Skiing or boarding enthusiasts who relish adrenaline coursing through their veins whilst pushing their bodies to the limit would be well advised to pay a visit to the winter wonderland of Chamonix. The resort nestles in the French Alps, dwarfed by the formidable Mont-Blanc and offering fantastic scenery and more 90 miles of prepared sloped and trails spread over six areas. And of course, there's the powder snow.

The season kicks off in December when sufficient snow cover allows the mountainside to come alive with snaking trails of skiers and boarders of all ages and abilities. Those who are a little shaky on their skis should head for les Chosalets, les Planards, les Pelerins, le Glacier du Mont-Blanc, le Savoy and the nursery slopes of la Vormaine.

Once you've built up your confidence and got your ski legs in good working order then put your snowploughs into practice on the sweeping green and blue runs of Le Tour and Vallorcine at the northern tip of the Chamonix valley. Teenage snowboarders may also want to show off on the ramps and jumps in snow park at Mont Tremblant.

But those raring to get their teeth into something a bit more meaty should make tracks to Les Grands Montets to take on one of the world's greatest runs on the Vallee Blanche glacier. The Sea of Ice, the highest lift-served vertical descent in the world with a drop of 6,800 feet is an experience not to be missed. The area is an enduring favourite with powder skiers as well as boarders and should enthral all those who like a challenge with its web of black runs.

For those who like their springtime ski-touring, the Flégère area should provide groomed pistes with stunning views of the Mer de Glace and the Mont-Blanc range. And if aching muscles lead you take a day off then you can still satisfy any adrenaline cravings or simply marvel at the landscape with a paragliding trip or, if you're feeling extravagant, a helicopter ride.

But Chamonix is also as famous for its après-ski as it is for its powder snow. Live music kicks off in many of the cafes and bars by late afternoon and continues until exhaustion kicks in and your bed starts calling. Those who want to keep on going till dawn will be pleased to note that generally bars and clubs shut up shop at around four in the morning.

And if a day on the slopes is not enough, there are also a range of sports and leisure facilities including an outdoor ice rink, indoor swimming pools, squash and tennis courts and a bowling alley. Those with money to burn could also pay a visit to the local casino.

Depending on snowfall, the season lasts until early May, offering plenty of scope to escape peak time crowds to spend time on the slopes rather than the queue for the chairlift. Lift passes can run from one to 15 days to give unlimited access to all areas within the Chamonix valley.

Chamonix is very much a ski hard, play hard type of place but when you've got amazing snow and fantastic nightlife on your doorstep, it seems a shame to waste time sleeping.