Day 71: Christmas in July at The Baldpate Inn

What is more fun than decorating for Christmas? Since we are closed during the winter, we didn’t want to miss out, hence Christmas in July! Noting this 1922 news story, our recent promo is not a new idea.

Our dining promotions have always been sort of a marketing idea, but intended as fun for the staff as well. An initial aspect of our Christmas in July celebration was our behind the scenes staff competition (who can sell the most gift shop items). When our cooks commented that they really couldn’t compete, we brainstormed how to get them involved.  Competition for specially decorated Christmas cookies for our B&B guests' nightly snacks was the first plan.

Somewhere along the way we decided on an even better idea ~ Gingerbread Houses!  With a cook or manager heading each team, the competition took on a whole new level.  Not to be left out, we decided our guests could be the judges to join in the fun. (Our resident Santa seemed perhaps a little biased!)

Our cooks are responsible for the basic shape, then only imagination is the limit! 

Yes, we have added some basic rules over the years, to limit size and edible-ness, along with, "Don’t eat the gummi bears off your opponent’s house."

Team bonding happens for sure, but also it has been a fun culture-sharing event especially for our international staff.


Of course the winning team loves the special bragging honors!

Written by Lois Smith

Day 18: Staff Memories: Team Building Rocky Mountain Style (National Employee Appreciation Day)

Working and living in close quarters with a small group of diverse people makes it especially important to respect each other and work as a team. At the start of the season, Innkeeper Lois wisely plans team building activities, as a fun way to get to know each other and begin our work together. It is also a marvelous opportunity to get to know the area and attractions around The Baldpate Inn. 

Rock climbing is a popular activity in Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park region. The encircling awe-inspiring mountains and jutting rock formations have inspired climbers of all eras. I imagine there was plenty of scrambling going on in 1917, at the inception of The Baldpate Inn, and probably quite a bit right around the inn itself. 

At the beginning of one of the summers that I staffed (1999), we all spent a gorgeous blue sky day rock climbing at “The Thumb and Thimble.” Baldpate staff of all ages and experience donned harnesses and gazed up the rock face, which seemed much larger when standing directly below it. Our professional guides insured we were safe as we faced the challenge and thrill of making it to the top of the rocks. As each staff member scaled the pink and gold precipices, there were many cheers of encouragement. Conversations struck up between staff members as they soaked in the sun, awaiting their turn. Laughter echoed around the rocks, and friendships were formed. 

 

At the end of the day, it was not most important who made it to the very top. We had shared the joy of a beautiful day outside, challenged ourselves and came away smiling. We gained an appreciation for each other and for the beautiful landscape, which we would take with us far beyond that summer.

Are you a staff member with wonderful memories of Baldpate Inn Staff team building? Tell us about it in the comments below.  

Written by Liz Rodgers