Stunning ski resorts near Kyiv, Cherkasy and Poltava: discover budget Bukovel alternatives

If Bukovel doesn't attract you this year, you should consider cheaper and closer options for skiing in Ukraine. The ski resorts of Kyiv, Poltava and Cherkasy will give you the opportunity to enjoy winter sports at the locations offering beautiful snow-white landscapes and excellent service too, but half the price.

According to weather forecasters, frost and snow are expected in central Ukraine in February. Many of the resorts have artificial snow, so you can go skiing even this weekend.

Kyiv

The capital offers more than one option to get on skis and escape from everyday life by mastering the surrounding hills.

VishGora

The complex has all the conditions for comfortable skiing and winter recreation. Equipment rental, slopes and snow cannons - everything is already in full operation. The 220- and 350-meter slopes are serviced by a belt lift, and ski school instructors can help you learn to ski and snowboard. Snow tubing is also a popular pastime at the location, especially among children. The complex also has a spa hotel and a restaurant.

The cost of a ski pass (as of 2022):

• half a day - from 200 UAH ($4,75);
• evening time - from 300 UAH ($7);
• all day - from 600 UAH ($14).

Equipment rental:

• children's ski set - from 100 UAH ($2,30);
• adult ski set - from 150 UAH ($3,50).

Protasiv Yar

The season is open from December 15. The complex operates as a training base for the Ukrainian national skiing and snowboarding teams, as well as a winter recreation center. There are 4 slopes on the territory: 150 m for children, 275 m for beginners, 500 m for intermediate skiers, and 320 m for professional and confident skiers. Two ski lifts (single and double) take skiers to the mountain, and a ski school helps to master winter sports and improve the level to avoid injuries. There is a snowpark with jumps and interesting obstacles on the territory.

The cost of a ski pass (season 2024/2025):

• 1 lift ride - 40-50 UAH ($1);
• 4 hours - 200 UAH ($4,75);
• 2 hours - 400 UAH ($9,50);
• one-time ski pass - 20 UAH ($0,50).

Golosiyv

Artificial snowfall helps this location to open the season early and last until the end of March. There are three trails of varying difficulty levels, a ski school, and even a ski kindergarten.

The cost of a ski pass (season 2024/2025):

• one-time lift - 40-50 UAH ($1);
• 2 hours - 450-550 UAH ($11-13);
• 3 hours - 650-800 UAH ($15-19);
• 13 lifts - 500-600 UAH ($12-14).

Cherkasy

Vodyaniki

The hotel ski complex near Cherkasy provides a high level of service and has all the facilities for an active winter vacation. A modern hotel, ski equipment rental, a ski school for kids and adults, a bathhouse, a cafe, a restaurant, and interesting entertainment events make the location a great alternative to the popular Bukovel. You can have fun on skis, snowboards, and quad bikes, as well as relax with the help of spa treatments.

The cost of a ski pass (season 2024/2025):

• day ski pass - 1,000 UAH ($23,70);
• day + evening ski pass - from 1,500 UAH ($35);
• evening ski pass - from 750 UAH ($17).

Poltava

Sorochin Yar

Winter vacation at Sorochin Yar means modern winter entertainment and a number of interesting activities. Slopes both for the confident and for beginners, ski school classes for children and adults, as well as rental of the latest equipment will make your skiing smooth, with a minimum of unpleasant accidents. There is a food court on the territory of the complex, where you can always have a delicious meal and enjoy hot drinks. Snow tubing, sledding and ice skating create a real winter fairy tale. Thise who do not yet dare to overcome the slopes can also find what to do here.

The cost of a ski pass (season 2024/2025):

• day (from 9.00 to 17.00) - 900-1000 UAH ($21-24);
• day + evening (from 9.30 to 20.30) - 1,500-1,700 UAH ($35-40);
• evening (from 17.30 to 20.30) - 750-850 UAH ($17-20);
• chair and drag lifts: 80-90 UAH ($1-2).