[lwptoc]
Bukovel is Ukraine’s biggest ski resort, located in the Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast (province) in western Ukraine. The resort lies virtually on the Carpathian Mountains’ ridge-lines, at a height of 900 m (3,000 ft) above sea level, near the settlement of Polianytsia (Yaremche municipality) (about a half mile away). It is one of the most popular ski resorts in the Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains, located 30 kilometers (19 miles) southwest of Yaremche. Bukovel was designated the world’s fastest-growing ski resort in 2012.
Despite its youth, Bukovel is regarded as one of Ukraine’s most recognized and cutting-edge ski resorts. The environment, infinite luxuries, and plenty of well-equipped skiing paths contribute to this recreational haven’s huge appeal among both Ukrainian and international outdoor enthusiasts.
Bukovel is located at a height of 920 meters in one of the most attractive areas of the nation, the Ukrainian Carpathians (over 3000 feet). Because snow falls early in the year and stays for a long period, the resort enjoys great skiing and snowboarding conditions from November to April. The resort features 16 ski lifts ranging in length from 650 meters to 2000 meters (2130 to 6560 feet), making it one of the largest in not just Ukraine, but all of Eastern Europe.
Bukovel is particularly proud of its superb ski routes, which number more than 50 kilometers (30 miles). They are distributed over five mountains on carefully constructed slopes. Each visitor may choose a path according on his or her degree of experience: there are demanding tracks for pros and gentler ones for novices; there are even slopes for youngsters. All of the trails are equipped with snow canons and are continually maintained to ensure that they remain in pristine shape. Bukovel’s slopes are additionally illuminated, allowing them to remain open throughout the evening. These high-quality tracks attract not only skiers, but also snowboarders and snowmobile riders.
Bukovel now has 16 ski lifts and around 50 km (31 mi) of pistes. There are 61 piste sections, 12 of which are Blue (for beginners), 41 of which are Red (for intermediates), and 8 of which are Black (experts). At 2,106 meters, the longest piste is 5G. (6,909 ft). There are 114 chair lifts, 13 chair lifts, a 12-person chair lift, and one T-bar. Mount Dovha has a maximum height of 1372 meters and a base elevation of 900 meters above sea level, for a total vertical drop of 472 meters.
“Gorgany” is a wildlife preserve on the opposite side of Mount Babyn Pohar. Bukovel’s ski season is determined by climatic variables and typically lasts from the beginning of December until the middle of April. Skiing is accessible at night from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Bukovel is rapidly expanding, with new equipment and runs being added every year.
During the summer, Bukovel serves as a balneal health resort, complete with unique mineral water springs, contemporary medical equipment, and highly qualified medical professionals. The resort offers health-improving treatments to persons suffering from difficulties with their support motor apparatus and gastrointestinal system.
With the goal of providing the resort’s all-year-round employment and organizing active summer enjoyment, two mountain bike paths, totaling 5 kilometers in length, are being built. Fans of an active lifestyle may alternatively go by quad-bikes or bicycles, or go mountain trekking.
Mountain riding is one of the most popular summer activities here: a bike park has been built that has no counterparts in Ukraine.
The resort’s amenities are only improved by a variety of hotels, amusement centers, cottages, cafés, and restaurants serving substantial Ukrainian dishes.
Bukovel, however, continues to draw people long after the final Carpathian snows melt. In the spring and summer, alpinists, mountain climbers, river explorers, and mountain bikers (the greatest biking park in Ukraine is located here) visit. And, in recent years, Bukovel has proven to be a good site for health improvement thanks to its mineral springs. Several sanatoriums and spas are now in operation here.
