While figures from Irish ski specialist DirectSki report that the most in-demand resorts are still located in the Alps and Andorra, eastern European locations such as Pamporovo are becoming increasingly popular, especially as they are much cheaper than their wellknown counterparts. With Bulgaria scheduled for EU entry this January it is a particularly topical location at the moment.

"Bulgaria is an extremely popular ski destination as it offers some of the best value for money in Europe, " says Robert Jenkin, director of Bulgarian Dreams. While the resorts may not be as glamorous as some of their Alpine competitors, Bulgaria's main selling point is that you can enjoy your skiing experience for a fraction of the price. The property is cheap and so too are the ski facilities. Where else would you get a full ski pack, ski school and lift pass for 500?

Last year the 2005/2006 winter season saw a 22% increase in visitors, and this year an estimated 800,000 to one million are expected. One of Bulgaria's best-known resorts, Bansko, is located in the southwest of the country, at the foot of Pirin Mountains and, stretching from December to May, it has the longest ski season in the country. The resort has been particularly popular with UK skiers. This year some large tour operators have increased their bookings tenfold.

At 925m above sea level, Bansko's highest peak is Vihren at 2,914m and the ski pistes are located in two main ski centres, Chalin Valog (1,1001,600m) and Shiligarnika (1,700-2,500m). The pistes are 10km above the town and accessible within 25 minutes on the new gondola lift. The 14 pistes measure 65km in total, with the longest being 7km.

There are plans to add an additional 30km of slopes. For those with a passion for extreme sports, Bansko is also home to the Balkans' first snowboard fun park.

Independent local property agents in the area estimate that the average price of a property in Bansko is 67,511 and many properties have guaranteed rental returns of up to 12%. At the start of December the mayor of Bansko announced a moratorium on all building permission in Bansko, meaning demand is likely to go up now supply has been capped.

While Bansko may be the most popular, the ski resort of Borovets, dating back to 1896, is one of the oldest winter retreats in Bulgaria. On the northern slopes of the Mousala mountain ridge, it is 1,390m above sea level, with its highest pistes rising to 2,600m.

There are 19 runs, with a total length of 40km, the longest being 5.8km. Expert skiers will enjoy the black runs at Markujik or the world cup run at Yastrebets, which is particularly challenging.

Learners and those in need of a refresher course can avail of the Borovets Ski School.

Property prices in Borovets are more competitive than in Bansko, with average prices being 54,330 and the average rent per week for a threebed chalet is approximately 809 in high season.

Bulgaria's third major ski resort is Pamporovo, located at approximately 1,650m above sea level in the western Rhodopi mountain range. One of the sunniest Bulgarian ski resorts, it receives more than 240 sunny days a year.

With a total of 25km of pistes, the highest run is located at 1,937m, the longest being 3.8km. There are a number of different levels, with the most difficult run known as 'The Wall'. Property prices in Pamporovo vary depending on their distance to the ski lifts but the average price of an apartment is a reasonable 36,026.

The ski season in Bulgaria lasts from December until May. However, in order to extend the rental potential, most property developments have added golf courses, spa facilities and even casinos to try to extend the season.

Previously prices in Bulgaria were reportedly growing at 30-40%, but a more reasonable 10-15% per year is currently being quoted. With forthcoming entry to the EU and a limit currently being placed on development in Bansko, it will be interesting to see what affect these issues have on prices in 2007.