Not only in Bukovel: where can foreigners go skiing in Ukraine?

Ukraine is gradually opening up to foreign tourists as a winter destination with its own character, diverse resorts and attractive prices. In addition to well-known locations, there are many places for skiing in the Carpathians, from family resorts to high-altitude slopes for experienced athletes. Learn more about Ukraine's ski resorts for foreigners, alternatives to Bukovel, and important tips for safe winter travel

Insurance with war risk coverage for safe entry and stay in Ukraine

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Ukraine has long been associated with the Carpathians and winter landscapes, but for foreigners, skiing holidays here often boil down to one word — Bukovel. In reality, the country's ski map is much broader and more diverse. Ukraine has resorts for beginners and professionals, family trips and extreme freeriding, peaceful relaxation and active winter adventures.

Where to ski, how to choose a resort and what is important for foreign tourists to consider — we will tell you more in this article.

How to plan a trip to Ukraine and whether tourists are welcome in Ukraine — we discussed this in previous articles.

Detailed information that will be useful when planning a trip to Ukraine can be found here:

– Travel to Ukraine for tourism.

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– Immigration to Ukraine.

– Studying in Ukraine.

– Travelling to Ukraine by car.

– Popular destinations in Ukraine.

– Support Ukraine.

Why do foreigners choose Ukraine for skiing holidays?

The Ukrainian Carpathians are increasingly seen as an affordable alternative to the Alps. There is no mass luxury here, but there is something that modern travellers appreciate: living nature, space, local culture, and significantly lower prices for ski passes, accommodation, and food. For many foreigners, Ukraine is also an opportunity to discover a new destination that is not oversaturated with tourists.

In 2026, interest in Ukraine among foreign tourists continues to grow. Travellers often seek authentic experiences, such as mountain villages, local cuisine, intimate resorts, and less commercial slopes. That is why it is worth looking beyond one popular resort and planning your trip consciously.

For an active winter holiday, it is important to take care of safety right away. Extreme Protection medical insurance for foreigners, available on the Visit Ukraine portal, is designed specifically for such trips, as it is suitable for skiing, snowboarding and other activities in the mountains. To purchase a policy, you need to enter your citizenship and select ‘Extreme Protection’ from the available insurance options.

Bukovel — a popular but not the only option

Bukovel has become the most famous ski resort in Ukraine thanks to its large-scale infrastructure, modern lifts, diverse slopes and service that is understandable even for those who are visiting the country for the first time. It is easy to find hotels of various levels, restaurants, equipment rental and après-ski entertainment here.

However, popularity has a downside. During peak season, Bukovel is overcrowded, prices rise, and the slopes can be crowded. That is why experienced travellers and those looking for a more peaceful or authentic experience are increasingly turning their attention to alternative resorts.

For more information about the ski season in Bukovel, the most beautiful slopes, as well as tips for beginners and adrenaline seekers, follow the link.

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Alternative ski resorts in Ukraine

The Ukrainian Carpathians offer a number of resorts that differ significantly in atmosphere, slope difficulty, and type of recreation.

● Krasia is a resort in Zakarpattia, often chosen by those who appreciate peace and space. Here you will find long slopes among forests, fewer tourists, and a more ‘wild’ mountain atmosphere. It is suitable for confident skiers and those who want to avoid crowds.

● Mygove is a compact resort, convenient for family trips and beginners. The slopes here are simpler, the atmosphere is calm, and the logistics are understandable even without knowledge of the language. It is often chosen for short winter weekends.

● Plai — a modern resort with a good balance of price and service. Suitable for those who want comfort, well-groomed slopes and at the same time want to avoid the crowds of Bukovel.

● Dragobrat is Ukraine's highest mountain resort and a real magnet for experienced skiers and freeriders. It offers challenging conditions, changeable weather and incredible landscapes. It is the choice for those who are looking for adrenaline and are ready for an active mountain experience.

