We take a (slightly satirical) look at a corporate ski trip itinerary. Our intrepid delegates are out in the Alps staying at Chalet Sapphire for four days of really, really, hard work. Read on, enjoy, then get in touch to discuss how we can help your business achieve its goals this winter.

Day One

EARLY

We head to the local airport for the first flight to Geneva… it’s early but we’ve been waiting for this all year. The time is now.

LATE MORNING

On arrival at Geneva we are met by our driver for the quick private transfer to resort. Just over an hour later it’s still too early to check into the chalet so our hosts have set up a snow bar for welcome drinks next to the piste. The equipment partner is here as well and they get our whole team kitted out and ready to go. We’ve never gone from airport to ski lift faster!

DAY

A full afternoon on the slopes lets the team relax and work off the excitement of being back in the Alps. As the light draws in we call in the chalet chauffeur who meets us at the bottom of the run and takes us back to Chalet Sapphire – our luxury ski chalet and home for the next few days.

LATE AFTERNOON

Back at the chalet and the fire is roaring. Our luggage is already waiting for us in our rooms, each of which is labelled up specifically for us. We’re two to each room but each in full-size singles beds. The rooms themselves are really spacious and with all the facilities here I doubt we’ll spend much time in them anyway to be honest. Not bad considering there are 16 of us. We all quickly change before convening to discuss the agenda with our business lead and the event host. The chalet manager soon appears with afternoon tea… and a few drinks as well.

EARLY EVENING

With the objectives for the trip confirmed now we have some time for a little rest and relaxation. Some of the team have crept off for a nap but I head to the spa for a quick swim before taking in the views from the hot tub. The aroma of dinner is starting to infuse in the air. In that moment I know more than ever that the next few days of work are going to be tough. So tough.

Day Two

NOT AS EARLY AS YESTERDAY…

Everyone is up for breakfast, some of the team have even been to the gym. Crikey is there a gym? The ski guides are here to discuss the day. The plan is to split into two groups based on experience and get in a couple of hours skiing before meeting for lunch. A private room has been booked because unfortunately, this isn’t just a jolly, and important decisions need to be taken with regard to next year’s business strategy.

ON THE SNOW

The skiing is incredible this morning. The guide has us worked out after just one run and is now pushing us a little. We’re having fun but working quite hard as well… it’s actually the best skiing I’ve done in years. We ask what experience they have? One went to the Olympics and the other trains the SAS in arctic navigation… no wonder they worked us out so quickly.

LUNCH AND BUSINESS

Our hopes of a long lazy lunch are mildly dashed by the sight of pens and paper… but at least there is a round of chocolate chaud to warm us up. Strategy done started… meal in progress. This is seriously good food…

AFTERNOON

Whilst the temptation is to stay by the fire – or head to the bar – the guides get us back outside on the slopes. We’ve changed groups again, this time to ski with those from other departments… collaboration is important we are told. Two of the team take that a little too seriously by colliding mid piste but they dust themselves off and laugh about their new understanding of each other.

BACK AT THE CHALET

After a full day on the slopes there are a few aches and pains so the opportunity of massage in the Bamford Spa is a welcome one. I also check out the steam room and even the ice room… though only briefly!

DINNER

Tonight is the big night – Kaiseki – the showpiece Japanese tasting menu of The Boutique Chalet Company. It was designed as an in chalet restaurant experience by their Head Chef. How do I know this? Because he’s the one here cooking for us. Some guests have reputably compared it to rather famous establishments, and I must say, it was very good. After one or two more sakis than was probably sensible we retreat to bed.

Day Three

EVEN LATER THAN THE DAY BEFORE…

Before breakfast today we have a yoga session to ‘awaken our senses’. The fresh mountain air certainly blows the cobwebs away which is good because we actually have the business end of the business to deal with this morning. We work over what is more brunch than breakfast and make some fantastic progress. Even the boss has cracked a smile…

BACK ON THE SLOPES

Our guides have returned and after the pace of yesterday we are relieved to know today is about exploring the area a little more. We head up to the highest peak to enjoy the most amazing view before embarking on the longest run in the resort right down into the treeline. Just one more lift until we get to…

APRES

Finally, we’re at La Folie… the tunes are beating and our private table is laiden with champagne. Result. The team really start to relax now, you can tell that everyone feels a sense of satisfaction at what we have achieved, but also a new found comradery with colleagues we previously didn’t know so well. Comment? Un autre champagne? S’il vous plaît…

Day Four

DEPARTURE

Our final morning is a leisurely affair… as much as the yoga was enjoyable… the extra 30 mins in bed was as well. Today’s breakfast special is Turkish Poached Eggs which are delicious. Our transfer back is here soon but I take a moment to enjoy an espresso on the balcony and take a breath of the fresh mountain air. What a trip. Let’s hope that strategy needs re-visiting next year.