Incentive travel is a great way to reward hard work and top-notch business performance from employees and channel partners alike. It's a powerful motivational tool that can help you:
- Accomplish your business objectives
- Increase retention rates of channel partners
- Increase employee engagement and employee retention
- Hit your sales figures
- Promote company culture and company values
So, how do you make sure that your incentive travel program is primed for these results?
Location, Location, Location
A successful incentive trip should be memorable and bespoke, curated for the specific needs and wants of the attendees. The first and most important decisions you make when planning successful incentive travel trips is location. After all, there are many options for incentive travel destinations and the one you select will set the tone, activities, and overall vibes of the incentive travel experience.
Now, when thinking of leisure travel, you might conjure up images of sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. But incentive trips don't just have to be relaxing — you can also go the more adventurous route to motivate your thrill seeking employees and channel partners.
One great way to do this is by hitting the slopes. Yes, we're talking skiing!
To save you the hassle of searching for the best resorts, we’ve curated a list of top destinations that promise an unforgettable experience for all levels of skiers, from beginners to experts. Whether you’re looking to prevent employee turnover and increase employee motivation, encourage dealer sales associates to increase sales figures, promote company culture, or strengthen relationships with c-suite partner executives, we have identified a host of options to wow your participants.
Sölden, Austria: A Ski Paradise for All Levels
Why Choose Sölden?
Sölden, located in Austria’s Ötztal Valley, is a vibrant resort known for its lively après-ski scene and outstanding ski terrain. This resort is ideal for groups with varied skiing abilities. Beginners and intermediates will appreciate the wide, well-groomed pistes, while advanced skiers can challenge themselves with the extensive off-piste opportunities. One of the most exciting aspects of Sölden is the longest vertical descent in Austria, which starts from the glacier at 3,250 meters and winds down to the resort.
Sölden boasts amazing venues for dinners and lunches, along with some of the most stylish design hotels in the Alps.
Consider hosting a gourmet dinner at Ice Q Restaurant (https://www.iceq.at/en/ice-q.html ), where the James Bond film Spectre was filmed for a memorable group experience. You can even integrate a full James Bond experience including a tour through the various galleries dedicated to British secret agent and a viewing of The new cinematic installation 007 ELEMENTS
Incentive Highlights:
- Glacier Skiing: Experience the thrill of skiing on two glaciers with guaranteed snow conditions.
- Glacier Safaris: Explore the magnificent glaciers on a guided glacier safari, offering stunning views and a unique way to experience the high alpine environment.
- Spas: After a day on the slopes, unwind in one of Sölden's luxurious spas, offering everything from soothing massages to revitalizing wellness treatments.
- Toboggan Run: Try the new 7.3-kilometer-long toboggan run for an exhilarating ride down the mountain. Perfect for group fun and a change of pace from skiing.
- Bavarian Curling: Engage in a friendly match of Bavarian Curling, a traditional alpine activity that combines skill and competition in a relaxed setting.
Closest airports:
- Innsbruck – Approx. 1 hour transfer
- Zurich or Munich – Approx. 3 hours
Kitzbühel, Austria: Where History Meets Adventure
Why Choose Kitzbühel?
Kitzbühel is a beautiful and bustling resort that offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities. The medieval center of the village is a picturesque setting, full of quaint shops, vibrant bars, and restaurants. It’s renowned for the Kitzbühel Hahnenkamm downhill race, one of the most challenging in the world, but the resort is also an intermediate skier’s paradise with extensive terrain stretching from Kirchberg to Pass Thurn.
Incentive Highlights:
- Hahnenkamm Race: For thrill-seekers, skiing the infamous Hahnenkamm course, including the treacherous Mausfalle (Mouse Trap), is a must.
- Non-Ski Activities: Kitzbühel offers a wide range of non-ski activities, including snowshoe walks, paragliding, curling, and tobogganing. Excursions to nearby Kufstein Castle or the Swarovski Crystal World make for perfect group outings.
- Après-Ski: Ski lifts leave from either side of the valley and the buzzing bars on the edge of the resort are perfect for soaking in the lively après-ski atmosphere.
- Seidlalm: This is a truly special and exclusive dinner venue in Kitzbühel, perfect for creating a memorable experience during your incentive trip. This traditional mountain hut is only open for private groups, offering an authentic Austrian ambiance with the option to include live traditional music and games. Nestled directly on the famous Streif run, Seidlalm boasts a rich history, being the childhood home of Austria’s renowned skier, Hansi Hinterseer. Dining at Seidlalm means your group will be immersed in the heart of skiing history, right on the world's most famous downhill run.
