A new layer of snow has fallen on Scotland’s mountains and the ski season at the country's five resorts is in full swing. It is perhaps no surprise that properties under an hour from the Scottish slopes are currently attracting the attention of buyers.

The region is always popular with lovers of the great outdoors, keen to access the scenic opportunities for walking, climbing and mountain biking on a year-round basis. However, during the ski season there is invariably a spike in demand for homes near the snowsports destinations spanning the north of the country from Glencoe and Glenshee, to the Nevis Range in the Highlands, the Lecht Ski Centre and CairnGorm Mountain.

As well as those who work in and around Perth, Aberdeen and Inverness, would-be buyers comprise second-home owners, those looking for a more relaxed life-style, and others buying with holiday lets in mind. Easily maintained and well-presented properties in pretty locations not far from the slopes are therefore in particular demand.

Though snow-dependent, the Scottish ski season usually runs from December to April and in a good year the slopes can attract more than 230,000 skiers throughout the 150 or more days each resort is open for business. Indeed, snowsports are a valuable source of income for the Scottish economy, worth an average of £26 million each year and boosting local businesses across the country.

These properties make ideal bases from which to enjoy a spot of skiing, all within half an hour of a Scottish slope.