Tapering with a View: A Wellness Interlude at Rosenalp Allgäu
Beatrice Lessi
Sometimes, the best kind of training happens when you step back, breathe deep, and let the mountains do the talking. That’s exactly what happened when I joined Slavia Karlen —who was there on review duty—at Rosenalp, a health and wellness haven tucked into the green folds of Oberstaufen, Allgäu. Nestled in one of the most scenic corners of southern Germany, Rosenalp isn’t just a retreat—it’s a way of pressing “pause” on life without feeling like you’re losing momentum.
With a big race looming, I arrived in taper mode—light training, big focus. Rosenalp turned out to be the perfect counterbalance: a space where medical care, sports, spa rituals, community, and even a dash of nightlife swirl together in a kind of alpine harmony. One night you might be chatting wellness trends at the piano bar, the next morning you’re unrolling a yoga mat as mist softens the view of the peaks.
Nutrition is a cornerstone here, with meals built around an alcaline-oriented (base-acid) diet that manages to be both restorative and seriously delicious. Think vibrant dishes that fuel you gently, without the sugar rollercoaster. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were not only good for us—they were just _good_, full stop.
We dove into daily yoga, joined thought-provoking wellness talks, and let ourselves move at half-speed for once. Although we didn’t explore the famed huts or après-hike scene outside the grounds, the lush landscape and restorative rhythm of Rosenalp more than filled our cups.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Sometimes the best prep for a race—or for life—isn’t about going harder. It’s about going smarter, going greener… and maybe, occasionally, dancing at the bar. 🌿🎶
