Gathering in spaces where groups can unplug from the everyday workplace creates an environment where camaraderie and community can flourish. For meeting-goers, inspirational winter settings can also become gateways to personal transformation, opening the door for them to better connect with and learn from each other.
The winter months in the Northwest can mean freezing temperatures and a desire to stay inside, but they can also mean stunning snowy scenery and memorable activities in varied landscapes, from the ocean shoreline to the mountains. And given some of the region lies in the only temperate rainforest on the North American continent, there are areas that remain mild in winter and offer access to outdoor recreation without harsh winter weather.
Planners should consider the purpose, goals, and desired activities when deciding on the perfect winter getaway for their event—whether their attendees want a true Northwest winter experience or a warmer refuge in a more moderate climate. From stunning seaside locations to cozy mountain lodges, winter getaways flourish in the Northwest and offer memorable spaces for meetings and events.
Located two hours north of Vancouver, British Columbia, in the Coast Mountains, the village of Whistler converts into a magical winter wonderland on and off the ski slopes and offers access to myriad meeting amenities in one place.
Direct village access for a reasonable price has drawn lumber distributor and wholesaler Dakeryn Industries to The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler, for its events since 2018. “The Westin really is a fantastic anchor and lead host for our event,” explains Kaitlyn Chimko, lumber trader and partner at Dakeryn.
Lodging options at The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler, range from studios to one- and two-bedroom suites, with several featuring kitchenettes, fireplaces, and spellbinding views. The resort’s 39,098 square feet of event space includes 16 event rooms and 14 breakout rooms. “We also typically rent out one of the penthouses for our event, which is multifunctional for us as planners and hosts,” says Chimko. Group dining favorites include Grill & Vine restaurant and the cozy FireRock Lounge, Chimko adds.
Considered the United States’ first destination ski resort, Idaho’s Sun Valley Resort in Sun Valley has attracted skiers and nonskiers alike throughout its storied history, from Olympic gold medalists and Hollywood celebrities to beginners hoping not to face plant in the snow.
“Everything at Sun Valley Resort is managed under one roof—catering, lodging, lift tickets, and activities—meaning it is very easy to plan an event,” says Sun Valley Resort’s Director of Sales Tayt Knowles. The resort offers 383 guest rooms in multiple buildings, across several sites, from the Sun Valley Lodge to the more tranquil Sun Valley Inn. Event space spans 25,000 square feet of versatile ballrooms, boardrooms, and specialty venues—the latter including venues like Trail Creek Cabin, accessible by horse-drawn sleigh and “once a favorite hangout of author Ernest Hemingway,” notes Knowles. From casual to elegant, diverse dining options include Village Station, The Ram, and The Roundhouse, with the latter located atop Bald Mountain.
Moody, blue-gray skies punctuated by occasional fleeting shafts of sunlight invite attendees to unwind and breathe in the refreshing salt-spray air at the oceanfront Hallmark Resort & Spa in Cannon Beach, Oregon. The iconic Haystack Rock, an offshore rock formation jutting out from the sand and towering more than 200 feet in height, lies within walking distance of the resort.
Meeting spaces include the Pacific Horizon Room, a 1,441-square-foot space with ocean views, accommodating up to 80 attendees theater-style; and the 425-square-foot Hospitality Suite for smaller gatherings of up to 26 people.
The resort’s on-site Elements by the Sea Spa offers personalized massage experiences, body treatments like the Hydrating Chocolate Truffle Body Wrap, energy work, and aromatherapy enhancements. Steps away from the property, Cannon Beach is notable for its art galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants.
Operating under a belief in work-play balance, Loge Alta Crystal resort’s mantra is “Live Outside. Go Explore!” The Washington property offers cozy, comfortable lodging in Enumclaw, Washington, near Mount Rainier National Park and Crystal Mountain Resort, the latter of which features skiing and snowboarding on more than 50 runs.
Planners might buy out Alta Crystal’s 24 rooms for the best pricing. A heated pool, hot tub, lawn recreation area, and a convenience store are available on-site, and food trucks are welcome to set up on the lawn area for group gatherings. A free daily shuttle can take guests to Crystal Mountain, and the on-site team can assist in recommending winter recreational activities depending on the needs and preferences of the group.
To the east, Wyoming’s vast wilderness sets the scene for luxurious accommodations at Turpin Meadow Ranch in Moran. Recommended for leadership and small group retreats, immersive meeting experiences offer a range of activities designed to foster creativity and build connections.
In addition to luxurious accommodations, excellent food and drinks, and inspiring views, Liza Politi—owner of Fancy Girl Street Boy Productions & Travel in New York City—says she had a laundry list of requirements when selecting a site for a group photography workshop. “Turpin Meadow Ranch exceeded every one of our expectations,” she says. “We have already secured dates for 2025.”
Standout experiences for Politi included a horseback ride upon arrival, a barbecue, and a day spent at a traditional Eastern Shoshone Tribe powwow. The ranch’s 12 stylishly furnished cabins feature views of the Teton Range and serve as home base for winter activities like Nordic skiing, fat biking, and snowmobiling.
crystalmountainresort.com
hallmarkresortcannonbeach.com
logecamps.com
marriott.com
sunvalley.com
turpinmeadowranch.com
