Want to help improve employee morale during the coldest months of the year?
Winter teambuilding events are one of the best ways to bring your team together in a truly memorable way. It's a season filled with unique opportunities you just can't take advantage of any other time of year.
Here's the thing…
Winter is a time of year that most companies don't even consider a good time to plan team bonding. But the numbers prove that wrong. For example, BetterUp research says that when you help your employees feel like they belong, you can expect a 56% boost in job performance and a 50% decrease in the likelihood of turnover.
Wow. That's a huge win for your organization.
What you'll learn:
- Why Winter Teambuilding Works So Well
- The Winter Teambuilding Event Planning Checklist
- The Best Winter Activities That Actually Build Teams
- Mistakes to Avoid
Why Winter Teambuilding Works So Well
Winter seasons bring a very special something to any experience.
The colder months are a time when many employees feel especially isolated and drained. Shorter days and longer to-do lists zap motivation real fast. And that's exactly why winter teambuilding works so very well.
It interrupts that feeling of monotony.
Let me put it to you this way… When your team participates in a fun activity together, the shared memories they create will make the workplace bonds last all year long.
Plus, if you're having an outdoor activity like skiing, the right gear is going to make the experience much more comfortable. If you're going that route, shopping for the best all mountain skis so that everyone can be safe and comfortable on the slopes. The right equipment is also on your winter teambuilding event checklist, after all.
The benefits:
Better communication between team members
Higher levels of engagement year-round
Lower levels of workplace isolation
Improved problem-solving skills from working together on challenges
The Winter Teambuilding Event Planning Checklist
Of course, a successful winter teambuilding event doesn't just happen.
You have to have a plan. The winter teambuilding event checklist below covers everything from the very start to the very end.
Set Clear Goals
First of all, before you start booking anything, ask yourself: What exactly do you want to accomplish with this event?
Are you trying to improve communication? Build trust? Celebrate a successful quarter? Whatever your goals, they're going to shape every other decision you make going forward.
Write down your top 3 objectives. That way, you keep everyone focused on what matters most.
Choose the Right Activities
Not every activity is a good fit for every team.
Think about your group's fitness levels, interests, and comfort zones before settling on activities. You always want a good mix of high-energy and low-key options that way everyone can participate regardless of ability.
Some popular choices:
- Skiing or snowboarding trips
- Ice skating
- Indoor escape rooms
- Hot cocoa socials with team games
- Winter scavenger hunts
- Cooking or baking workshops
Budget Smart
Winter can get expensive very fast if you're not careful.
Figure out a realistic budget per person and do your best to stick to it. Gallup research says that highly engaged teams experience turnover decreases of as much as 36%. That means the money you're spending on teambuilding is going to pay for itself over time by saving you on hiring costs.
Budget items to keep in mind:
Venue rental/admission fees
Equipment rentals
Transportation
Food and beverages
Prizes/giveaways
Nail Down Logistics Early
This is my favorite part. The best winter teambuilding events are ones that just seem to run on their own because someone took the time to plan ahead.
You always want to book your venue at least 6-8 weeks in advance. Winter destinations fill up fast, especially around holidays. Confirm headcounts, dietary needs, and any accessibility requests well ahead of the event date.
Also, don't forget about:
- Weather backup plans
- Emergency contacts
- First aid supplies
- Warm beverages and snacks
- Layers for outdoor activities
The Best Winter Activities That Actually Build Teams
Now let me share the activities that actually give you results…
Outdoor Adventures
Snow-based activities naturally require teamwork.
When colleagues help each other down a ski slope or around an icy trail, trust builds in an organic way. Group skiing lessons especially work well for mixed-ability teams where both beginners and experts can learn and support each other.
Indoor Challenges
No one said you have to be outside to have a great time in the winter.
Indoor winter activities can work just as well. Escape rooms, cooking competitions, trivia nights, etc. all offer the same bonding opportunities with none of the frostbite risk.
Pro tip: Holiday-themed escape rooms offer seasonal fun along with some serious problem-solving.
Hybrid Events
Want the best of both worlds?
Start the day with an outdoor activity in the morning, then move inside for food and games. This event format is great for meeting the needs of different preferences while maximizing overall engagement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the most well-intentioned events can go wrong. Here are some things you want to watch out for…
Ignoring Inclusivity
Not everyone celebrates the same holidays. Not everyone can do physically demanding activities.
Make sure your event is designed with everyone in mind. Offer alternatives for those who can't ski or skate. Keep holiday themes general rather than specific to one tradition.
Skipping the Follow-Up
The event ends, everyone goes home, and then what?
Don't let those good feelings fizzle away. Send photos from the event, ask for feedback, and bring up shared memories in future team meetings.
This follow-up work is what turns a fun day into real lasting team improvement.
Forcing Participation
Fun that isn't voluntary is never actually fun.
Encourage attendance but don't make your event mandatory. The people who feel forced to show up often check out completely. Give people real choices and they'll be more likely to attend willingly.
Wrapping It Up
Winter teambuilding events are a wonderful way to transform your workplace culture for the better.
The key is to plan ahead. Use this winter teambuilding event checklist to make sure you have every detail covered. Set clear goals, choose inclusive activities, book venues/equipment well in advance, create weather backup plans, and follow up after the event to keep the momentum going.
To quickly recap:
- Set clear objectives before you plan
- Select activities that are good for all abilities
- Book venues/equipment in advance
- Create weather backup plans
- Follow up after the event to maintain momentum
All of that investment is going to pay off in the form of higher engagement, better communication, and lower turnover. Your team will thank you for the memories you create together long after the snow has melted.
It's time to get planning for your next unforgettable winter teambuilding experience.
