Operating in the Alpine environment is both a rewarding and an exhausting business. Ever since my first Alpine adventures over twenty years ago, the notion (and importance) of the ‘Alpine Rest Day’ has been instilled in me by my various mentors, yet remains lacking from any instruction books. This short article aims to plug that gap.
Whether ski touring, hiking or climbing, the long days, altitude changes, early starts, and extremes of weather all take their toll on the body. Added to this are the mental strains of decision making, safe route choice, negotiating objectives dangers, assessments of snow conditions, weather forecasting and monitoring. These are all fundamental skills that are necessary to journey safely in the mountains, but the shift in size and scale from the UK to the Alps magnifies all these decisions and consequences. As such, after several days of activity, it is important as a functioning alpinist, to ensure that both the body and mind receive proper rest in order to maintain peak performance. This scheduled recuperation or downtime is known to mountaineers (or maybe it’s just me?) as ‘The Alpine Rest Day’. A day to be enjoyed almost as much as the time spent in the mountains. A bona-fida rest day set aside for replenishment and relaxation. A day where calorific consumption is king and exercise is limited to gentle stretching and strolling.
Needless to say, excitement levels, general psych and weather conditions will have some bearing regarding the scheduling of the ‘ARD’. Given our vulnerability to the weather, if the conditions of one’s favoured route suggest pushing on and resting on the wet day later in the week, then sometimes the scheduled ARD may have to be pushed back, or forwards respectively. For example, on this particular ski touring trip, we would have ideally had our ARD yesterday, but blue skies and more favourable snow conditions soon put pay to that idea.
Today, however, (as sometimes becomes the case after sustained activity), was a non-negotiable situation. A motion was unanimously passed last night, to dedicate the entire day to rest and recuperation. Laid out below is a brief, tried and tested program of how best to structure and enjoy your Alpine Rest Day having returned to basecamp from a splendid adventure(s) in the mountains:
Firstly, it is important not to wake too early. Ensure all alarms (especially those pre 5.00am Alpine start ones), are turn off and phones are switched to ‘airplane mode’. Ideally, blackout most of the room (tricky in tents!), but allow a small window or gap in the curtains to let in a bit of sunshine in order to aid the process of a smooth and gentle awakening, once sufficient sleep levels have been obtained. Once awake, your next priority is not to rush from bed. Instead, move gently away from horizontal in the company of a large mug of hot water, infused with freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Hot showers and breakfast are your next ports of call, the order of which are down to the feeling of the moment. It is important however that the first meal of the day is healthy, nutritious and most of all, large. For me, (having by now enjoyed the fresh feeling of brushed teeth), the next step involves freshly brewed coffee and a comfortable seat somewhere. Ideally outside, with a view, to benefit from the fresh mountain air. Luckily for us, in this instance, we were able to make use of the refuge balcony for this stage of the process. Some may wish to include some light conversation or the indulgence in a good book, map or music. Just sitting and staring, is fine too.
Sometimes, this outside step may need to be delayed until later in the day and a return to the horizontal may first be necessary. This is perfectly valid and indeed recommended in many cases.
Prior to the ARD, the location of a good bakery should be sought. Your day is likely to, and indeed should, ideally, involve a short stroll ending the consumption of several croissants and at least one pain au chocolate, with an accompanying beverage of choice.
In amongst all this, I suggest seeking out something a little extra, away from the ‘bread’ area of the patisserie, to celebrate your recent successes in the mountains. Personally, I’m a big fan of the rejuvenating qualities of the ‘tart du pomme’ and it should go without saying that cream is ‘obligatory’ as an accompaniment.
Some time should be dedicated to preparing a large, wholesome meal. This could be consumed either at lunch or in the evening, or both, depending on the level of recent activity. Lunchtime hutte soup and baguette is a firm favourite of the fatigued mountaineer, followed by a small mountain of pasta and veg in the evening.
Liquid consumption and re-hydration is important to remember and one should always have a drink to hand during the day. However, as a rule, alcohol, especially during daylight hours is best avoided during this period of regeneration of muscles and mind. Unless of course, it’s high quality chilled champagne, and/or there is additional cause for celebration.
However, it would be considered poor form in much of France, not to accompany your evening feed, with a small glass of local red wine, no matter how tired you are feeling.
So there you have it - the bare bones of a tried and tested formula of high quality ‘Alpine Resting’. Revel in the tiredness and wallow in the memory of your accomplishments. All that remains is to spend the next few days exhausting yourself, adventuring in the mountains, so that you can crash out and do it all again soon!
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