Groups looking for that Rocky Mountain experience this summer can visit Keystone Resort, located just 65 miles from Denver. Not only is the resort’s Keystone Conference Center the largest meeting venue in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, but its Rocky Mountain backyard provides an abundance of wellbeing activities for active groups. Yoga, hiking, fly fishing and horseback riding are just a few that the resort staff can customize.
“Our wellness staff strives to empower people to live healthier, longer, more joyful lives through fitness, interaction with nature, nutrition and integrative wellness,” says Kerstin Anderson, hospitality marketing manager for the resort.
Yogi groups can enjoy a scenic gondola ride to the top of Dercum Mountain where they will get to practice yoga with views of the 10-mile mountain range as the backdrop. A certified yoga instructor will lead a discussion on the benefits of stretching and yoga prior to an hour-long class. After yoga, attendees will enjoy a healthy lunch and a refreshing juice before heading back down the gondola.
Fit attendees can participate in a 2,000-calorie-burning hike that includes steep terrain—not for the faint of heart. The swift pace of the hike will encourage “less talking and more walking” among attendees, says Anderson. However, the feeling of accomplishment and lunch with views at the finish line is something that the whole group can share.
Groups in need of a little R&R can practice their fly fishing skills, which Anderson says can serve meditative purposes. Attendees can join instructors from the Cutthroat Anglers along the 5-acre Keystone Lake to discover the transformative power and meditative state brought on by fly fishing and casting. The fly fishing lessons will provide attendees with the knowledge and tools to become successful fishing on their own—whenever they need to get away from the stress of the office.
Horseback riding can be equally as relaxing for some people, or a challenging adventure for others. Either way, interested attendees can join wranglers at the Keystone Stables where they will participate in a horsemanship 101 clinic, and instructors will show the basics of interacting with horses and riding preparation. After learning to saddle up, the group will embark on an hour trail ride through the White River National Forest.
Meeting planners looking for a more traditional teambuilding experience can work with CBST Adventures. The company has more than 50 strategic outdoor games, as well as the ability to customize with specific conference themes and agendas. Activities include Amazing Race challenges or a Built for Need Bicycle Challenge that can transfer to everyday interactions at the workplace and at home.
“These experiences provide groups the opportunity to give back to the community and gain a sense of belonging while taking in a change of scenery, giving individuals the opportunity to re-charge and re-energize,” says Anderson. “Through the many shared learning experiences, groups will encounter at Keystone Resort, groups are given the opportunity to enjoy a rewarding experience while increasing their sense of team.”
