Chalet Alena in Verbier, Switzerland

Sometimes, the planets align and all your friends and all their friends want to come skiing, all together, all the same week. For this most convenient of miracles, the chalet in Verbier, Switzerland, is the answer.

Sleeping up to 31 people across 3 luxurious apartments, it’s ideal for large groups, and built to offer complete flexibility. Each apartment is completely self-contained for typical chalet privacy, yet at the same time, everyone can dine (and play) together if they choose, in either of the top apartments where space is ample.

As well as banquet-style meals as one party, you can splash about together in the fabulous 10-metre shared pool, work up a sweat in the gym, and relax in the communal spa with Hammam and massage therapy room. There’s also a billiard room for bonanza tournaments or a just a quiet game for two.

Whether each group keeps themselves to themselves, or skips from floor in the elevator on social visits, each apartment comes with a private chef, host and driver. And really, ‘apartment’ is a misleading term – each spacious floor feels just like a private chalet should, decked out in rustic, chunky wood and old stone, with a gorgeous living area, dive-into sofas and a roaring fire, sumptuous bedrooms and chic bathrooms.

If there are 31 of you staying at the chalet, every day’s a party, especially with the added benefits of a well-stocked DVD library, Sky TV and Wii consoles, and iPod docks in every room. But if you do fancy heading out to sample a few of Verbier’s alternative venues, the town’s renowned après-ski haunts and nightlife are within easy walking distance.