As well as offering a lot of fun, the potential health benefits of a skiing trip to Meribel shouldn’t be ignored. If you want a trip that is highly enjoyable and also leaves you feeling fantastic then a short break in this French Alps resort could work wonders for you.

So, what are the main health benefits to look out for and how can you best take advantage of what Meribel has to offer? The truth is that there are numerous reasons for spending a healthy and action-packed break here.

Skiing for Strength and Flexibility

To start with, skiing is one of the very best sports around for someone who wants to get fitter and stronger, while it is also fantastic for helping you to lose weight if that is something you want to do. The number of muscles that you use while out skiing means that it is a very comprehensive type of work out that works pretty much the whole body.

The health benefits are increased if you walk up the slopes rather than using the ski lifts every time, and also if you carry out a lot of skiing each day. Your stomach muscles and legs are among the parts of the body that will feel the most benefit, but it is really a complete workout that will make you feel tired but fantastic afterwards.

In terms of the calories burned off while skiing, estimates vary but you can expect to lose between 400 and 600 calories with an hour of this activity. This makes is one of the most enjoyable and effective ways of losing weight around.

The location of Meribel is also ideal for an active break, as the vast amount of slopes in the massive 3 Valley ski area means that you can get a lot of variety to keep things fresh. Working out in the region’s off piste areas is so enjoyable that it seems nothing like hard work or exercise at all.

Eat Well to Feel Good

Of course, getting in some exercise is just part of the solution when it comes to finding healthy short ski breaks that you love going on. It is also important to eat well in order to feel good.

It would do you little good to work out on the slopes all day long and then eat lots of unhealthy food later on. In this respect it is great to see that Meribel offers many great opportunities for eating healthily while enjoying your meals.

The cuisine in this part of the French Alps is wholesome and based around fresh, natural ingredients. There are also fast food options too, but if you want good, natural food then you won’t have to look far to find it.

There are numerous excellent restaurants in the town where you can get tasty food that gives you lots of energy and makes you feel ready to get back out on the slopes. Among the top places to try here are La Briz Olee, Le Cro Magnon and Tsaretta.

Relax and Let Your Stress Melt Away

It is undeniable that feeling relaxed and stress-free also plays a bit part in being healthy. These days, the stressful pace of life can make it very easy for us to suffer from illnesses and conditions that spring from being too stressed out.

As soon as you arrive to Meribel you will see how easy it is to relax and feel good here. Your tension and anxiety will just disappear when you look out over the incredible snowy scenery all around you.

If you have been finding it hard to unwind at home then coming here could be the perfect solution for you. Even before you go out on the slopes you can start to feel as though a weight has been lifted from your shoulders.

Once you hit the slopes then the excitement will ensure that you feel far away from the pressures of work and home life. Alternatively, if your idea of relaxing involves going shopping or enjoying the nightlife then there are also plenty of ways for you to do this while you are in Meribel.

Breathe in the Fresh Air

Do you sometimes long to get away from the traffic fumes and the pollution in the city where you live? Air pollution is a big problem in countries like the UK and has been linked to a number of serious health issues, including the likes of respiratory problems and heart disease.

As soon as you arrive to Meribel you will feel the difference, as you fill your lungs with fresh mountain air. Of course, the French Alps aren’t immune from the air pollution problems that plague pretty much all of Europe right now.

However, the authorities here take great pride in the unspoiled nature of the region, meaning that they have tried out initiatives such as better public transport and even traffic-free zones. If you are coming here from a reasonably big city or town then the air is likely to be noticeably better than it is back home.

Simply getting out in the fresh air and enjoying the natural beauty while feeling healthy and full of life is one of the best things about any trip to Meribel. Many of the best chalets and hotels also have terraces, balconies or gardens from which you can enjoy the fresh air in comfort any time you want to.

If you are planning on a family trip here then this is the sort of destination where you will get to see the kids enjoy the good life in a natural, healthy setting.

Go for a Walk

Skiing isn’t the only exercise that you can carry out while you are enjoying a break here in Meribel. This is also a wonderful town for just walking around in when you want to stretch your legs.

Like many of the very best ski resorts in the Alps, this is an incredibly pretty town that encourages you to head out to explore it. Meribel typically has a lively, bustling atmosphere that makes it great fun to stroll around.

Before you know it, you will be browsing in the local shops and taking some brilliant photos of the stunning scenery all around you. You might settle for a gentle stroll in this way but what if you decide that you want some exercise with something a bit more strenuous?

The good news in this case is that there are dozens of high quality walking routes that you can try around the town.  In fact, you can hike along around 25km of well-maintained and clearly signposted walking paths around the town.

Among the best trails here you will find the relatively new Plan Des Main Walk and a host of others. It is possible to use the ski lifts to get out further from your accommodation before starting an adventurous hike.

There are so many reasons for heading to pretty Meribel to enjoy a healthy break that there is sure to be one that is right for you. No matter what you enjoy doing, there is something here that you can get a lot of pleasure from while treating your mind and body at the same time.

 

Image source:
Image 1 – http://es.freeimages.com/photo/ski-air-1-1386324
Image 2 – Matt Squirrell – https://flic.kr/p/61i5AZ