Conference & Meetings World Issue 99 | Page 26

Up in the Alps Meeting on piste CMW, IN COLLABORATION WITH ATOUT FRANCE (THE FRENCH CVB), LED A CONTINGENT OF AGENCIES TO MEGÈVE IN THE FRENCH ALPS FOR A TASTE OF CHEESE, WINE… AND SLEDGING DOWN A MOUNTAIN IN THE DARK. MARTIN FULLARD REPORTS What the agencies say Tim Collett, head of creative, WRG Megève is a truly stunning place, it is easy to understand why many people regard it as one of the most pre-eminent villages in amiliarisation trips can be quite par for the course, but ones that involve skiing always have an extra edge. Of course, there is no shortage of ski resorts which offer delegates the chance to hurtle down the slopes, so destinations must find activities that add variety to the conventional ski trip. At little more than a one-hour drive from Geneva Airport, Megève is a quaint town in the shadow of Mont Blanc. CMW and senior personnel from leading UK agencies were given an opportunity to explore the region. Here is a taste of what incentive activities are on offer: Skiing No trip to the Alps would be complete without the option of going skiing. There is a variety of slopes suitable for skiers of all abilities. Beginners will be pleased to know that there are dedicated slopes available to them at town-level, free from advanced skiers, who will no doubt be exploring the vast network of exciting red slopes. Instructors are easily booked. Snowmobile dining Going out for dinner may seem like a straightforward exercise, but what about dining up one of the mountains, in a small restaurant, at night? Take a snowmobile ride up a ski trail in the dark. 26 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / Mildly hair-raising, it is a tremendously innovative and fun way to get your delegates talking and laughing, although not for the faint-hearted. the Alps. Simon Hambley, CEO, Strata Creative communications It was my first time in Megève and I was impressed. Perfect for a corporate group: accessible, high-quality hotels, intimate, and great Sledging with a difference Once dinner is over and snowmobiles have departed, how about sledging back down the mountain afterwards? It’s not as crazy as it sounds. Once you and your delegates are wearing head torches, an experienced guide will lead you down the mountain, initially on foot, before showing you and your delegates how to ride a ‘yooner’ – a single-ski sledge, on which you balance. It is hilarious good fun and a great icebreaker for delegates in more ways than one. skiing. More importantly, much wider choice of activities that I expected beyond the skiing. Great potential for some amazing incentives and smaller conferences. Ben Turner, MD, WONDER London I had never heard of Megève but I was amazed with what it had to offer in terms of hotels, restaurants and a vast tree-lined ski area which suits any level of ability. The proximity to Geneva airport means this is a great location for short trips, both business and pleasure. I’ve already started planning our 2019 family ski trip to Megève and can’t wait to go again. Dina Green, MD, Corporate & Agency, Freeman EMEA A flight around the Alps For the ultimate view of Mt Blanc why not take a flight? No, not on a commercial airliner, but in single-prop, four-seater light aircraft. A qualified pilot will take you on a 40-minute trip alongside mountains and high above the skiers in what CMW’s delegation described as one of the best experiences they had ever had. What a stunning place to be. Easy to reach, easy to navigate, loads And more... There is far more to do in Megève, including activities such as curling, ice-skating, a traditional horse-drawn carriage ride around the town, golf, mountain biking, and paragliding. Douglas O’Neill, CEO, Inntel ISSUE 99 to do with great facilities to suit most client requirements. Lizzy Dring, Director, Right Angle Corporate Megève is a stunning location which I would have no hesitation in recommending to our corporate clients. It’s perfect for both small and large groups and would suit both the incentive market as well as being ideal for large conferences and team events. Megève is certainly on our radar as a ‘hot’ location for 2019. Megève is a wonderful resort, not only does it have great skiing but plenty of activities for those that do not ski or want to enjoy a little less skiing such as the ice rink, a charming village, flights around the mountains and of course plenty of restaurants and bars.