Planning a Corporate Retreat at Blue Mountain

Blue Mountain has emerged as one of Ontario's premier locations for corporate retreats and team offsites. The combination of accessible location, diverse activities, quality accommodation, and inspiring natural setting creates the conditions for productive meetings and meaningful team bonding.

Why Blue Mountain for Corporate Retreats

Accessibility

At just 1.5 to 2 hours from Toronto, Blue Mountain is close enough that travel does not consume the retreat. Most team members can drive up in the morning, and those flying into Toronto Pearson can be at the mountain the same afternoon.

Setting

The natural beauty of the Escarpment and Georgian Bay provides an inspiring backdrop that is dramatically different from office meeting rooms. Research consistently shows that natural settings improve creativity, reduce stress, and enhance collaboration — exactly the outcomes you want from a retreat.

Infrastructure

Blue Mountain offers meeting rooms, event spaces, restaurants, and activities that support both the working and recreational components of a corporate retreat.

Planning Your Retreat

Defining Objectives

Before booking anything, clarify what you want the retreat to accomplish:

**Team building** — Focus on activities that build trust and communication
**Strategic planning** — Need quiet meeting space and focused work sessions
**Celebration** — Reward the team for achievements with a fun, activity-heavy agenda
**Onboarding** — Welcome new team members with a mix of work and socializing

Choosing the Right Time

**Spring** — Fewer crowds, moderate weather, good availability
**Summer** — Maximum outdoor activity options, book well in advance
**Fall** — Beautiful colours, comfortable weather, excellent for outdoor meetings
**Winter** — Skiing and winter activities add excitement, popular season so book early

Sample Two-Day Retreat Agenda

Day 1: - 10:00 AM — Arrive at the chalet, welcome coffee - 10:30 AM — Opening session: review goals and agenda - 12:00 PM — Catered or prepared lunch at the chalet - 1:00 PM — Team-building activity (options below) - 4:00 PM — Free time, settle into rooms - 5:00 PM — Afternoon work session or workshop - 7:00 PM — Group dinner at a local restaurant or catered at the chalet

Day 2: - 8:30 AM — Breakfast at the chalet - 9:00 AM — Morning work session: brainstorming, planning, or workshops - 11:30 AM — Closing session: action items and commitments - 12:00 PM — Lunch and departure

Team-Building Activities

Outdoor Activities

**Scenic Caves adventure** — Cave exploration and suspension bridge crossing builds trust and shared experience
**Treetop trekking** — Aerial obstacle courses that require teamwork
**Hiking the Bruce Trail** — Walking and talking in nature facilitates honest conversation
**Mountain biking** (summer) or **skiing** (winter) — Shared physical challenges build camaraderie
**Kayaking or paddleboarding** (summer) — Group water activities on Georgian Bay

Indoor Activities

**Cooking challenge** at the chalet — Divide into teams and prepare dishes for the group
**Wine or beer tasting** at a local brewery or vineyard
**Board game tournament** — Surprisingly effective for team bonding
**Workshop sessions** led by facilitators you bring in

Meeting Space Options

At the Chalet

For smaller teams (8 to 20 people), the chalet's dining and living areas work well for meetings:

Large dining table serves as a meeting table
Living area for informal breakout sessions
Outdoor deck for warm-weather sessions
Kitchen for coffee, snacks, and meal breaks

At Blue Mountain Resort

For larger groups or more formal meeting requirements, the resort offers dedicated meeting rooms with audiovisual equipment, catering, and professional event support.

Catering and Meals

Chalet-Based Meals

For smaller retreats, preparing meals at the chalet is practical and creates a family-style atmosphere:

Assign a team member to coordinate groceries
Prepare simple, crowd-pleasing meals (pasta, BBQ, chili)
The communal cooking and eating experience builds relationships

Restaurant Dining

For the evening meal, consider a group dinner at a local restaurant. The Huron Club, Tesoro, and Gibson and Company can accommodate corporate groups with advance booking.

Catering

Local catering companies can deliver meals to the chalet, removing the cooking responsibility while maintaining the intimate chalet setting.

Budget Considerations

A Blue Mountain retreat is often significantly less expensive than comparable events in Toronto:

**Accommodation:** Splitting a chalet among 10 to 20 team members is much less per person than individual hotel rooms
**Activities:** Outdoor activities are generally affordable
**Meals:** Chalet cooking dramatically reduces food costs
**Travel:** No flights needed from the GTA

Why Blue View Chalets for Corporate Retreats

Blue View Chalets is ideal for corporate retreats because our properties provide:

**Capacity for 8 to 20 team members** in comfortable, well-appointed rooms
**Large common areas** for meetings, meals, and socializing
**Full kitchens** for team meals and coffee throughout the day
**Private hot tubs** for evening relaxation and informal conversation
**Central location** close to all Blue Mountain activities and restaurants
**Professional atmosphere** with the warmth and comfort of a private home

Book Your Chalet

Or call us at (416) 203-2057