- Rosi’s Sonnbergstuben: This renowned mountain restaurant in Kitzbühel, offering a unique and unforgettable dining experience, hosted by the famous yodeling hostess, Rosi. Groups can enjoy a mini yodeling workshop on the terrace with breathtaking views of Kitzbühel, followed by a top-class meal.
- Hotel Kitzhof Mountain Design Resort: This upscale hotel located just a short walk from the center of Kitzbühel combines modern design with traditional alpine charm, offering an ideal setting with stunning views of the surrounding mountains
Closest airports:
- Innsbruck or Salzberg – Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes transfer
- Zurich or Munich – Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes transfer
Méribel, France: The Heart of the Three Valleys
Why Choose Méribel?
Situated in the center of the Three Valleys, the largest connected ski area in the world, Méribel offers access to a staggering 600 kilometers of pistes and 180 lifts. This location makes it an excellent choice for a ski incentive, providing easy access to both Val Thorens and Courchevel. With a highest lift reaching over 3,200 meters, the ski season here is long, and the off-piste skiing is legendary.
Incentive Highlights:
- Vast Ski Area: The sheer size of the Three Valleys means there’s something for everyone, from beginner slopes to challenging off-piste routes.
- Village Charm: Méribel retains an authentic village atmosphere, complete with lively après-ski venues, excellent restaurants, and a great selection of shops.
- Folie Douce: One of the best Folie Douce bars in the Alps is located here. For an unforgettable experience, organize a late lunch followed by après-ski at Folie Douce. Larger groups can even privatize the venue in the evening and enjoy a private gondola ride.
- Non-Ski Activities: Explore the stunning landscapes on a snowshoe walk or try your hand at ice diving and winter zip-lining for a rush of adrenaline. For those seeking relaxation, the area boasts numerous spas and scenic winter walks. Other exciting options include ice driving, tobogganing, scenic flights over the Alps, glacier skiing, tandem paragliding, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and even ice karting. With such a diverse range of activities, Méribel ensures that every member of your group will find something to enjoy.
Closest airport:
- Geneva – Approx. 2 hour 15 minutes transfer
Retreats and Hidden Gems for Exclusive Groups
For smaller, high-level groups, consider exploring some of Europe’s secret ski retreats. These destinations offer a more intimate, luxurious experience, perfect for executives or VIPs.
Gourmet Ski Safari in Alta Badia, Dolomites
Embark on a gourmet ski safari in the stunning Alta Badia region of the Dolomites. This unique experience combines world-class skiing with culinary delights, as participants ski from hut to hut, enjoying gourmet meals prepared by top chefs. We can design a bespoke itinerary for your group, a real exclusive and unique activity!
Fuchsegg Eco Retreat, Bregenzerwald, Austria - https://www.fuchsegg.at/
For those seeking a more serene and eco-friendly experience, the Fuchsegg Eco Retreat in Bregenzerwald offers a perfect blend of nature and luxury. Nestled in the Austrian Alps, this retreat provides an idyllic setting for a peaceful getaway, with plenty of opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, and relaxing in the on-site spa.
Seebichl, Kitzbühel, Austria - https://www.hotel-seebichl.at/
For a retreat with a touch of exclusivity, the Seebichl in Kitzbühel is an excellent choice. This charming hotel, located by the lake and away from the bustling center of Kitzbühel, offers groups the opportunity to book the entire property exclusively, depending on availability. With exceptional cuisine, including delicious fondue, and a serene setting, Seebichl provides a peaceful and intimate atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxing and rejuvenating incentive retreat.
Conclusion
Whether you're looking for the thrill of top-tier skiing, the charm of historic villages, or the exclusivity of hidden retreats, these destinations are perfect for your next incentive travel trips. Start planning now to ensure your group enjoys the best accommodations, activities, and dining experiences, making it a successful incentive travel program.
These incentive travel destinations offer not only leisure travel but also unforgettable incentive trips that will boost employee motivation and engagement. A well-planned incentive trip can serve as a powerful motivational tool, driving higher retention rates and fostering a sense of corporate incentive travel excellence.
By choosing these premier ski resorts for your incentive travel experience, you'll create a successful incentive trip that your team will appreciate. From seamless destination management to memorable travel experiences, every detail of your incentive travel program will contribute to a rewarding and successful incentive.
