The French Alps has always been a top destination for activity freaks - witness the Victorians who were the first to plant their poles on summits such as Grandes Jorasses. But what they didn't have was a place that served up an outdoor hot tub, home cinema, enormous antique fireplace and library, in a contemporary and dirndl-free atmosphere.

And this is exactly where I have found myself! I'm staying in Chalet La Ferme du Bois, in one of Chamonix's chicest chalets (try saying that after one too many), after dinner at my friend Mags' house went horribly, horribly wrong (or horribly right depending on which way you look at it). One too many Mags-strength G&Ts and our alcohol-fuelled minds turned to our favourite pastime - booking holidays. Which is how I left her flat considerably lighter in pocket and booked onto a flight to Geneva two days later. Note to oneself, AMEX cards and Tanqueray 10 do not mix...

Chamonix is only 60-minutes from Geneva airport and is pretty much a year round resort for skiers and Alpinists and is still acknowledged as one of the climbing and skiing capitals of the world. It offers a huge range of activities for adrenalin junkies and spa enthusiasts alike, there's something for everyone - including a mountain guide called Daniel who Mags had an inappropriate crush on last year.

We arrived late on our first night and went into the town centre to the rue Joseph Vallot for a low-key dinner of sushi at Sasuki, the only Japanese restaurant in Chamonix. Even though the décor is basic, the fish is outstanding and the toilets are certainly unique - they add a whole new level to your dining experience, high-tech Japanese style!

We arose early the next day to catch the first lifts. Chamonix is by no means a ski-in, ski-out resort but what other destination can boast both the spectacular, 23km off-piste Vallée Blanche run and the breath-taking views of Mont Blanc from the south facing slopes of La Flègére and Le Brévent?

That evening we went to The Clubhouse, a boutique chalet-hotel, bar and restaurant. As a member of Milk & Honey, London, I am entitled to abuse the facilities of the Clubhouse as they are both owned by the Rushmore group - and it is certainly worth the membership fee. Aside from some of the best cocktails you'll ever drink, the bar stocks a small-but-perfectly-formed selection of wines and Champagnes a world away from the usual après-ski offer of a pitcher of frothy Foster's, a glass of too-young-to-be-drunk local plonk or a shot of no-name, nasty vodka.

Tomorrow we plan to visit the ice caves at the Mer de Glace or 'sea of ice'. It's the largest glacier in France - that's if I can bear to leave the comfort of my oversized bed and if I can tear Mags away from Daniel...