Investors who are looking to buy property in the Swiss Alps usually find themselves considering a variety of factors, such as cost, tenant demand and predictions for seasonal snowfall.

However, for the past 14 months, rules introduced at the beginning of 2007 have been providing yet one more element to consider when planning an Alpine buy-to-let purchase. In Canton Valais, regulations limit the number of property sales to foreigners, decreeing that no more than 1,500 permits can be granted each year. In addition, a new rule now states that a notary cannot sign an official sales deed unless the developer has obtained two documents - a building permit from the Commune and a foreigner purchase permit from the Canton. Also, the rules forbid a property investor from reselling within ten years except in cases of serious health and financial problems.

However, excessive regulations may not be a deterrent to those who are determined to invest in a ski area with a high snowfall in one of Switzerland's most popular tourist areas. Steve Thomas, managing director of Alpine Property Investments, said that although the new rules "have definitely seen an impact", the office has nevertheless received "a large number of enquiries" from interested buyers.

These potential investors have been asking about properties in the four Valley resorts of Haute Nendaz and Les Collons, he said. Haute Nendaz is known for its panoramic views of the Bernese and Vaud Alps, as well as 1,000-year-old larch trees.

Mr Thomas also said that the new rules have been encouraging people to apply for B permits in Valais, which allow them access to properties that they may not have been able to purchase previously. B permits - which allow foreigners to buy property in Valais and resell it immediately - are fairly simple to acquire, particularly for people over 50 who do not need employment in the country.

"These B permits are relatively easy to obtain and clients work directly with a notary who specialises in this field once they know what they wish to purchase," he explained.

At the same time, he suggested that some investors who may not want to apply for a B permit have been looking in other areas of the Swiss Alps. Resorts such as Les Diablerets also have a lot to offer, Mr Thomas said, describing conditions including "125 km of linked skiing" at the village of Villars and a glacier that offers skiing until the end of May.

"The same lift pass allows you to ski both the Leysin and Gstaad ski networks, which are both 30 minutes' drive or ski bus from each other," he added.

A further bonus for property investors is that Les Diablerets offers prices that are 15 to 20 per cent below those of Valais, Mr Thomas claimed. He also noted the "superb traditional village atmosphere" of the area and its proximity to Geneva airport as selling points for those who are looking for a convenient alternative to Villais.

In any case, Swiss tourism seems to show no sign of waning, which certainly supports investment. According to the Swiss Federal Statistics Office, arrivals and stays rose by 5.7 per cent across the country in 2006, with the Valais ranking as the second most popular spot to visit.