Incentive Ski Trip

Rewarding 15 winners from a leading IT & Technology business with an Incentive Ski Trip to St Anton, Austria

Client: IT & Technology Provider

Venue: Raffl Tyrol Hotel

Location: St Anton, Austria

Overview

When our IT and Technology client set out to reward exceptional performance, they wanted more than a standard incentive. The brief was clear. Deliver a memorable experience that combined challenge, excitement, luxury and seamless organisation, while remaining efficient in travel time and effortless for the guests from the moment they left the UK. Red Blaze was engaged to design and deliver an incentive ski trip that would celebrate success, inspire loyalty and leave a lasting impression.

The result was a perfectly balanced four day alpine experience in the heart of St Anton am Arlberg, one of Europe’s most legendary winter sports destinations. With fifteen winners travelling from Gatwick to Innsbruck and staying at the distinctive Raffl Tyrol Hotel, the trip blended world class skiing, standout dining, adrenaline fuelled activities and the unmistakable spirit of the Austrian Alps.

Destination Choice

St Anton is far more than a ski resort. It is a destination with a global reputation for excellence, both on and off the mountain. The town hums with an infectious energy, generated by a community of passionate skiers, snowboarders and alpine enthusiasts who return year after year. Known as a true Mecca for off piste skiing and a legendary social scene, St Anton consistently delivers drama, atmosphere and authenticity.

Set within Austria’s renowned Arlberg region, the area boasts guaranteed snow conditions, dramatic alpine terrain and one of the most efficient lift systems in Europe. Nearly five thousand five hundred hectares of off piste terrain provide limitless opportunities for exploration, while beautifully groomed pistes ensure accessible enjoyment for all ability levels. The recent introduction of the new Rendl lift has further enhanced connectivity across the mountain, reducing wait times and increasing time on snow, something particularly valued on a short incentive programme.

Its accessibility made St Anton an ideal choice for our IT and Technology client. With a flight time of just two hours from London Gatwick to Innsbruck, and only a one hour time difference, the destination created a sense of escape without the fatigue often associated with long haul incentives.

Travel and Transfers

Red Blaze managed every aspect of travel, ensuring a smooth and premium experience from start to finish. Guests flew on British Airways from Gatwick to Innsbruck, benefitting from reliable schedules and a comfortable onboard experience.

Upon landing, the group was met by private VIP executive minibuses for the onward journey to St Anton. The transfer time of just one hour and fifteen minutes allowed guests to remain relaxed and energised after the short flight, while enjoying views of the gradually rising alpine scenery as they approached the resort. The decision to use private executive transport reinforced the exclusivity of the incentive and removed any logistical concerns for the group.

Accommodation

The group stayed at the Raffl Tyrol Hotel, a bold and distinctive choice that perfectly matched the spirit of the incentive. Newly opened the previous season, Raffl Tyrol is not a traditional alpine hotel in the conventional sense. Instead, it reimagines Tyrolean hospitality through a modern, design led lens while staying rooted in the region’s heritage.

Described by its creators as authentic Tyrol, only louder and crazier, Raffl Tyrol is the spiritual successor to the legendary Raffl’s Love and Peace, a St Anton icon since 1977. What sets the hotel apart is its unique atmosphere, known simply as the Raffl spirit. This is created through a compelling combination of avant garde ideas, warm traditional hospitality, bold design touches and a professional yet playful team.

All fifteen winners from our IT and Technology client were accommodated in single occupancy rooms, ensuring privacy and comfort throughout the stay. The hotel provided both a lively social environment and spaces for relaxation, allowing guests to recharge after full days on the mountain.

Programme Design

The incentive took place from Wednesday 18 March to Saturday 21 March, carefully structured to maximise skiing time while allowing space for memorable shared experiences.

Day One Wednesday

Following arrival in St Anton, the first priority was to get guests ready for the mountain. Red Blaze arranged ski and snowboard equipment fitting on arrival, ensuring each guest was professionally kitted out with skis boots or boards tailored to their ability and preference. Three day ski passes were included, along with lessons where appropriate, removing any barriers to participation and allowing everyone to feel confident from the outset.

A welcome lunch or snacks were provided on arrival, giving guests time to relax and socialise before heading out for their first activity.

That evening, the group experienced a night toboggan run, one of St Anton’s most popular winter activities. Descending the mountain under the stars, guests enjoyed a high speed adrenaline rush that set the tone for the days ahead and immediately created shared stories and laughter.

The evening concluded with a three course dinner accompanied by wine, coffee and water, offering a relaxed yet celebratory atmosphere for the first night of the incentive.

Day Two Thursday

Thursday was dedicated entirely to skiing. Guests spent the day exploring the Arlberg region, taking advantage of St Anton’s vast terrain and efficient lift system. For those who needed it, ski lessons were included, ensuring all participants felt supported and able to progress regardless of experience level.

In the evening, the group enjoyed an outside dinner at the Aquila Restaurant. Dining under the alpine sky, surrounded by snow covered peaks, provided an unforgettable setting and a true sense of place. The experience balanced high quality cuisine with a convivial atmosphere, allowing conversations to flow naturally after an exhilarating day on the slopes.

Day Three Friday

Friday mirrored the energy and pace of Thursday, with another full day of skiing across the resort. By this point, guests had grown comfortable with the terrain and were able to fully appreciate the scale and quality of the Arlberg area.

The incentive culminated in a farewell dinner, allowing the group to reflect on the shared experience, celebrate achievements and strengthen relationships. This final evening was an opportunity to reinforce the purpose of the trip, recognising performance while fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation.

Day Four Saturday

On Saturday morning, guests were able to enjoy a final ski session depending on flight times, making the most of every available moment in the mountains. Departures were carefully managed to ensure a smooth journey back to Innsbruck and onward to Gatwick.

Activities and Inclusions

Red Blaze ensured that all essential elements were included within the programme budget. Ski and snowboard passes, equipment and lessons were all covered, removing complexity for both the client and the participants.

An allowance was also provided for one special activity, highlighted by the night toboggan experience, as well as the outside dinner venue. Guests who wished to explore additional activities such as cross country skiing or ice skating were able to do so with supplements applied.

Drinks in apres ski bars and clubs were not included, allowing guests the freedom to engage with St Anton’s famous social scene at their own discretion without impacting the structured programme.

Results and Impact

The incentive ski trip for our IT and Technology client succeeded in delivering far more than a reward. It created an immersive experience that combined adventure, luxury and genuine connection. The carefully chosen destination, distinctive accommodation and thoughtfully paced itinerary ensured that guests remained energised and engaged throughout the trip.

By managing every aspect, from flights and transfers to dining and activities, Red Blaze removed logistical stress and allowed our IT and Technology client to focus on what mattered most, celebrating success and strengthening relationships.

The shared challenges on the slopes, the exhilaration of the toboggan run and the moments of reflection over dinner all contributed to a powerful collective experience. The trip reinforced brand values, rewarded top performers and left participants with memories that will endure long after the snow has melted.

Conclusion

This incentive ski trip to St Anton demonstrated the power of experiential reward when delivered with precision, creativity and insight. Through expert planning and a deep understanding of both destination and client, Red Blaze delivered a seamless and inspiring programme that truly reflected our IT and Technology client’s commitment to recognising excellence.

From the first flight to the final farewell, every detail was considered, every experience purposeful and every moment designed to inspire.

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