The best month for skiing in the Carpathians. Prices for the 2024/2025 season

The ski season in the Carpathians has already begun, and the closer we get to Christmas and the New Year, the more prices "bite". Oboz.ua tells how long the holiday period will last and when it is more profitable to go skiing in the Ukrainian Carpathians. Read to the end to find out about the most affordable ski vacation destinations in Ukraine.

What is the situation in December and January

The first two months of winter are considered the "hot" season at all ski resorts in the Carpathians. Bukovel, Dragobrat, Palai - no matter what you choose, prices are "festive" for everything from housing to ski lifts. Nevertheless, this is the best time to get the most out of the atmosphere, weather, and the number of services and entertainment. For adults, there are spas, saunas, steam baths, heated outdoor pools, ice rinks, snowboarding trails, sledding, and more. Kids can enjoy ski schools, tubing, amusement parks, playrooms, and the "wonders" around them. The period from January to mid-February is filled with festivals and entertainment events that add to the experience and warm up the festive mood. Holidays or vacations in the winter Carpathians are imprinted in your memory forever, like a fairy tale. Is it possible to save money during this period? Of course you can.

• Choose to stay not in the most popular resort, but in neighboring villages and towns. Usually, transportation from here to the resort and the ski lifts is already organized, so this shouldn't be a problem.
• If you prioritize skiing, you can save money on food by choosing an apartment with a kitchen and close proximity to shops.
• If you are traveling with children, it is better to choose a hotel where a lot of entertainment is included in the room reservation.
• If you plan to spend the maximum number of hours on the slides, you should think about personal equipment. This will reduce rental costs and avoid queues. You can also consider lift tickets.

What is the situation in February and March

The end of November can be included in this period. If snow has not yet fallen or has already melted in your city during these months, this does not affect the ski season in the Carpathians. The fact is that the resort on Dragobrat is located at an altitude of 1,300-1,700 meters above sea level and the snow cover appears in the fall and disappears only in late spring. As for the Bukovel resort, back in 2013, a huge lake was built here, which, together with strong snow cannons, provides a blanket of snow from mid-November to mid-April.

Starting in mid-February, prices for housing and services gradually begin to decline, and the weather remains consistently good. You can still take advantage of the full range of entertainment and services. This period is marked by a decline in the number of tourists, so your vacation will be more relaxing, without spending extra hours in line at the ski lift. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly winter vacation, plan your skiing from mid-February to mid-April. To save even more, use the same tips as for December to mid-February.

Prices at Ukrainian ski resorts for the 2024/2025 season

When choosing your preferred ski resort in Ukraine, keep the following conditions in mind:

• the purpose of your trip. If you are a beginner who just wants to start skiing, or to have a cozy family vacation without increasing your adrenaline level, you can choose one of the mountain villages in the Carpathians, where you will have enough sledges, skates and small hills for skiing;
• the budget of your trip;
• availability of accommodation and train tickets, if you have not taken care of early booking.

Bukovel

A ski giant resort known far beyond Ukraine for its level of comfort, number of services and winter activities, as well as prices that are compared to the ski resort of Zakopane in Poland and rumor has it that Bukovel is in first place.

• Skipass: low season (beginning of the season until December 18 and from March 17 until the end of the season) - 1,000 UAH per day (8.30 - 19.30), high season - 1,700 UAH per day. Three hours can be rented for 650 UAH, and half a day for 800 UAH. Children under 6 years old use the lifts free of charge when accompanied by their parents and have a ski pass.
• One lift ticket costs from 100 to 350 UAH, with discounts for privileged categories.
• Accommodation in hotels in Bukovel: the price per room will range from 1,200 to 25,000 UAH and this is in the low season. In the high season, the price per room is from 1,700 UAH (if there are still such rooms available) to 35,000 per room.
• Food: Breakfast is included in almost all hotels on the territory of the Bukovel resort. However, the average bill for lunch or dinner per person can be from 400 UAH if you eat in restaurants or cafes on the resort's territory.

Dragobrat

The highest ski resort in Ukraine will amaze you with its views and ski slopes.

• Ski pass: adult - 1 900 UAH (50 lifts), children - 950 UAH (50 lifts).
• Accommodation: from 1,300 UAH per room in low season and from 1,700 UAH per room in high season.
• Meals: the average restaurant bill per person is from 400-500 UAH.

Plai

The ski resort of Plai is located in the Lviv region. Its slopes are suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers.

Lifts: 1 day - 880-1100 UAH, half a day 480-600 UAH, one lift from 100 to 170 UAH.

Accommodation: prices for a double room start at 1,600 UAH.

Meals: the average bill is from 400 UAH per person.

Where else to ski in Ukraine and budget competitors to popular resorts

If you like Dragobrat, but budget is a priority, consider the Pylypets resort. Its ski lifts are half the price, and you can find many private estates for accommodation that are cheaper than hotels.

Bukovytsia is a ski resort just 5 km from Truskavets. Here you can use the lifts for 3-4 days for the price of 1 day at popular resorts.

Slavske is recommended for beginners and families with children. Accommodation can be booked from 700 UAH per room, and a day pass will cost from 500 UAH, a single pass from 50 UAH.

Sheshory is one of the most budget-friendly ski vacation destinations in Ukraine. Its three ski slopes and a toboggan run will give a lot of fun to families and couples who want to try a lot of winter activities for relatively little money.