Despite the war, foreign tourists choose Bukovel for their winter vacation. Why and for what

Bukovel ski resort is the most popular winter destination in Ukraine for skiing holidays. Every year, the number of tourists to Bukovel increased by several percent. Before the full-scale invasion, the percentage of foreign tourists ranged from 30 to 50%. In the first years of the full-scale war, these figures came to naught. The 2023/2024 season showed that foreigners are ready to resume their trips to Bukovel despite the threatening situation. Pre-war levels have not been reached, but the beginning of the 2024/2025 winter season is quite active and busy. We remind you that this year the ski lifts at the Bukovel ski resort started operating on December 12.

What Bukovel has that other ski resorts don't

It's hard to compare Bukovel with other ski resorts in Ukraine. Only Dragobrat can boast a higher level of picturesque panoramas. In terms of variety and level of services, Bukovel ski resort outperforms even popular foreign locations, such as Zakopane in Poland or some resorts in Austria. We'll tell you what Bukovel has that other ski resorts in Ukraine don't.

Developed infrastructure and a wide range of services

Bukovel is famous for its well-developed infrastructure: shops, cinemas, restaurants, spas, children's rooms, and many types of active winter recreation. Almost any entertainment you dream of can be found and ordered in Bukovel. Have you ever gone skiing with a helicopter? No? This can be your next achievement in Bukovel. Snowboards, snow bikes, snowmobiles, tubing, horses, etc.

You can go to the resort in your slippers and find everything you need for a comfortable ski vacation, or you can never stand on skis and, thanks to ski schools, reach a good level during your vacation.

Thanks to the developed infrastructure and a wide range of services, everyone can get an impression in Bukovel, regardless of age, dreams, financial capabilities, and awareness.

The resort pays special attention to children. During the winter season, there are ski schools with group and individual lessons for children, various playgrounds where children can be left under the supervision of a nanny, as well as entertainment programs both in the open air and in restaurants and hotels.

Quality of pistes and number of lifts

Bukovel's slopes are compared in quality to those of the best ski resorts in Austria. Bukovel is the only ski resort in Ukraine equipped with snow cannons for all slopes, which allows the ski season to open in late November or early December and close in late April. The slopes are lighted, patrolled, and meet high standards.

Bukovel's slopes are located on three peaks and are serviced by 16 multifunctional lifts and a multi-lift. It's hard to imagine, but the lifts can serve more than 3,000 skiers per hour. Bukovel's ski slopes have a total capacity of 12,000 people at a time. Most of the slopes are of red difficulty level and both beginners and professionals are satisfied.

Wide price range and variety of rental housing

If we talk about hotels in the resort of Bukovel, the price range for a double room can vary from 1,600 UAH to 20,000 UAH and more. It all depends on the level of the hotel, the list of services provided, the proximity of the ski lifts, and the level of luxury and content of the room itself. And the opportunity to visit Bukovel from neighboring villages opens up the option of a budget vacation. The situation is the same with shops, cafes and restaurants. A wide gastronomic scene allows you to rent an apartment and cook on your own, or pay a larger amount and relax with 3 meals a day at the hotel or eat at VIP restaurants.

Foreign tourists often preferred Bukovel before the full-scale invasion because they could get a higher level of ski vacation at a cheaper price. After all, resorts in Austria are much more expensive given the exchange rate. And now this is one of the reasons why foreign tourists return to Bukovel, even despite the current threat and the continuation of a full-scale war.

Climate

Bukovel's mild climate is a big plus for winter tourists. The mountains are located in such a way that strong winds are rare. If we compare Dragobrat, the risk of getting into uncomfortable weather conditions is many times greater than in Bukovel. The average winter temperature is down to -5 degrees Celsius, which is very comfortable for skiers. January is considered the coldest month at the resort.

What can negatively affect your vacation in Bukovel

You can't please everyone. But the resort of Bukovel does have drawbacks that can ruin your winter vacation. For example, queues and prices for ski lifts. During the hot season, you can stand in line for about 40 minutes. This can be quite annoying, because the price of a season ticket from 1,000 to 2,200 UAH, even a single ride of 350 UAH, is quite significant for Ukrainians. There are several options to avoid such a pleasant experience. You can choose to ride the slopes outside of rush hour. It can be early, lunchtime, or evening skiing.

Your vacation in Bukovel will be really unpleasant if you want a good level of accommodation or food for "three cents". When you go on vacation to Bukovel, it's better to check the prices in restaurants, carefully consider renting a house and think about how you want to build a budget vacation. Sometimes it's better to overpay for a hotel and get additional experiences and services so that your vacation consists of more than just skiing. For example, you can book a room in a hotel with a swimming pool, but it will be more expensive to add this option to your vacation separately. Or you can book a hotel with maximum content for children, and then your family vacation will be a little cheaper.

Injuries can be another reason for a bad vacation and large expenses. All foreigners have ski insurance, so we advise you to take out this type of protection before your vacation.

Think carefully about getting to the resort if you plan to travel by public transport. It's worth booking a hotel shuttle or making a plan with a bus schedule.

The 2024/225 ski season in Bukovel has started. We wish you a good vacation without worries.