Organizing a large group getaway can feel overwhelming, but with the right planning, it can be the highlight of your year. Whether you're bringing together extended family for a reunion, celebrating a milestone birthday, or simply gathering your closest friends, Blue Mountain offers the perfect backdrop for multi-generational memories. Here's your complete guide to planning a stress-free group getaway.
Why Blue Mountain for Groups?
Unlike typical cottage country destinations, Blue Mountain offers something unique: the ability to rent multiple connected chalets on a single property while having a pedestrian village full of dining, shopping, and entertainment just minutes away. This means your group gets the privacy of a cottage experience with the convenience of resort amenities.
- 8 chalets on one property — Sleep up to 80 guests while staying connected
- Private hot tubs — Every chalet has its own, no sharing required
- Shared heated pool — Perfect gathering spot (May-October)
- Full kitchens — Cook together or take turns with meals
- Year-round activities — Skiing, hiking, beaches, spa — something for everyone
Step-by-Step Planning Guide
1. Set Your Date Early
Getting everyone on the same page about dates is often the hardest part. Here's how to make it easier:
- Use a Doodle poll or similar tool to find dates that work for the majority
- Consider shoulder seasons (May-June, September-October) for better availability and rates
- Be mindful of school calendars, work schedules, and travel distances for different family members
- Book 6-12 months ahead for peak seasons (Christmas, March Break, summer weekends)
2. Establish a Realistic Budget
Money can be a sensitive topic, so address it early and transparently:
- Determine the maximum each family is willing to spend before shopping for accommodation
- Split costs per family or per adult — decide what's fair for your group
- Consider creating a shared fund for groceries and group activities
- Factor in meals, activities, and any special experiences beyond accommodation
Pro Tip: Split the Cooking
Assign each family or couple responsibility for one dinner during your stay. One family handles Friday night tacos, another does Saturday's BBQ, etc. This spreads the workload and lets everyone showcase their specialties!
3. Create a Communication Hub
Keep everyone in the loop without overwhelming their inboxes:
- Create a Facebook event or WhatsApp group for updates and discussions
- Share a Google Doc with the itinerary, meal assignments, and grocery list
- Designate one person as the point of contact for accommodation questions
- Send arrival time updates so everyone knows when to expect each other
4. Plan Activities for All Ages
The beauty of Blue Mountain is having options for every generation — from toddlers to grandparents. Here are activities that work for multi-generational groups:
5. Plan Meals Strategically
Feeding a large group is one of the biggest logistical challenges. Here's how to handle it:
Communal Meals
- Assign nights — Each family takes responsibility for one dinner
- Keep it simple — Tacos, BBQ, pasta, and chili all feed crowds easily
- Shop in advance — The Collingwood Costco and local grocery stores have everything you need
Independent Meals
- Breakfasts — Let each family handle their own (stock shared staples like eggs, bread, coffee)
- Lunches — Keep sandwich supplies and snacks available for grab-and-go
- Dining out — Blue Mountain Village has 30+ restaurants if you need a break from cooking
Dietary Restrictions
Collect dietary information early. Use your group chat to ask about allergies, vegetarian/vegan needs, or other restrictions. Build this into your meal planning.
Family Reunion Activity Ideas
Beyond the local attractions, here are activities that bring everyone together:
Games & Competitions
- Family Olympics — Relay races, sack races, egg-and-spoon competitions
- Scavenger Hunt — Create teams mixing ages so kids work with grandparents
- Board Game Tournament — Bring classics like Uno, Pictionary, or Codenames
- Trivia Night — Include questions about family history for bonus points
Memory-Making Activities
- Photo Booth — Set up props and a backdrop for silly pictures
- Family Story Time — Have older generations share stories around the fireplace
- Time Capsule — Everyone contributes a note or photo to open at the next reunion
- Family Tree Display — Bring old photos and create a visual family history
Planning Checklist
Tips for a Smooth Stay
- Respect quiet hours — Not everyone keeps the same schedule, especially with kids
- Create "free time" — Don't over-schedule; people need downtime
- Mix up seating — Encourage different family members to sit together at meals
- Have a backup plan — Ontario weather can be unpredictable; keep indoor activities ready
- Delegate tasks — Don't let one person do all the organizing; spread the responsibility
Ready to Start Planning?
Blue View Chalets offers 8 connected chalets that can accommodate up to 80 guests for your next family reunion or group getaway. Each chalet features a private hot tub, full kitchen, and comfortable sleeping arrangements — plus access to our shared heated pool (May-October).
For groups booking 4+ chalets, contact us directly for special group rates.
Or call us at (416) 203-2057
