When you hear "Bukovel", a picture immediately pops up in your head with white slopes, snowmobiles and a cup of mulled wine on the terrace. It makes sense, because the resort became famous precisely thanks to the ski season. But there is one secret that not everyone knows yet: in the summer it is no less interesting here. And in some places even more interesting. No queues for the lifts, no need to lug a ton of equipment and with a chance of not freezing your ears.
We tell you what to do in Bukovel and the surrounding area while there is no snow and the mountains are truly green.
1. Climb the Bukovel mountain by lift
Yes, the lifts also work in the summer. And this is the fastest way to find yourself at an altitude of over 1300 meters, without investing six hours of hiking. From the top, a panorama opens up of ridges, forests and small lakes that you don't notice at all from below. A great option for those who want mountain views without breaking a sweat.
2. Conquer Mount Hoverla
The highest point in Ukraine, 2061 meters above sea level, and one of the most popular destinations for beginners in mountain climbing. The classic route from Zaroslyak takes 5-7 hours there and back, does not require mountaineering experience and gives the same feeling of "I did it" that people go to the mountains for. It is worth going out early in the morning, while the weather is stable.
3. Explore Lake Nesamovyte and the Chornohorsky Range
The height of 1750 meters, legends about mermaids and water of such a color that the photos seem to have been processed in a photo editor. The route to Nesamovyty, which is part of the classic hike through the Chornohirsky Range, is among the most beautiful trails in the Ukrainian Carpathians. One of those places that remain in the memory for a long time.
4. Taste the Probiy waterfall
Only 25 kilometers from Bukovel, in Yaremche. One of the most powerful flat waterfalls in the Carpathians, which can be reached in five minutes from the parking lot. Nearby is a market with Carpathian wool products, honey tinctures and brandy, so no one returns from there empty-handed.
5. Try cycling routes
Bukovel offers dozens of tracks of varying difficulty levels: from calm family tracks to downhill for those who love adrenaline and fresh bruises. Bikes are available for rent, and the lift will take you up with your bike. Going down is always more fun than pedaling uphill.
6. Go for a ride on a roller coaster and summer tubing
Yes, tubing exists in the summer. You roll not on snow, but on a special plastic chute, and the impressions are no less. Rodeba (summer toboggan run) is also in full swing. This is the case when children and adults alike scream with happiness.
7. Visit the Mavka water park
The largest indoor water park in the region. Slides, heated pools, a SPA zone and a cafe all in one complex. Especially helpful if it suddenly rains in the mountains and there is nothing to do outside. By the way, we described in detail our impressions of "Mavka" in separate material.
8. Go horseback riding
Carpathian horses are a separate breed with character and endurance. Horseback riding in the mountain pastures is a level of unity with nature that you can't get to from a bike or a ski lift. Most programs have routes for beginners, so you can safely put aside the fear of "I've never done it before...".
9. Go to Dragobrat
The neighboring resort, where the snow lies the longest, and in the summer routes to Lake Vorozheska and incredible viewing platforms open. The road is difficult (only with four-wheel drive or an off-road Gazelle), but the impressions justify everything.
10. Take a gastronomic journey
Carpathian cuisine is not only banush and cabbage rolls with corn porridge. In restaurants Margherita and René From La Famiglia, working in Glacier, you can try Italian and French classics in their own interpretation, with local accents. Carpathian cheese in risotto or fish from mountain farms, believe me, it works.
11. Try a spa and come out a renewed person
Summer in the mountains is the perfect time for wellness treatments. Cold water, warm steam rooms, contrast pools, clean mountain air instead of city smog. In Glacier Sky SPA The concept is built around four elements: fire, water, earth, and air. At the end, you feel as if you've lost five extra pounds. Fatigue, not weight, unfortunately.
12. Just do nothing
It sounds strange on a “to do” list, but it’s also an item. Sit on the terrace Glacier apartments overlooking Lake Molodosti, pour coffee and watch the light change on the ridges. In summer, Bukovel teaches you to slow down better than any retreat. Especially if you have your own kitchen in the apartment: you can not rush to the restaurant for breakfast, but arrange your own rhythm of the day.
Where to stay?
Glacier Premium Apartments is one of the few complexes that offers the "apartments plus full hotel service" format. That is, there is a kitchen, balcony or terrace, as well as a SPA, fitness club, restaurants, a children's area and conference areas. It is suitable for couples, groups of friends and families with children, each group will find its own scenario. You can read more about the hotel or watch immediately current offers for the summer.
Bukovel in the summer is a different resort. Quieter, greener, with a completely different pace of life. And the best way to discover it is when you go here without any expectations.