Banner Elk, NC – The effects of the unique “Frankenstorm” marching up the East Coast just became even more peculiar as one North Carolina ski resort plans to start its season this week using snow produced by Hurricane Sandy.

Sugar Mountain Ski Resort in Banner Elk plans to open on Halloween, this Wednesday, for skiing and snowboarding. In its 43-year history, Sugar Mountain Resort’s earliest opening was on November 5th in 1976.

The mega storm which continues to pound the East Coast is ushering in winter in the North Carolina mountains. Three inches of natural snow have fallen already with more than eight inches expected. Snow continues to fall while temperatures are forecasted to remain in the low to mid-twenties through Wednesday.

Snowmaking began at Sugar Mountain on Sunday evening and continues around the clock. On Wednesday, skiers and snowboarders can expect a natural and manmade powder surface covering the Upper and Lower Flying Mile slopes. The Summit #1 Lift will be in operation to its three-quarter station.