Winter is not always synonymous with hibernation. The winter season might be the ideal time for a successful team retreat. Depending on where we are in the world, we experience seasons differently, so this primarily applies to people living in the northern hemisphere, which is also where our expertise lies.
Think about it: Team bonding should not just be a summer event but something to nurture throughout the year.
US and UK surveys show that fall and summer are most people's favourite seasons. Winter usually falls to the bottom of the podium. Knowing that there might be a way to turn this to your advantage.
Because a majority of people favour May to October, most team retreats happen then. This is understandable; there is more daylight, and it tends to be warmer, which gives opportunities for great outdoor activities and long evenings at the campfire.
In the same way that your most hated exercise at the gym is the one you need the most (ouch), taking your team on winter retreats is more necessary than you think.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D) describes experiencing lower energy levels and mood changes during winter due to reduced sunlight. The symptoms are numerous: mood swings, sleep problems, anxiety…As winter sets in, some of your team members might start feeling some of those. Especially within remote teams, people might feel more isolated in winter and less motivated when all the daylight time is spent inside, on the computer.
A retreat can serve as a refreshing adventure that breaks the monotony and something to look forward to in a never-ending calendar of Zoom calls and shorter days.
After all, we aim to encourage our clients to observe nature more here. And the winter months mean a natural slowing down.
For some industries, it coincides with a slowdown of activity as well. This is a perfect opportunity for teams to take a conscious break from their daily routines and reflect on the year that has passed and the one to come.
A winter team retreat is an ideal time to gather insights and strategies for the future without the usual pressure of busy agendas and deadlines.
Comfort and a level of “cosiness” are essential all year round for people to feel good in their environment, but that need is definitely enhanced in winter. You might have encountered the term “Hygge” before, a Danish word describing a feeling of cosiness, and if you follow the advice of the “hygge professionals” (the Danes), it is a practice that is strongly related to the winter months. It has much to do with the textures, the sounds, the people around you and your appreciation for the little things. What is more Hygge than taking your team on a hike and ending the day cosying around the fire, drinking mulled wine and hot chocolate, and sharing stories?
Depending on where in the world you choose to go, of course. Many venues, especially in Europe, view winter as their off-peak season, which often means they will offer better rates to companies during that time.
This is especially true if you pick venues not dedicated to winter sports and activities. However, even cosy retreat locations focusing on winter sports offer better rates or special deals in the fall and early spring, often quieter times.
When we think winter sports, we often believe surfing or skiing, but there are lots of other things you can do with your team that only the winter offers:
As we know, the way you end and start a gathering matters. If you look at your business year like a 365-day event, why not end and start it properly, too?
September, October, and November often go by in a daze. Why not break it up with something both relaxing and fun? Is it just us, or is there always a wavering period in early January when it comes to the start of the year? We are back from the holiday break, slowly entering the new year, and often feel slightly sorry for ourselves, having nothing else to look forward to for a long time. Unless… HR has planned an exciting trip to energise and galvanise the team for the exciting year ahead!
We asked Florian Plümer and Vittoria Scrofani, two of our Retreat Location Experts team, to share their best winter team retreat locations. Not surprisingly, the beautiful mountains of Austria and Germany made the podium this year:
What makes the location unique?
Vittoria: Gradonna is a family-run venue that maintains a cosy atmosphere while catering to large groups with high-level amenities, from wellness to food and tech support. Not to mention the breathtaking landscapes and views, of course.
The most beautiful thing?
Vittoria: So many! But the natural swimming pond is something to experience for sure!
How do you feel when you are there?
Vittoria: Disconnected and connected all at once, if that makes sense. Away from the distractions of the daily routines and in the perfect place to reset, take care of yourself and be at your best to collaborate with your team!
What makes the location unique?
Flo: The place is wonderful, nestled in the Austrian mountains. The peace and untouched environment are undoubtedly among its best features. The facility is perfectly equipped for work without any external distractions. Well, the view might be one. The national park “Gesäuse” is an absolutely beautiful mountain landscape in Austria. It offers an astonishing mountain view and also hosts very beautiful rivers. Both are perfect for adventurous and nature-seeking groups.
The most beautiful thing?
Flo: The landscape, the modern design combined with nature, the outdoor activities. This region is known for its low light pollution, so you can experience a sky full of stars like nowhere else.
How do you feel when you are there?
Flo: The shuttle to Campus Alps is already very scenic, with beautiful views of the mountains. The feeling of being in the middle of nowhere is truly connecting—either with the team and/or with nature. You’re left speechless and feel rewarded because you have the honour to be at this beautiful place on earth. You smell a calming combination of wood and grass wherever you are.
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