Team Building in Whistler: Where Strategy Meets Adventure
During the pandemic, your company probably faced numerous job shifts with people coming and going. Maybe you also went remote for a while, which could explain why you’ve felt a little disoriented around new coworkers. To boost morale, forget about the cliché Vancouver team-building activities and try something new with corporate team building in Whistler.
Whistler’s Corporate Event Spaces: Meetings Surrounded by Mountains
There’s nothing better than a getaway in the mountains, and Whistler is precisely that.
While not a wilderness retreat, there are still so many things in Whistler that are exhilarating, fun, and promote teamwork. Here are several venues to host your team in Whistler.
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is an excellent way to learn about the roots of First Nation history
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, often abbreviated to the SLCC, is conveniently located in Whistler’s Upper Village on the shared traditional territories of the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations. Choose from three distinct venue spaces within the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, all of which “embody the spirit of the partnership between the two unique Nations to preserve, grow, and share their traditional cultures.”
Whistler Conference Centre
When you think “conference,” you probably think “conference centre.” Luckily for you, Whistler’s got one of those! The Whistler Conference Center hosts everything from dance competitions to seminars and concerts. With over 40,000 square feet of usable meeting space, the spot is ready for intimate meetings around the fireplace or large gatherings in the ballroom.
Whistler Olympic Park
We’re not going to lie to you; Whistler Olympic Park is a little ways away from the village. That being said, as long as you have transportation arranged, getting there is no hassle at all.
Located in the Callaghan Valley, the park was the site of numerous Olympic events in 2010. Nowadays, it’s the perfect spot for corporate team building, with multi-purpose rooms that feature spectacular mountain views that you definitely won’t get during Vancouver team-building activities.
The Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain
If you’d like to spend a day on Whistler Mountain, The Roundhouse Lodge is the spot to be. Your employees will love starting the day by riding up the iconic gondola, 6,069ft/1,850m above sea level, where they can soak up views of Blackcomb Mountain and the surrounding peaks of the Coast Mountain range.
Audain Art Museum
The Audain Art Museum is located right beside the day lot parking. The building, designed by internationally acclaimed Patkau Architects, is well-lit and surrounded by forest views. In addition to the building being a work of art, the spot is filled with an impressive collection that’s sure to get your employees talking.
The 4 Best Whistler Activities for Team Building
Sometimes, the best corporate team building can’t be accomplished in a boardroom. However, Whistler is packed with many exciting adventures and team-building activities. Here are our top picks.
1. Forged Axe Throwing
You may not think of excitement when you hear axe throwing, but boy would you be wrong. Your team will love unleashing their competitive spirit – you’re sure to witness laughter and bonding through a session at Forged Axe Throwing. The spot offers a venue buyout that includes three hours of play for up to 110 people.
2. Aerial Obstacle Course
Previously known as Treetop Adventures, the Aerial Obstacle Course allows you and your coworkers to play on a unique aerial tree course. The course is the ultimate team-building exercise as groups work together to help everyone get through the course.
3. White Water Rafting
White water rafting is so much fun in Whistler and is something you won’t be able to do in any Vancouver team-building activity. Ride through Green, Lower Cheakamus, Elaho, and Squamish Rivers with certified guides who’ll navigate you safely through the rapids. We recommend this activity for smaller companies, as each raft can only hold up to six people.
4. Bobsledding and Skeleton
Really want to get the adrenaline going? Bring your team bobsledding. The Whistler Sliding Centre and Whistler Olympic Park can help create corporate packages for groups of 10 to 1000, featuring activities including bobsleigh, skeleton, cross-country skiing, biathlon or snowshoeing.
Make it Easy: Working with Team-Building Specialists
Setting up team-building activities from Vancouver doesn’t have to be complicated. Whistler has plenty of team-building specialists to help you plan out the best team-building day in the city.
Team Higher Ground
Team Higher Ground offers a choice of over 50 innovative team-building Whistler events that motivate, unite, and celebrate your employees. The team has eight categories of possibilities to pick from: hot and new, give back, indoor, chase, culinary, outdoor, evening, or adventure learning. Offerings include everything from making teddy bears for deserving children to dance-offs and scavenger hunts.
Outback Team Building and Training
Pick from over 30 activities with Outback Team Building and Training. Each exercise is carefully crafted to help you build employee engagement, boost staff morale, and enhance camaraderie.
We love their murder mystery activity, charity bike buildathon, and “The Amazing Chase,” which mimics The Amazing Race and allows groups to explore Whistler while completing challenges.
Whistler Sport Legacies
Forget about your typical team-building exercises when in Whistler. Whistler Sport Legacies offer unique experiences that you can’t get during Vancouver team-building activities, including biathlon, bobsleigh and skeleton.
No wonder which event you pick, each group will be given an orientation followed by an introduction to the sport and assignment of teams. Each activity begins with a safety briefing and, of course, photos of the excitement.
Tourism Whistler
Of course, Tourism Whistler is also around to help. Knowing the city best, the Whistler group sales team will build you a comprehensive proposal, help you find accommodation within the city, and use their local knowledge to develop the best travel, group activities, and catering plans. In addition to charitable and entertaining planned activities, Tourism Whistler has several self-guided options that can help you stay on budget.
So, When’s the Best Time for a Team-Building Trip?
The truth is, there’s never a wrong time for team building in Whistler. If you’re looking for warm-weather activities, come in the summer. If you don’t mind a little bit of the cold, the winter is the time to come up.
If your company is working with a smaller budget, we recommend coming during the “dead season,” which is in the fall and spring, before the ski and biking hill reaches its peak season. The city is typically filled with dining, accommodation, and event discounts during this time. You’ll also find it’s much easier to book rental and accommodation spaces.
Overall, when you choose to come to Whistler depends on which activities you choose to enjoy. One thing we do know for sure: team-building trips in Whistler are definitely the better choice over Vancouver team-building activities.