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
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