A corporate skiing trip can provide a much-needed morale boost and it’s a great way to get the whole team working together. After a long day on the slopes, it’s good fun to all get together and trade stories. Not forgetting the great après ski options to blow off some steam. With these factors in mind, here are our favourite spots for a corporate ski getaway.
Whether you’re looking to impress VIP customers with alpine scenery or treat employees to a spot of team building on the slopes, you’ll want to make sure you pick the right location for your corporate ski holiday. Here’s our pick of the top destinations in Europe to help you do just that.
St. Anton – Austria
Whatever the size of your group, you’ll find the perfect meeting space in St. Anton. A recent redevelopment scheme saw the addition of the Arlberg-well.com Convention Centre, perched right on the edge of the slopes, at an altitude of 1,300 metres. Its massive, award-winning Championship Hall can accommodate up to 1,950 people, whilst a further 17 conference rooms cater to smaller groups. The centre is within walking distance of St. Anton’s shops and nightlife and, of course, excellent skiing.
Stay At:
Located in the centre of St. Anton, the four-star Hotel Schwarzer Adler is a stone’s throw from the lifts.
La Clusaz – France
La Clusaz has long been a favoured weekend ski destination with the French and Swiss, making it a good choice for corporate groups who may be on a tight schedule, but still want to get the most out of the mountains. Nestled in the French Alps, this well-rounded resort, located less than an hour from Geneva Airport, is a great choice for corporate ski holidays. After a day on the slopes, you can ski right down to the picturesque Alpine village for a taste of the après ski scene. Non-skiers can access the slopeside bars using the free bus service, allowing everyone in your group to meet up in the afternoon. The nightlife during the week is quieter, but there are plenty of bars and mountain restaurants for your group to come together in the evenings.
Stay At:
Chalet Le Coeur is located in the ski resort of La Clusaz and sleeps up to eight guests.
Val d’Isère – France
You don’t have to be a group of advanced skiers in order to enjoy a corporate ski holiday in Val d’Isère. The massive Espace Killy ski area is one of the largest in the world and caters to all abilities, with plenty of green and blue runs for the less-experienced group members. Legendary Dick’s Tea Bar is the perfect spot to grab some drinks at the end of the day.
Stay At:
One of the best hotels for skiers in Val d’Isere, Hotel e Yule benefits from being on the edge of the village.
Cortina – Italy
Known as the ‘Queen of the Dolomites,’ this is one of the best destinations if you’re out to impress. Not only is Cortina one of the most fashionable resorts in Italy, but it’s arguably one of the most glamorous resorts in the world. There’s plenty to keep non-skiers happy here, from designer boutiques to stylish wine bars and mountain cafes. Good food is an essential part of any corporate skiing holiday, and Cortina doesn’t disappoint with its selection of excellent restaurants – such as the Michelin-starred Tivoli, a 10-minute drive outside of town. Meanwhile, the 1224 Bar Lounge & Terrace is sure to be a crowd-pleaser when it comes to pre-dinner cocktails.
Stay At:
The Hotel de la Poste’s wood-panelled bar is one of the most popular meeting places in Cortina.
Chamonix – France
This famous resort is conveniently close to the airport and situated at 1,035m, meaning the slopes are in good condition throughout the season. The challenging glacier runs are just above Argentière village, Les Grand Montents, and are at their best in early spring. The lower slopes are ideal in winter when heavy snowfall may bar access to higher runs.
Chamonix is home to several highly respected ski schools that teach in French or English, helping beginners quickly get up to speed. You can also hire a mountain guide, who will take you and your colleagues safely on an off-piste adventure. Or, ascend to a higher altitude and ski the world-famous 20km-long Vallée Blanche.
The centre of the resort is traffic-free, enabling you to wander between après ski options, from the roaring log fire in Vagabar to the bright lights and live jazz of Quartz Bar. Restaurant L’Impossible in south Chamonix is ideal for diverse groups, serving vegetarian, gluten, and dairy-free options, and its cosy wood interior is a sleek take on an Alpine lodge.
Stay At:
Chalet Ardoise in Chamonix is a luxurious, bright and spacious chalet.
Verbier – Switzerland
This Swiss resort has plenty of varied runs and excellent skiing well into the spring. The highest point is Mont Fort, at 3,330m, where on a good day, you’ll see spectacular views over the Alps, reaching the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. Verbier is located in the four-valleys ski area, with more than 410km of piste to explore. Skiers will experience world-class slopes and superb views across the region. The ski resort is famed for its picturesque and idyllic location, boasting panoramic views across the valley.
For the non-skiers in the group, there are plenty of exciting activities you and your colleagues can try out together (regardless of skiing ability!). Discover the slopes a different way by snowshoeing, sledding, or paragliding. You can also hire a guide for off-piste skiing (for the experts), or an introduction to ice climbing, where you’ll use picks to work your way up frozen waterfalls.
Stay At:
Situated in the heart of Verbier, the Hotel Vanessa is an ideal spot for an Alpine break.
