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Cheaper Downhill Run On the Slopes Can Start By Checking the Net

For ski enthusiasts eager to get away for a weekend on the slopes, one of the biggest drawbacks can be the price of a pass for the ski lift. Season tickets, which guarantee a ride throughout the winter, or 10-ticket sets are just too expensive for some skiers.

Now, since ski resorts are unwilling to provide discounted passes, snow buffs are turning to the Internet to provide cheaper passes.

And some Web sites have come up trumps, offering passes at significantly reduced prices. The best of them are JoongAng Ilbo (http://joins.com), Hodo Tour (www.82ok.com or 02-753-8243), Netports (www.netports.co.kr or 02-3474-3447) and Nexfree (www.nexfree.com or 02-561-7310).

If your Korean is rusty, however, you may have to recruit a friend to help your research － these sites are available in Korean only.

The site operators have bought up passes for the ski lifts and are reselling them at knockdown prices ranging from 25,500 to 28,000 won ($21 to $23) for a daily pass.

There are other benefits as well. Some sites are offering customers the chance to win free use of other facilities.

For example, Hodo Tour is offering accommodations in ski hotels and service apartments, among other travel packages, in its "10 Won Auction Festival."

During the week visitors submit five numbers to be included in the draw, which is held every Sunday at noon. The top prize goes to the lucky candidate who entered the five numbers closest to the numbers selected in each week's "Sunday Lotto" on television.