Expat's feedback on ukrainian ski resort

 

undefined

Skiing in Carpatians at the end of March is not a myth. Here is a fresh comment from Jorge Alvarez from Barcelona, who shares experience of a trip to best Ukrainian ski resort Bukovel with Kyiv Friendly. 

How did you know about Bukovel?

I knew nothing about Bukovel until Sviata (Kyiv Friendly CEO, travel consultant and guide) told me about it. Of course, I googled it and found out that it was one of the best resorts in Eastern Europe, and that it even had Winter Olympics ambitions until recently. Wow - I thought! Let’s do it!

How did you reach Bukovel from Kyiv and was the trip enjoyable?

It was easy and convenient to access the resort with public transportation. For someone like me who just likes trains, the trip itself was an experience per se.

The trip from Kiev starts at the Main Train Station, then an overnight train in a classic Soviet-era train towards Ivano-Frankivsk, then next morning a transfer bus is waiting for you at the station and brings you straight to the hotel in the Bukovel resort (about 2h ride).

Most hotels are just about 5min away from the ski lifts. In sum, the trip Kiev-Bukovel was easy and total walking time is less than 5 min from Kiev station to the hotel in Bukovel.

What was your first impression from the resort?

The quality of the lifts was a very positive surprise to me, who have mostly been in Alps, Pyrenees, Andorra, and other European main resort areas. There is a good variety of slopes and snow was quite good, even in late March.

Another point to have in mind was that I had absolutely no ski material, but was able to buy or rent at very competitive prices around the resort.

Three days later, I still believe that Bukovel is a very decent place to go for a winter holiday, and would recommend it.

How about safety on slopes?

I felt extremely safe, plenty of indications, maps, stops, as well as emergency skiers and 3G cover all over the resort. Also in the resort, felt safe.

Lastly, skiers must wear helmet at all times, which I find a great idea to improve safety at the resort.

What is your favourite slope in Bukovel?

My favorite slope is the main slope, wide and steep (2А). Can also be done at nighttime, which is pretty cool. Many other reds and blacks proved great.

How do you value resort's infrastructure?

Great, good lifts, good indications, good slopes. Pisters do a good job preserving and taking care of the slopes at night. There is a snowpack, and many slopes for beginners. Advanced skiers will enjoy some sectors with steep slopes.

What is the best and worst thing about Bukovel?

To me the best was having a break from smoggy Kiev with an incredible price-quality ratio. Beautiful nature, just a night-train away at a very competitive price. Also the restaurants and hotels were good and proved of great value.

Maybe the only weak point of Bukovel is that it offers a maximum descent of aprox 500m - but do not let the numbers discourage you, and try it yourself - you won’t be disapointed.

Did all stuff on the way to Bukovel and in resort spoke English well?

For someone who does not speak good Russian - logistics are a challenge. Of course, you’ll find people who speak English, here and there, but I’d recommend not to count on it at all times. Here is where Sviata’s help and guidance proved invaluable!

However, do not let it bother you; a ski trip to Bukovel is perfectly fine - for all publics, from families with young kids (there are many) to groups of friends, no worries. You do not need perfect Russian to order a coffee, a pizza or a Jagermeister wink emoticon

Would you come back?

Certainly! Next time I’ll spend a good 3-4 days as well and hope to get more friends to join!

What is your favourite ski resort so far?

My favorite resorts are Chamonix in France and Baqueira in Spain.

Kyiv Friendly thank Jorge Alvarez for the interview.


Want to experience ukrainian resorts? We offer full service to make your trip enjoyable and money saved!
Contact us 24/7:
+38 063 568 83 14
kyivfriendly@gmail.com

 undefinedundefinedundefined

Comments

Go back Home