The annual company ski trip is always one of the highlights of the year, and this year’s adventure to Zell am See, Austria, was no exception. From perfect ski conditions to intense competition, fun team activities, and a few laughs along the way, the trip was a perfect mix of work hard, play hard.
Zell am See
This year, the team headed to Zell am See, a picturesque ski town in the heart of the Austrian Alps, known for its stunning views and excellent skiing conditions.
After boarding the train together, the team had a chance to unwind during the scenic journey, chatting, enjoying the landscape, and gearing up for the adventures ahead. The journey itself became an integral part of the experience, offering plenty of opportunities for everyone to get into the spirit of the trip.
The team arrived to a stunning winter landscape, with fresh snow falling each evening and sunny days greeting us on the slopes. Conditions were perfect, with smooth, powdery runs under bright blue skies. Sun-drenched mornings and crisp, clear afternoons made for faultless skiing weather, providing breathtaking views and ideal conditions for everyone on the mountain.
The real highlight? Night skiing. It added a cool and slightly surreal touch to the trip. The slopes, lit up under the night sky, provided an entirely different experience from daytime skiing, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the mountain in a completely new way. It’s not something you get to do every day, but cruising down a lit-up slope under the stars is an experience everyone will remember.
Awards, traditions, and some outrageous costumes
True to tradition, the trip included the prestigious Annual Company Awards, a ceremony where exceptional employees are recognised for their contributions over the past year. The ceremony was a time of celebration, with each winner receiving their moment to shine. It’s always great to see hard work rewarded, and this year was no different. Big shout out to all the winners who made the trip even more memorable.
In addition to the awards, the trip wouldn’t have been the same without our beloved Secret Santa Fancy Dress tradition. Each year, we pick a name and come up with the most ridiculous, creative costume based on that person. The result? A lineup of wild and wonderful outfits, as well as plenty of laughter and photo opportunities.
This year, the outfits didn’t disappoint, from over-the-top to downright hilarious. This playful tradition never fails to bring a smile to everyone’s face and is a reminder that, while we work hard, we know how to have fun too.
Competitive team spirit
While much of the trip focused on the slopes and celebrations, it wouldn’t be complete without some friendly competition. The Circle team took home the trophy in the local pub quiz, showcasing their knowledge and team spirit in a lively contest with the locals. Drinks were had, stories were swapped, and the team’s victory was celebrated in full.
But the fun didn’t stop there. We also tried our hand at Hammerschlagen, a popular local game that involves hitting a nail into a log using a small mason’s hammer (something you would think we would be quite good at). The competition was fierce, with everyone showing off their skills—or lack thereof! It’s harder clearly harder than it looks! But everyone had a go, and there were plenty of laughs—whether you hit the nail or not.
Special mention goes to Aled, who discovered that this particular activity requires far more precision than anticipated. Perhaps a bit more practice is in order for next year.
A trip to remember
Zell am See gave us the perfect blend of great skiing, team bonding, and fun activities. It was the best way to reward a year of hard work and come back with a refreshed sense of team spirit. Already looking forward to next year’s trip—but until then, we’ve got plenty of memories to keep us going.
