Thirteen Spanish ski resorts set to open in next fortnight – five of them before November's out

A total of 4.74 million people hit the slopes last season, some 6.6% fewer than the previous year, thanks to a snow shortage in the first few weeks and poor weather on some of the slopes, especially those in Aragón where sleet, high winds and snowstorms left the pistes empty on the last few days of the season.

Income from skiers also fell, partly due to a concerted effort on the part of slope managers to keep prices down – the average visitor spent 9% less than the year before - €20.44 instead of €22.53.

Typically, hiring skis, poles and boots comes in at around €17, and a lift pass about €21, with insurance for equipment damage an extra €5 and medical cover €3.

Many ski slopes have private emergency health clinics on site, meaning a SIP card – valid for free healthcare in all State hospitals and GP surgeries in Spain – does not cover treatment at the resort, but a very small fee ensures skiers are covered.

As a result, skiing is relatively affordable in Spain for the infrequent visitor, or more regular participants who have their own equipment.

Some ski stations, including those managed by Aramón.es in Aragón, are already offering discounted lift passes for the entire season at around €360, a substantial saving for those who hit the slopes every weekend.

According to the Association of Ski Station and Mountain Tourism (ATUDEM), if weather conditions and snow levels had been more in its favour last year, the number of visitors would have been around 6.6 million, equal to the best season on record so far, that of 2008-2009.

Provided snow forecasts remain on schedule, six stations will open on Saturday, November 26.

These are the Pyrénéen resorts of Cerler and Formigal, in the province of Huesca, Aragón; Baqueira Beret (Lleida) and La Molina (Girona), both in Catalunya; the Sierra Nevada, in the province of Granada and – although not Spain, very close by – that of Grandvalira in Andorra.

Other than the Sierra Nevada, most ski resorts are in the north of Spain – even in Madrid – and many are a short drive from major cities; Javalambre and Valdelinares, in the province of Teruel, are approximately two hours from Valencia, making a day trip to the pistes very feasible for residents on the Mediterranean coast.

As yet, neither of these has confirmed when they will open, but already, tickets for the 'Bus Blanco' ('white bus') are on sale with trips running from December 5.

The 'Bus Blanco' leaves from Valencia at around 07.00 on weekends and heads straight for Javalambre and Valdelinares, stopping in Sagunto (north of Valencia) en route, and another coach departs at the same time from Zaragoza (Aragón) towards the stations in Huesca.

Deals can include equipment hire and lessons, and offer either day return trips or overnight stays.

December 1 will see another two stations opening in Spain, both in the centre-northern province of León – Leitariegos and San Isidro.

The resort of Boí Taüll, in Lleida, has invested €1.8 million – of which €1.6m was provided by the regional government of Catalunya – in improving its facilities, most of which has been spent on a snow-making machine and another vehicle for flattening the pistes, plus a hands-free access system.

Along with two other Lleida resorts – Port Ainé and Espot Esquí – Boí Taüll will open on December 2.

The last one to confirm its opening date so far is Vallter 2000 in the province of Girona, a short drive from the sun-drenched Costa Brava.

Last year, only the ski stations in the Pyrénées saw an increase in visitor numbers – up by 5.8% to a total of 3.2 million.

An unusually warm start to winter across Europe meant snowfall was dismally lacking at the end of 2015, except in Switzerland and Italy, although even these two countries suffered fewer customers than usual.

French and Austrian ski slopes lost around €5m each.

Spain is frequently overlooked by residents abroad seeking to hit the slopes, since it is a country generally associated with beaches and sunshine; however, deep winter in its northern mountains can be considerably colder than the UK, and the country's excellent facilities at very low prices mean the sport is accessible to all.

Many of the slopes are highly recommended for complete beginners, with lessons available even for those who have never stepped on skis before.

Photograph: Ski slopes in Valdelinares, province of Teruel, Aragón region