Each met by EXP Guides, a group of 70 colleagues and family members arrived at Jackson Hole Airport at staggered times, and were whisked away on a scenic mountain drive to begin their retreat, welcomed first by the towering peaks, crisp alpine air, and winding roads.
This high-performing corporate team came to EXP to break down traditional work-life boundaries, inviting families to meet the colleagues their loved ones spend so much time with. Over the five days, EXP helped them to create a much more personal, connected workplace and strengthened their sense of community. And, from the moment they landed, EXP anticipated every need and managed every detail, allowing the entire group to fully relax, engage, and make the most of this unique experience free from any distractions of trip logistics.
Taking in the dramatic beauty of the Wild West
Far from sterile boardrooms, the retreat focused on connection, energy, and conversation — against the backdrop of the wild beauty of the American West. Over the long weekend, EXP Guides brought the Wild West to life through thoughtfully designed group experiences, balanced with pockets of free time that allowed each guest to enjoy adventures of their own choosing.
Throughout the retreat, a dedicated photography team was also on hand, documenting the activities as they unfolded and capturing the energy and connection of a weekend when the group came together without the demands of the daily grind and office hustle.
A Happy Hour Arrival
Once everyone arrived, late afternoon eased them into the trip’s itinerary with a welcoming happy hour at their retreat base, Teton Mountain Lodge. The lobby and the cozy Four Pines Room were the ideal spaces for the welcome; conversations flowed as well as the cocktails, and the atmosphere was perfectly set for what lay ahead.
The entire group settled into the Lodge, into suites complete with mountain and valley views, with each feeling more like an alpine residence than a hotel room. Blending the American West with European-inspired alpine aesthetics, Teton Mountain Lodge had everything they needed and more for the retreat. On the first evening, they enjoyed carefully selected reservations at restaurants across Teton Village and Downtown Jackson Hole.
A First Taste of the Tetons
The morning began in the Teton Room with a breakfast set against a rustic, inviting backdrop. As a family-friendly corporate retreat, the children were just as much part of the itinerary as the adults.
The standout moment for the group was a custom-designed adventure race that welcomed participants of all ages and ability levels, bringing younger children and senior executives together to compete and collaborate. In this high-energy, choose-your-own-adventure challenge, teams explored the greater Jackson Hole area, navigating between locations and completing a series of park ranger–inspired tasks — from landmark photo hunts and species identification to fire-building, fishing skills, local food challenges, and even a bug-eating test of bravery. Over four hours of teamwork and friendly competition, teams raced to earn points, wrapping the experience exhausted, exhilarated, and fully connected.
Adventuring and team building through Jackson
Bug tasting challenge for extra points
Outdoor skill–based tasks for the badge
A Trip Up to the Summit
After the race, afternoon activities began, and some members of the group took the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram to the mountain summit (at 4,129 vertical feet), where they were rewarded with breathtaking mountain scenery and a glimpse of the landscapes they would soon explore. Meanwhile, others enjoyed the Lodge’s standout wellness center to rejuvenate before the company’s welcome experience and dinner.
After the company’s retreat introduction and outline for the days ahead, the evening ended with a stargazing session, where corporate insights were set aside in favor of the vast, clear alpine night sky.
American West Adventures
After breakfast, and once some of the younger children were settled in the Lodge’s playroom, the groups then set off for their morning activities. First up was a Yellowstone National Park tour, a perfect introduction to the area.
Yellowstone’s raw, volcanic power
The group met with EXP Guides and, after a briefing, was led through epic landscapes with extensive mountain and river views along the way, splitting into smaller groups for ease and a more personalized experience. The tour began at Yellowstone’s world-famous geothermal features, home to over 500 geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mudpots.
From the natural features that shaped the landscape to the wild residents, the tour focused on Yellowstone’s abundant wildlife, with short guided hikes and ample photography opportunities—spotting bighorn sheep, buffalo, and more. Before the afternoon’s activity, a delicious and well-deserved catered picnic awaited them.
Onwards, to a local ranch at the base of The Tetons, there was then an opportunity for some of the group to enjoy guided horseback riding and be introduced to Jackson Hole’s horse culture by seasoned wranglers. After a safety orientation and saddle adjustments, the trail led them through forests, meadows, and alpine valleys. EXP Guides shared insights on the area and set the pace to ensure everyone could enjoy the ride, including first-time cowboys and cowgirls.
Learning the ropes alongside wranglers
After a refresh back at the Lodge, the evening’s entertainment for the entire group was a rodeo VIP experience and dinner at the legendary Jackson Hole Rodeo. A tradition since 1890, this activity made for a perfect ending to a day in the American West. Getting the opportunity to go behind the chutes where the cowboys prepare was a great added touch for the colleagues and family members.
Western traditions, VIP style
Evening thrills at the rodeo
Up Close With Nature
Reflecting on yesterday’s events, the group enjoyed another hearty breakfast together, then split into smaller groups for activities. The morning’s options included the choice between an exhilarating ATV tour through rugged trails or a mountain biking expedition with panoramic, dramatic views.
Four- and two-wheeled fun on the rugged trails
Regrouping from the morning lunch took place at Teton Raptor Center, a conservation experience and a cause close to EXP’s heart, supported by the EXP Foundation. The center offered an introduction to some of Wyoming’s most impressive aerial predators, and the groups met extraordinary birds of prey through up-close encounters with owls, hawks, eagles, and falcons.
A visit to Teton Raptor Center
Face to face with Wyoming’s finest
Afternoon activities continued with adrenaline-inducing options, ranging from via ferrata hiking and rock climbing to thrilling whitewater rafting, while those seeking a quieter pace enjoyed a more tranquil experience on the Snake River.
Taking in the scenery along the Snake River
Casting off into calm waters
A Celebratory Roundup
For the farewell dinner, the colleagues and family members headed to Calico Restaurant for a memorable evening. Set in a rustic building with a storied past, Calico is a classic, welcoming Jackson Hole institution serving Italian-American comfort food, ideal after a full day of adventures. The DJ and karaoke entertainment rounded off the evening, giving the group a final chance to let their hair down and enjoy each other’s company, still far from any conference room.
VIP treatment at Calico
The EXP Journeys team closing out the incredible event
During the long weekend, the corporate retreat experience delivered a powerful return on employee engagement, team connection, and long-term loyalty. The company’s goal of working with EXP was to raise the bar beyond what they could achieve alone to create a purpose-filled trip full of memories, and this retreat did just that.
A final breakfast and goodbyes were held on the final morning, with stories and reflections from the previous days shared. As everyone departed at their own pace and made their way to the airport by private transfer, it was clear this well-designed retreat had struck the ideal balance, demonstrating that inspiration and creativity can thrive away from the desk and that work and play can coexist. Not only were stories of the American West brought home, but a deeper relationship also formed across the team.
Hats off to a successful retreat
