The greatest justification for a corporate getaway is the belief that the best way to do business is to feel like you're not doing business at all. That's why corporate retreats should be less about agendas and more about finding inspiration, cultivating relationships and broadening minds. And no place provides all of this better than a snow-covered mountain. So when the snow falls in the mountains and you're itching to leave the office far behind, shake things up with your colleagues and clients at one of these well-appointed resort lodges.
The Peaks at Telluride-Telluride, Colo.
Besides world-class Colorado skiing, The Peaks at Telluride is your headquarters for group adventures like snowmobiling, dogsledding, snowshoeing, winter horseback riding and heli-skiing. Your guests will enjoy mountain views from every room along with the comfort and convenience of a true ski-in/ski-out resort. Amenities include full ski valet, live music during après ski, and Colorado's largest spa-The Spa at the Peaks. The Peaks also offers over 10,000 square feet of meeting space, including 9,000 square feet of outdoor decks and terraces. The Crystal Ballroom, surrounded by a 300-degree Rocky Mountain panorama, is the most popular of the 12 event space options.
The Little Nell-Aspen, Colo.
In the heart of downtown Aspen, The Little Nell is just steps away from Aspen Mountain's Silver Queen Gondola and a lavish collection of shops and eateries. Guests enjoy first tracks privileges before the resort opens, exclusive fresh powder via The Little Nell Powder Cat, and ski-in/ski-out convenience topped off by an appetizing après ski at the chic Chair 9 and silver service cuisine at Element 47. Corporate venues at The Little Nell include the 1,800-square-foot Grand Salon, the luxurious Aspen Mountain Club with views of the Elk Mountains, or the Sundeck, which sits at 11,212 feet and overlooks the Continental Divide.
Fairmont Banff Springs-Banff, Alberta, Canada
In addition to more than 8,000 skiable acres across three world-class mountains-Lake Louise, Mount Norquay and Sunshine Village-the Canadian Rockies landscape around Banff boasts group outings like canyon ice walks, dogsledding, ice fishing and sleigh rides. And guests of the Scottish baronial-style castle that is Fairmont Banff Springs Resort have exclusive access to it all, including the European-style Willow Stream Spa, a wide range of restaurants and rooms with unparalleled views. Over 76,000 square feet of event space includes the elegant Alhambra Ballroom, the Cascade Ballroom and Conservatory with hardwood floors and crystal chandeliers, and the baronial splendor of Mt. Stephen Hall.
Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley-Park City, Utah
Named after the Norwegian Olympic Gold Medal Skier, the Stein Eriksen Lodge is a ski-in/ski-out European retreat in Park City perched mid-mountain at Deer Valley Resort. From cozy private rooms to the 14-guest Mountain Lodge grand suites, unique style and architecture abound. The Stein Eriksen boasts Utah's only Forbes Five Star spa as well as a diverse wine collection with more than 10,000 bottles complimenting luxury dining and group wine seminars. Old World charm extends to over 26,000 square feet of event venues including the Stein and Viking Boardrooms, the Odin and Valhalla Private Dining Rooms and Park City's largest luxury ballroom.
Sun Valley Lodge-Sun Valley, Idaho
In 1936, Sun Valley Lodge became America's first destination ski lodge and a favorite among Hollywood stars and global leaders. Set amid the quaint mountain village of Sun Valley, Idaho, the lodge is a blend of charm, history and modern comforts. Even after a recent yearlong renovation, the lodge's 94 guest rooms maintain a vintage charm that extends throughout the resort including the 20,000-square-foot spa, world-class fitness and yoga studio, and indoor-outdoor pool and pool café. Such appeal also extends to the meeting facilities, conference center and event service team offerings, which include everything from customizable menus to group horse drawn sleigh rides.
Topnotch Resort-Stowe, Vermont Topnotch
Resort sits on a private 120-acre wooded expanse of New England countryside just minutes from the picturesque village of Stowe and the slopes of Stowe Mountain Resort. Topnotch offers 68 guest rooms and more than 20 private resort homes. The grounds include a world-class spa, award-winning indoor/outdoor tennis center, Nordic Barn adventure center for group outings, indoor and outdoor pools and an equestrian center. Culinary offerings include the local farm-to-table fare of The Roost and the resort's signature bistro/terrace Flannel. The resort's 6,000 square feet of indoor meeting facilities offer both spacious and more intimate options, while all outdoor accommodations embrace panoramic views of the Green Mountains.
Whiteface Lodge-Lake Placid, New York
The three peaks and 86 trails of Whiteface Mountain, near the Olympic Village of Lake Placid, offer the greatest vertical drop east of the Rockies, while nearby Whiteface Lodge offers the most distinguished rustic setting for corporate gatherings. The Adirondacks influence every detail of the property from rustic guestroom furnishings to distinctive event spaces like Mountain View Terrace with scenic panoramas and a massive fieldstone fireplace or the Whispering Pines Room with space for 200 guests. In addition to a 54-seat movie theater, an award-winning spa and a three-season ice rink, the lodge also offers orienteering and skill-building clinics as well as on site team building with Grand Dynamics International.
Take Flight
Flying privately to a snowy location provides a level of ease that can only be matched by a close and convenient airport. These public airstrips with fixed-base operators service private planes and sit just a short drive away from our list of luxury hotels and resorts.
The Peaks at Telluride
Telluride Regional Airport
Airport Distance: 6.77 miles
Runway length: 7,111 feet
The Little Nell
Aspen/Pitkin County Airport
Airport Distance: 4.83 miles
Runway length: 8,006 feet
Fairmont Banff Springs
Calgary International Airport
Airport Distance: 90 miles
Runway length: 8,000 – 12,000 feet
Stein Erikson Lodge Deer Valley
South Valley Regional Airport
Airport Distance: 42.6 miles
Runway length: 5,862 feet
Sun Valley Lodge
Friedman Memorial Airport
Airport Distance: 14.4 miles
Runway length: 6,952 feet
Topnotch Resort
Morrisville-Stowe State Airport
Airport Distance: 10.4 miles
Runway length: 3,697
Whiteface Lodge
Lake Placid Airport
Airport Distance: 4.1 miles
Runway length: 4,196 ft
