Destinations > USA > New York
Upstate New York Offsites
Perfect for lovers of nature, wellness, and the great outdoors.
Home to the Finger and Great Lakes, as well as the Adirondack Mountains, Upstate New York is famous for its beautiful landscapes, natural splendors, and untouched wilderness sites. Although the precise boundary is still debated, Upstate New York refers to many towns, cities, and communities located north of the city of Kingston. The region is home to dense woodlands, caves, amusement parks, cities, quaint little towns filled with history, mouth-watering cuisines, wineries, waterfalls, and a wide variety of outdoor activities perfect for any offsite company retreat. Upstate New York is also a popular year-round destination, offering a wide variety of team-building activities regardless of the season. So whether you are visiting to enjoy the fall foliage, to watch the flowers bloom, ski down some beautiful mountain hills, or enjoy the hot weather by the lake, Upstate New York is an excellent option for any offsite company retreat. It is the perfect place for your team to relax and reconnect amid a stunning natural setting.
Why Upstate New York is great for your next offsite
In Upstate New York, the summers are for swimming under waterfalls, hiking through lush forests, swimming in icy cold waters, visiting wineries, and relaxing underneath the stars while making s’mores over the campfire. As the days get chillier and the region is covered in a white blanket of snow, winters are spent skiing down mountains, enjoying après-ski events, exploring local markets, and warming yourself up in front of a fire while drinking hot chocolate. Here teams can find adventures, relaxation, and a chance to bond with one another outside work. Upstate New York offers a wide variety of outdoor and indoor team-building activities, delicious cuisine options, and luxury accommodation that cater to every type of corporate need and want. The region offers gorgeous scenery, a rich history, beautiful, charming, quaint little towns, and special activities all year-round, making it the perfect place for an offsite company retreat.
Sample Upstate New York Offsite Itineraries
Upstate New York Leadership Offsite
Duration: 2-4 nights
Group Size: 5-15 people
Price: starting at $2,500 /person
Lodging: Stay at your own 12-bedroom retreat with its own spa and restaurant on site. Explore the 32 acres including multiple private hiking trails or sit by the far creekside.
Activities: Upstate New York is a place you go to get away from the rush of the city, so do just that and enjoy the property that surrounds you; take a hike, reserve a spot at the spa, indulge in the meal created by your on-site chef, and relax by the fire.
Upstate New York Team Offsite
Duration: 2-3 nights
Group Size: 15-40 people
Price: starting at $2,500 /person
Lodging: For up to 30 rooms, rent out a hotel right one the Hudson Bay. Only two hours from the city you will feel like you are in a different world of luxury and relaxation.
Activities: Take a course at the Culinary Institute of America using locally sourced ingredients or visit one of the many cidery and micro-breweries that are popping up all over.
Upstate New York All-Company Offsite
Duration: 3-4 nights
Group Size: 40+ people
Price: starting at $2,500 /person
Lodging: For the adventure seekers, head to one of the largest resorts in the Catskills that is the perfect jumping off point for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer.
Activities: Staying at one of the largest resorts you have access to many activities that can suite everyone's preferences: Hiking, rock climbing, archery, disc golf, rowboating, fishing, and much more
Best time of the year for an offsite in Upstate New York
As the temperatures start to rise, the springtime signals a transition in the Upstate New York region from a skiing destination to a summer getaway. During this transition, the area experiences a brief tourism lull, with fewer crowds and lower prices. Although the temperatures are rising, ski resorts are still open. The weather, however, can be hit or miss, as some days are warm while others can be pretty chilly. It’s not uncommon or unusual to see snowfall in April or even May.
Spring: (March-May)
Upstate New York has warm summers. However, it does tend to be humid. This is also the best time to visit the region if you want to experience everything it offers. Summer is famous for its outdoor dining, food festivals, concerts, and outdoor activities. This is also the high season, so expect crowds and increased prices.
Summer: (June-August)
Autumn: (September-November)
Fall in Upstate New York is a popular time to visit, especially during Columbus Day weekend. The fall foliage is beautiful; it is crisp jacket weather, not too hot, yet not too cold.
Winter: (December-February)
The winter weather in Upstate New York is not as miserable as you would believe, although temperatures do drop below freezing. The region experiences an average snowfall of around 70 inches during the wintertime, perfect for outdoor winter activities like skiing. Winter is also the high season at many of the ski resorts located in the region.
There is no ideal offsite season as Upstate New York can be enjoyed all year round, depending on your company’s needs. Each season has a particular draw to it. However, one of the best seasons in Upstate New York is the summer. The weather is pleasant, the trails are open, the scenery is breathtaking, and Upstate NY offers a range of fun-filled indoor and outdoor activities. Another great time to visit would be during the fall, from September to October.
Ideal Offsite Season
FAQ for Offsites in Upstate New York
What is the closest international airport to Upstate New York?
The closest international airport depends on your corporate retreat location. The capital region of Upstate New York is Albany International Airport (ALB), which is 15 minutes away from the city of Albany.
What type of team-building activities can we do in Upstate New York?
Upstate New York is an outdoor destination offering many team-building and team-bonding activities in nature. Your team can participate in unique activities, including hiking, ziplining, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, kayaking, dog sledding or hot air ballooning. When team members are not out exploring the great outdoors, other team-building activities include cooking classes, brewery tours, painting classes, or llama hiking. The region also is home to several companies that can organize team events like scavenger hunts.
What types of groups is Upstate New York good for?
Upstate New York is a great offsite retreat location for every type of group. Whether you are looking for accommodations or activities for a big or small group, there are plenty of options for throughout the region region. Upstate New York is also the perfect retreat location for rustic accommodations that offer all-inclusive corporate retreat packages.
What type of budget is good for Upstate New York?
Due to the size of Upstate New York, there are plenty of options available regardless of your company retreat budget. If you want to keep costs at a minimum, opt to book your retreat during the shoulder seasons, as the high season in Upstate NY can be quite costly.