● In addition, there are other locations in Ukraine, such as Slavske, Tysovets, and Vodyanyky, which are suitable for different budgets and skill levels. When choosing a resort, it is worth considering your own experience, the type of trip (family, sports, relaxation), and your expectations of the service.

For more information on where to ski in the Carpathians without overpaying, follow the link.

What is important for foreigners to know before travelling?

Planning a skiing trip to Ukraine requires attention to detail. Transport logistics often include a train or bus to major cities and then a further journey to the mountains. For comfort and safety, many foreigners choose an organised transfer. The Visit Ukraine portal offers convenient transfers from European countries to Ukraine and back — this simplifies the journey and reduces stress.

Accommodation should be booked in advance, especially during the season from December to February. In smaller resorts, the choice of accommodation is simpler, but the atmosphere is more homely. Language is not usually a problem: English is often spoken in tourist regions, and services are geared towards foreigners. Payment is mostly possible by card, but cash will come in handy in mountain villages. Mobile communication is stable in most regions of the Carpathians.

For those planning to travel to Ukraine in their own car, it is important to remember that a Green Card is required for entry.

How to prepare your car for a mountain trip without risks and how to avoid accidents in winter — we have discussed this in previous articles.

For additional protection on the road, we also recommend purchasing Mini Hull insurance — car insurance that covers the most common risks on the road and is available through Visit Ukraine.

Real risks of winter holidays in Ukraine

The Carpathians in winter are beautiful, but also unpredictable. Weather conditions in the mountains can change very quickly: fog, strong winds or snowfall affect visibility and safety. Ski injuries are another real risk, especially for beginners or when freeriding.

Active winter recreation always belongs to high-risk areas, and ski resorts require special preparation. That is why it is important not only to choose a slope according to your skill level, but also to take care of insurance and a plan of action in case of unforeseen situations in advance.

How much will a winter holiday in the Carpathians cost — we explain here.

Insurance — a mandatory element of a skiing trip

Standard travel insurance is often not enough for a skiing holiday. Active sports require extended coverage, which includes injuries, mountain evacuation, and medical assistance. In 2026, an insurance policy for travel to Ukraine must take into account both active recreation and general risks.

The Visit Ukraine portal offers several options for medical insurance for foreigners: from basic medical policies to specialised ‘Extreme Protection’ for active recreation. You can also take out medical insurance with coverage for military risks — an important element of a safe and peaceful trip.

How does Visit Ukraine help foreign tourists?

● Medical insurance — several policy options for foreigners depending on the format of the trip, from basic medical insurance to specialised solutions for active recreation and policies covering military risks.

● Pre-trip consultations — assistance with preparing for travel to Ukraine: entry rules, regional features, seasonality, safety, and practical advice for foreigners.

● Comfortable transfers — organised transportation from European countries to Ukraine and back, allowing you to safely and comfortably reach ski resorts.

● Mini Hull car insurance — additional protection for foreigners travelling around Ukraine in their own car, covering the most common risks on the road.

● Support for foreigners while travelling — information and service assistance in unforeseen situations related to health, transport or insurance issues.

● Database of ready-made tours in Ukraine — a selection of routes and trips to different regions of the country, including the Carpathians, for those who want a structured and safe travel experience.

Ukraine offers a diverse and affordable skiing holiday that is not limited to Bukovel. Dozens of resorts in the Carpathians are suitable for different types of travel, from family holidays to extreme freeriding. Safety, insurance and competent planning remain key conditions for a comfortable trip. The 2026 ski season in Ukraine can be interesting, eventful, and safe for foreigners.

To ensure a smooth trip, we recommend that you purchase medical insurance with coverage for military risks for foreigners in advance on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Purchase a policy and take care of your safety while travelling!

Reminder! Travelling to Ukraine in 2026 is still accompanied by dozens of fears and stereotypes: from ‘it's dangerous everywhere’ to ‘insurance doesn't work’. The most common myths about travelling to Ukraine in 2026 are collected here.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

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