Fun doesn’t freeze up in the winter, so groups shouldn’t retreat indoors and cower when the snow begins to fall. Even during the colder months, the mountainous West is full of teambuilding activities that will get attendees’ hearts—and brains—primed for productivity. The following are some classic and creative ways to embrace the season.
COZY UP TO THE CASCADES
Eighty miles from Seattle, a winter wonderland beckons groups at Suncadia Resort.
“The mountain setting and the snowy pines, the opportunity to gather around a roaring wood fire in a stone fireplace…it’s a big draw for groups,” says Scott Verrue, director of sales at the 6,400-acre resort.
There is 16,000 square feet of indoor event space, including a 5,600-square-foot ballroom, but the real action is outdoors.
“Guided snowshoe trips are really growing in popularity,” Verrue says. “For groups, having a guide makes it a more controlled setting. They can share the rich history of the resort and local area, keep participants engaged and offer technique tips.”
Suncadia’s ice skating rink is popular with both leisure and group guests, as is the inner-tube hill with rope tow.
Bars and catering can be added to both, creating a collegial atmosphere.
“This makes it inclusive for guests of all activity levels, people can hang out rink-side and have a drink,” Verrue says.
For groups with families tagging along, on-site s’mores parties are always a hit. Four fire pits are scattered around the property and can be booked for exclusive group marshmallow toasting.
During the holiday season, festive lighting, decor and themed events brighten the atmosphere, notes Verrue.
“Overall, the character of the resort during that time of year is a winter wonderland,” he says.
WHISTLER WELCOME
The dawn of winter shouldn’t always make groups run for warm weather destinations, says Cassanda Zerebeski, senior manager of conference sales for Tourism Whistler.
“Winter doesn’t always mean it’s time to take a beach holiday,” she says. “We love winter incentives and teambuilding at Whistler, there is so much more than just skiing.”
With a base elevation around 2,200 feet, a 7,500-foot peak and an average winter temperature hovering near 30 degrees Fahrenheit, Whistler’s low elevation and coastal location makes for great snow, without the frigid temperatures commonly found higher up.
“The resort has heat lamps outdoors and people sit on the patios and sip cocktails in the middle of February,” Zerebeski says. “The pools and hot tubs are busier in the winter than they are in the summer!”
Area properties were all fully renovated in 2010 when Whistler hosted the Olympic Winter Games and venues put millions into keeping things fresh and up to date—venues that are now available for groups, according to Zerebeski.
“The Games in 2010 really helped get Whistler on the radar and we have hosted some great winter programs since then. We’re definitely trying to grow our winter teambuilding and incentive business.”
Olympic Plaza was completed in summer 2011, and is just beginning to hit its stride as a group venue. The former medals plaza now hosts picnics, outdoor concerts and private events. Inspirational Olympic themes can be incorporated easily and attendees can compete in simulated Olympic games.
Whistler is also the original site of the now-global ZipTrek eco tours which—in addition to its famously smooth zipline tours—offers a walking TreeTrek tour amongst the beautiful ancient cedar tree canopies above the valley that divides Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.
Another active option Zerebeski recommends is Canadian Outback Adventures, which organizes Amazing Race-style adventures and scavenger hunts around the region for groups.
The Squamish Li’Wat Cultural Center is another beautiful venue. It can accommodate up to 500 reception guests and offers numerous teambuilding opportunities. Both the main floor and lower level can be rented out and groups can make crafts, including drums. Amazing aboriginal speakers and performers such as a hoop dancers or a drum procession can kick off an event.
Tourism Whistler also updated its meetings website, www.whistler.com/meetings, this past August with a new design and more venue information.PageBreak
COLOR WONDERFUL
If groups want to warm up and refocus after frolicking in the snow, Canvas Creek Teambuilding can add a splash of color to any event and brighten any conference schedule.
The artsy teambuilding company was founded in Billings, Mont., but founder Karen Grosz will travel across the country to work with groups and facilitate the unique painting-focused teambuilding process she created.
According to Grosz, there are four specific times when Canvas Creek should be called in: when a new team is working together for the first time, when a team is facing challenges, when a group of individuals is struggling to become a cohesive team or when a high-functioning group should be rewarded.
She generally works with groups of 15-50 people, with four to six people per canvas, but can accommodate larger groups by bringing in additional coaches. The company is only a year and a half old.
“Planners should know that we’re still new enough to be considered ‘a find’, but I’m experienced enough to offer a professional, effective event,” Grosz says. “This isn’t the same old team-building program.”
She also emphasizes the flexibility of Canvas Creek.
“The process can be oriented to meet groups’ needs, whether the focus is goal-setting, celebrating or overcoming conflict,” according to Grosz.
She worked with many teams in a previous career, and owned a ceramics studio in Billings, so she brings a unique perspective to the industry.
“Combining art with groups is the most powerful teambuilding I’ve ever seen,” she says. “Groups can take the art they create back to their home or office and relive the collaborative process. It’s a constant reminder of their teamwork.”
TEAMS IN TAHOE
“In the winter, the sky is the limit,” says Kevin Hickey, owner and manager of Tahoe Adventure Company. “The natural beauty of the snowcapped mountains surrounding the giant lake creates a breathtaking setting. Tahoe has it all; the awesome hotels, resorts, ski areas, conference centers, meeting spaces, even the cultural aspect is here. As a destination, it has something for everybody.”
For a multi-faceted teambuilding experience, he suggests groups participate in winter geocaching.
“We get everyone outfitted with snowshoes and poles, pump up the team spirit, and they search for hidden caches, which may contain additional riddles and challenges to complete,”Hickey says. “It’s a great way to incorporate the winter environment.”
For intrepid groups, Hickey’s company also leads full-moon snowshoe tours.
“It’s a special event that puts most people out of their comfort zone,” he says. “That’s a big part of teambuilding, getting everyone together outside the work setting and creating shared experiences.”
Uniquely, they also offer a Winter Awareness Challenge that teaches groups how to use avalanche beacons and lead a search for the buried location devices.
Tahoe Adventure Company has worked with groups as large as 200 people and tries to incorporate regional and human history into its activities.
“We hope to have people complete our programs with lasting memories and having learned something,” says Hickey.
