
In western Ukraine lie the Carpathians — a mountain range that, in terms of beauty and opportunities, is on par with popular winter destinations in neighbouring countries. And although Ukraine is not always associated with winter sports, in reality there are several resorts here that can impress even experienced skiers.
The most popular and best known is, of course, Bukovel — the largest ski resort in Eastern Europe, which has long become a brand thanks to the scale of its infrastructure. Today it is a modern complex with dozens of slopes of varying difficulty, state-of-the-art lifts, year-round entertainment, and the atmosphere of a large winter city. Due to its popularity, Bukovel is also one of the most expensive ski resorts in Ukraine. Other, more budget-friendly alternatives that nevertheless do not lag far behind in terms of infrastructure and number of activities include Drahobrat, Slavske, Yaremche, and Myhove.
Drahobrat is the highest-altitude winter resort in Ukraine, located at 1,500 metres above sea level, which is why snow lasts the longest here — usually from November until April–May. Drahobrat is situated quite far from populated areas, and getting here is somewhat more difficult than reaching other resorts, but the fair reward for tourists is the chance to experience the true silence and wildness of the mountains. With more than 20 slopes, including famous freestyle runs of international significance — some of which pass through forested areas — lovers of extreme skiing will certainly appreciate this place.
The Slavske resort, whose elevation ranges from 1,100 to 1,200 metres above sea level, combines an authentic Carpathian spirit with well-developed infrastructure. It is comfortable both for those who come for nature and atmosphere and for those seeking active recreation. The resort stands out for having the longest chairlift in Ukraine, its status as a training base for Olympic athletes, and a wide selection of slopes, which makes it unique among other Ukrainian locations. The mild mountain climate also makes holidays here pleasant and comfortable.
Yaremche is an authentic Carpathian town that is ideal for a calm family holiday and for taking first steps in skiing. There are only two slopes here, both designed for beginners. And for those looking for more than just skiing, Yaremche offers the Probii Waterfall, the Dovbush Trail — a scenic circular route to rock formations with breathtaking views of the Carpathians — and a well-known souvenir market.
For everyone interested in discovering the authentic character of the mountain region, the Myhove resort is an ideal place for a winter holiday. It is a relatively young resort with four ski slopes, one of which is specially equipped for snowboarding. There are also slopes of international standard and routes certified for competitions.
All these resorts showcase different faces of the winter Carpathians: from the high-mountain wilderness of Drahobrat to the family-oriented tranquillity of Yaremche or the developed infrastructure of Slavske and Bukovel. They are located in different regions, so travelling between them offers a unique opportunity to experience the diversity and authenticity of various parts of Ukraine, each with its own character and style of hospitality.
Written by

Olha Yatsyshyna
Philologist, PhD in Pedagogical Sciences, lecturer at Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatyuk National Pedagogical University. Olha researches the internationalization of higher education and intercultural communication.
Translated by

Mike Svystun
Software developer, entrepreneur.
