🍂 Late Summer Adventures: What We Learned Hosting Teams Last Month
- Mark Savile
- Oct 27
- 2 min read
Late summer in Switzerland has its own kind of magic. The air starts to cool, the trails are quieter, and the light turns golden. It’s the perfect moment for teams to step away from the office and reconnect, not through presentations or hotel conference rooms, but through shared experiences outdoors.
This September, we hosted two brilliant groups: Yorkshire Futures and Johnson & Johnson on custom Alpine Explorers adventures around Zug and Central Switzerland. Each day looked different, but both had one thing in common: genuine connection.
Yorkshire Futures: A Challenge and Refresh We designed a unique experience, one day was a hike on Rigi and another a 40km e-bike adventure. The ride looping through lakeside trails, forest climbs, and a few cheeky switchbacks. Their feedback summed it up perfectly:
“It was the perfect balance of challenge, laughs, and time together away from the office.”
There was plenty of banter, a few competitive hill climbs, and a great mix of personalities -the sort of day that reminds everyone they’re part of something bigger than their inbox.
Johnson & Johnson: A Taste of Local Culture The Johnson & Johnson team wanted something more relaxed: a chance to unwind and celebrate after a busy international team gathering here in Zug. We spent the afternoon exploring Zug Old town then a private gin tasting at a hidden distillery finished off with a lakeside meal to a sunset over Zugsee. It was the perfect combination of light adventure, local flavour and good company.
What We Learned Every team comes to Alpine Explorers for different reasons. Some to energise, some to reset, others just to spend time together in a fresh environment. But after this season’s adventures, three things stood out:
Authenticity beats activity. The most memorable moments aren’t the steep climbs or the distance covered, they’re the laughs, the shared views, and the conversations that happen naturally along the way.
Nature resets perspective. Getting outdoors does something that boardrooms can’t. The Alps have a way of grounding people. A reminder that space, air, and movement all fuel better thinking.
Tailored makes the difference. No two groups are the same. That’s why every Alpine Explorers day starts with a conversation, not a brochure. Whether it’s a full-day hike, a half-day e-bike tour, or a short alpine retreat, the key is designing it around the people, not the template.
🌸 Looking Ahead to 2026 As we head into winter, we’re already planning for spring and summer 2026. April to June is one of the most beautiful times in the Alps. Snow still on the peaks, flowers in the valleys, and perfect weather for team adventures.
If you’re already thinking about next year’s team calendar, now’s the time to start the conversation.
📍 Based in Zug
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