A sudden drop in the mercury has made many ski resorts in the mountainous region of Gangwon Province open faster than expected.

With the season just starting, only a few slopes are available as snow-making machines work day and night piling up artificial snow on bare hills.

Overnight temperatures have been going down to -5 degrees Celsius on average, keeping the manmade snow-covered hills intact.

Bargains are available. Some resorts are already offering free ski lessons along with different types of promotions. For many places lodging fees will remain the same as last year despite the need to charge more in these difficult economic times.

The bargain offers target foreign tourists from nearby Asian countries, hoping they will take advantage of the weak won.

Before people start flocking in, the ski resorts are inspecting their ski lifts and safety nets on slopes as last minute touches ahead of the busy months.

Officials say all eight ski resorts in Gangwon Province will be operating by early next month.

Arirang News