Bansko sits in the Pirin mountains around 160 kilometres from Sofia. At more than 900 metres above sea-level, Bansko is Bulgaria's most modern ski centre with 64 kilometres of runs. It has the best snow record and the longest ski season - from December to April - of all Bulgarian ski resorts and has seen a huge amount of investment over the past few years.

Bulgarian builder and developer HHB Holiday Homes has released 70 studios and apartments at the Pinewood Ski Lodge and Health Spa at the foot of the mountain and a five-minute walk to the Gondola and the forest.

Stephen Dainty, managing director of HHB Holiday Homes, says: "This will be one of the last opportunities to purchase off-plan apartments at these prices in such a fantastic location close to the forest and within easy walking distance to the Gondola."

Prices at Pinewood start from £28,000 for a studio, around £48,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and from £85,000 for a two-bedroom apartment.

If you want a property where you can enjoy the best of both worlds – ski in the winter months and sun in the summer, a property in Granada, Spain, could be the answer.

When most people think about the Spanish province of Granada skiing probably doesn't come to mind. But the south-east region of Granada in fact offers the most southerly ski station in Europe and a reliable ski season from December to April in the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

The Sierra Nevada National Park is 862 square kilometres offering 67 marked downhill runs totalling 76 kilometres as well as snowboarding facilities, tobogganing and sledging runs and a cable car. The Sierra Nevada ski station at Pradollano, 33 kilometres south east of Granada city is one of the largest and most popular resorts offering slopes for both beginners and experts alike.

Granada airport has daily direct flights from the UK, meaning there is a demand for nearby rental accommodation. This, combined with the popularity of traditional Spanish properties inland, has led to increased interest in properties in the Granada province.

Christina Sanchez, of Spanish agent 1 Casa, comments: "Granada offers a great opportunity for property investment. Prices are lower than the national average and properties in need a little TLC can be picked up from as little as £15,600. Properties with one hour's drive from the ski resorts are highly sought-after, both as holiday homes and buy to let properties."

The agency is currently marketing a four-bedroom, two-bathroom property located 50 minutes from Granada in the picturesque village of Alcala La Real. Prices start from £189,720.

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Article first published 16 November 2006