Faraya, Lebanon  - Models in thongs and lacy bras graced the catwalk over the weekend at the foot of snow-covered slopes in Lebanon to promote the country's much-delayed ski season.

Despite chilly weather, the sunny terrace of the five-star Intercontinental Mzaar Hotel was packed with a curious audience, mostly men, waiting to watch models displaying the latest swimwear, thongs and nightgowns on the slopes of Faraya, north-east of Beirut.

"I am here with my husband. We heard about this fashion show, and we decided to come and spend the weekend in Lebanon to ski and watch this interesting fashion show," said a Saudi woman, who refused to give her name.

For others who were from Lebanon, the fashion show was an "original" idea to start the ski season.

"We in Lebanon have creative people, and such events are nice, trendy and original, and we enjoy beauty even in such cold weather," said Sarah Baydoun, a Lebanese fashion designer.

Snow plays a crucial role in the identity of Lebanon. Many Arab states are known for their deserts, but Lebanon - dubbed the Switzerland of the Middle East - is famous for its ski resorts, which attract tourists from December to February from all over the Arab world and Europe.

This year, the lack of snow has delayed the season until March, after a winter storm last week dropped snow on Lebanese slopes.

According to Moussa, a ski instructor, the fashion show has helped bring people to the slopes again.

"We usually depend on February and March to earn extra money, but this year it came very late," he said.

Shopowners reported suffering from the late season, with sales dropping by 50 per cent from last year.

Hotel and restaurant owners are convinced that the fashion show and other special events will bring their sales up.

"We put on special events such as night skiing, ski shows, competitions and fashion shows to promote the season. We also encourage tourism packages including travel, lodging, skiing, cave explorations and archaeological visits," said Nader Razouk, an organizer for winter events in Faraya.

"I do believe that such original ideas will attract more tourists this month, and Lebanon will reclaim its title as Switzerland of the Middle East." (dpa)