Group size: 10–30 people Great for: Teamwork and creativity. Price estimate: $50–$100 per person (instructor and tools) Accessibility: Partially accessible (some physical activity is required)
15. Winter Craft-Making Experiences
A winter craft-making session is everything your team needs! Organize activities like wreath-making, ornament painting, or candle crafting. This hands-on event is a great way to relax and create personalized souvenirs to take home.
Time estimate: 1–2 hours Group size: 5–40 people Great for: Relaxation, creativity, and de-stressing Price estimate: $10–$30 per person (supplies) Accessibility: Yes
Winter Activities to Unwind
16. Winter Baking Class
Celebrate the holiday season with a baking class where your team learns to whip up their favorites like cookies, yule logs, or apple pies. Guided by a professional chef (or even a skilled team member!), participants can learn a new skill (very useful in this time of the year), bond over decorating, and, of course, taste-test their creations.
Time estimate: 2–3 hours Group size: 5–25 people Great for: Creativity and teamwork. Price estimate: $20–$50 per person (ingredients and instructor) Accessibility: Yes
17. Campfire Gathering
Get cozy and enjoy winter with your team in a campfire gathering. Bring blankets, sip on hot cocoa, toast marshmallows (a mandatory tradition!), and socialize by the fire. You can even add activities like storytelling games or a mini talent show.
Time estimate: 2–3 hours Group size: 5–40 people Great for: Relaxation and team bonding. Price estimate: $10–$30 (firewood and snacks) Accessibility: Yes
18. Winter Wellness Session
Keep the team feeling their best with a winter wellness session. Offer yoga, guided meditation, or aromatherapy workshops, or even a full-body massage or a healthy cuisine session. Pair this with discussions on maintaining physical and mental health during winter for an extra rejuvenating experience.
Time estimate: 1–2 hours Group size: 5–50 people Great for: Stress relief, team bonding, and promoting self-care. Price estimate: $10–$50 per person (instructor and materials) Accessibility: Yes
Your Ultimate Retreat Planning Tool!
A Run of Show document is your go-to resource for flawless retreat planning—timelines, roles, and responsibilities, all in one place. Get started now!
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Virtual Activities You Can’t Miss
19. Virtual Winter Party
Who said you had to be in the office to strengthen bonds with your team? Bring the winter festivities online with a virtual winter party. Plan fun activities like a holiday dress code contest, live music performances, or even online snowflake crafting. End the activity with a prize or giveaway to keep the excitement going.
Time estimate: 1–2 hours Group size: Unlimited Great for: Remote teams and celebrating inclusivity. Price estimate: $10–$30 per participant (for kits, prizes, or entertainment) Accessibility: Yes
20. Virtual Hot Chocolate Tasting
Take the classic hot chocolate experience digital to a whole other level by sending team members customized kits with cocoa mixes and delicious toppings. Host a guided tasting over video chat, where participants can rate their favorites.
Time estimate: 1–1.5 hours Group size: 5–30 people Great for: Relaxation, team bonding, and discovering new flavors Price estimate: $20–$50 per participant (for kits and shipping) Accessibility: Yes
21. Winter-Themed Trivia Night
Test everyone’s knowledge with a winter-themed trivia night. Remember to include rounds on holiday traditions, famous winter sports moments, or fun facts about winter destinations. Offer prizes to spice up the competition!
Time estimate: 1–2 hours Group size: 5–50 people Great for: Fun competition and team learning. Price estimate: $5–$20 (for prizes or platform access) Accessibility: Yes
Why Opt For Team-Building Activities This Winter?
Celebrate the magic of the season with team-building activities that will bring your crew together and promote a healthy company culture.
In this article, we covered all types of winter activities, from adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures like Ice Skating, Winter Olympics, Ice Fishing, and Sledding, to competitive indoor experiences like Ice Hockey and a good old-fashioned Murder Mystery Dinner.
For those who enjoy stepping out of their comfort zones and engaging in creative challenges, events like the Ice Sculpting Workshop are a standout way to boost teamwork and learn new skills. Looking to unwind? Join your team for a campfire gathering or indulge in a Winter Baking Class.
And don’t worry if your team is remote, TeamOut’s got you covered—a Virtual Hot Chocolate Tasting and Winter-Themed Trivia Night are fantastic options that make every single team member feel included, no matter where they are.
Ready to make this winter one for the books? At TeamOut, we craft seamless, tailored team-building events that suit your team’s style, size, and budget.
Reach out today and prepare for a winter experience your team won’t stop talking about!
Thomas Mazimann, a French entrepreneur and former international kayaking athlete, transitioned from sports to tech after moving to the U.S. He co-founded TeamOut, revolutionizing team gatherings.
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