The Power of the Alps
The players from FSV Mainz 05 spent the night in these tents at 2700 metres. Coach Martin Schmidt gave his team a dose of the Belalp spirit.
Born and bred in Upper Valais, now a successful coach and exceptional motivator: Martin Schmidt, coach of the German Bundesliga football team FSV Mainz 05, took his protégés to the limits with snowshoe hikes and winter camping – and motivated them to aspire to peak performance. For Martin Schmidt too, Belalp is a place to recharge his batteries. As a child he used to visit his grandfather and still brings his family here on holiday.
What did you do with the team on Belalp during the training camp?
Martin Schmidt: We climbed 1300 altitude metres on snowshoes up on Belalp. We spent the night in tents, sometimes at ten degrees below zero. It was in part mental training: I always try to create images that help the players stretch their limits.
How did the players respond?
Well, they came by train and caught the PostBus from Brig. Not exactly the kind of treatment that Bundesliga players are used to. But they were totally motivated and went along with it. For many it was the first time they’d ever been in such a majestic mountain landscape, and they were visibly fascinated.
How was the feedback?
The feedback came in the second half of the Bundesliga season: the “Belalp spirit” could be felt everywhere. And one player said: “Thanks, Coach, I saw snow for the first time!”
Were they also allowed to enjoy Valais specialities?
Yes, the famed assiette valaisanne, fondue and Häxucafe were on the menu. Some players requested the wine-free fondue.
What effect do the mountains exert on people?
Mountains impart energy and stir up the motivation to achieve great things.
What did you do with the team on Belalp during the training camp?
Martin Schmidt: We climbed 1300 altitude metres on snowshoes up on Belalp. We spent the night in tents, sometimes at ten degrees below zero. It was in part mental training: I always try to create images that help the players stretch their limits.
How did the players respond?
Well, they came by train and caught the PostBus from Brig. Not exactly the kind of treatment that Bundesliga players are used to. But they were totally motivated and went along with it. For many it was the first time they’d ever been in such a majestic mountain landscape, and they were visibly fascinated.
How was the feedback?
The feedback came in the second half of the Bundesliga season: the “Belalp spirit” could be felt everywhere. And one player said: “Thanks, Coach, I saw snow for the first time!”
Were they also allowed to enjoy Valais specialities?
Yes, the famed assiette valaisanne, fondue and Häxucafe were on the menu. Some players requested the wine-free fondue.
What effect do the mountains exert on people?
Mountains impart energy and stir up the motivation to achieve great things.
The secrets of wild Valais herbs
Next story
