Winter vacation in Ukraine: prices in 2024, resorts and premium destinations
19 December 19:11
ANALYSIS FROM 
Winter is the time when Ukrainians are increasingly traveling to the mountains and resorts for outdoor activities, skiing and relaxation in the snowy expanses. As the holidays approach, the travel market is booming, and one of the main issues for travelers is the price of winter vacations.
Prices for winter vacations in 2024
This year, prices for winter vacations in Ukraine, including ski resorts, continue to rise. According to experts, the average budget per person at the resorts of western Ukraine (Carpathians, Bukovel, Dragobrat, Slavske) ranges from UAH 2,500 to 6,000 per day, depending on the level of service and popularity of the resort. This includes accommodation, meals, and equipment rental.
Compared to 2023, prices have increased by 10-20%, and in some resorts, such as Bukovel, where demand is traditionally high, the increase was about 25%. This increase is due to several factors:
- Inflation – the general rise in food and energy prices has not spared the tourism sector.
- Improved infrastructure – investments in the development of ski slopes, new cable cars, hotels and restaurants.
- Demand – stable interest of Ukrainians in winter vacations and relatively less competition with international resorts, where prices can be much higher.
The most popular ski resorts in Ukraine in 2024
Bukovel is by far one of the largest and most popular ski resorts in Ukraine. It is known for its infrastructure, a huge number of slopes and cable cars, and a variety of entertainment. Prices in Bukovel range from 2,500 hryvnias per day for standard accommodation to 10,000 and more for premium apartments during the peak season.
Dragobrat is one of the highest ski resorts in Ukraine, located at an altitude of over 1400 meters. Dragobrat attracts fans of extreme sports and snow that lasts longer than in other resorts. Accommodation prices here range from 2,000 to 6,000 hryvnias per day.
Slavske is a popular family vacation destination with comfortable conditions for beginners. Prices here are an order of magnitude lower than Bukovel and range from 1,500 to 3,000 hryvnias per day.
Yablunytsia is a small but cozy resort that attracts tourists with its calm atmosphere and affordable prices. Accommodation here can be found from 1,200 UAH per day.
Pylypets is another popular resort in Zakarpattia, which is noted for its picturesque landscapes and affordable accommodation prices starting at 1,000 UAH per night.
Migovo – located in the Chernivtsi region, this place is a good option for those who want to save money. Here you can find accommodation from 1,200 UAH per night.
The cheapest destinations and resorts
For those looking for affordable options for a winter vacation in Ukraine, the cheapest options include the resorts of Transcarpathia and western Ukraine. Pylypets and Yablunytsia are great options for those who don’t want to overpay for a vacation but want to enjoy mountain scenery and outdoor activities. They offer cheaper rates for accommodation and equipment rental compared to Bukovel or Dragobrat.
Slavske and Myhove are also great for budget travelers, where you can find relatively cheap cottages and hotels. They usually have a more relaxed atmosphere, suitable for families and travelers who are not looking for a lot of entertainment.
Premium vacations in Ukraine
For those looking for a luxury winter vacation in Ukraine, the best options are resorts such as Bukovel, Dragobrat, and Verkhovyna. Premium services include upscale hotels, SPA services, customized tours, and access to closed slopes. In Bukovel, for example, you can book luxury accommodation with all the amenities, private pools, and luxurious restaurants. The cost of such a trip can range from 5,000 to 15,000 hryvnias per day and higher per person, depending on the level of comfort.
A vacation on Dragobrat for lovers of elite ski resorts provides access to the best slopes and services, as well as a unique opportunity to enjoy silence and privacy. The cost of premium accommodation on Dragobrat can range from 6,000 to 10,000 hryvnias and more per day.
For true connoisseurs of luxury vacations, we offer vacations at such resorts as Tysovytsia, where there are separate elite cottages with swimming pools, saunas and the best conditions for winter recreation.
What do experts say?
Winter recreation in Ukraine in 2024 continues to undergo changes due to economic and social factors caused by the war and changes in tourist demand. However, despite the difficult conditions, winter resorts remain popular among Ukrainians. Volodymyr Tsaruk, Director of the Tourism Development Center, in an exclusive commentary for
“Prices vary depending on the destination. There is no such thing as prices going up or down at the same time. It all depends on the resort and the level of occupancy. In particular, prices are the highest in Bukovel, as it is one of the most popular and best developed resorts in Ukraine,” he explained.
Demand for Bukovel is not decreasing, and therefore prices remain high, particularly during the peak holiday season.
The impact of the war on prices
Changes in the economy and the war have affected the prices of travel services in Ukraine. The director of the Center for Tourism Development noted that although prices in Bukovel remain high, they have generally decreased compared to previous years.
“Compared to previous years, prices for five-star hotels in Bukovel have decreased, although they are still higher than they were before the war. This also applies to four-star hotels, where prices are also lower than before the war,” says Tsaruk.
This decline is due to several factors, including energy costs and other operating expenses of hotels.
“Of course, there is an increase in electricity and other costs, but prices have not risen by 20-30%. They increased by 10-15% in the economy segment, and by 15-20% in the premium segment,” the expert adds.
Prices in Bukovel resorts and other mountainous regions
For example, in Bukovel, prices for a three-night stay during the New Year holidays can range from 18,000 to 120,000 hryvnias for a double room. This is a big difference due to different levels of comfort and room class. Tsaruk emphasizes that the demand for the premium segment remains high, even during the holiday season.
For less popular resorts, such as Slavske or Dragobrat, prices are much lower.
“At resorts like Slavske, prices for the New Year’s period for three-star hotels start from UAH 16,000 to 24,000 for four nights, with breakfast. If you take a regular vacation in the high season, prices range from 1,200 to 2,000 hryvnias per day per person,” says Tsaruk.
If you are planning a budget vacation, private sector and economy apartments can cost from 800 to 1400 hryvnias per day for two people.
Volodymyr Tsaruk also noted that in addition to Bukovel, such resorts as Truskavets and Polyana in Zakarpattia are popular.
Winter vacation abroad
As for outbound tourism, the demand for foreign destinations also remains stable. Volodymyr Tsaruk noted that Egypt remains the most popular destination for Ukrainians in winter, offering good value for money.
“Egypt is the most popular resort for Ukrainians during the winter season. In addition, prices there remain affordable for the general public,” the expert notes.
Additionally, resorts in Poland, in particular Zakopane, are popular, where prices for winter vacations are low and transport accessibility from Ukraine is one of the biggest advantages. There is also an increase in demand for resorts in Slovakia and bus tours to European capitals, although these destinations are less popular.
As for other exotic destinations, Ukrainians still choose Zanzibar, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Mauritius. It is worth noting that although access to these resorts via Ukrainian airlines is limited, many tour operators offer packages through European partners.
Development of domestic tourism in Ukraine
Despite the difficult situation in the country, domestic tourism in Ukraine is showing positive dynamics. Anton Taranenko, an expert in tourism and investment, told KU that over the past three years, a significant number of new tourist infrastructure facilities have been created in Ukraine, which was the result of a boom in domestic tourism and investment in recreational housing.
Anton Taranenko emphasizes that over the past three years, about 500-1000 new beds have appeared in Ukraine, which has become a significant achievement for the tourism industry.
“And, in fact, during this time we have seen a boom in domestic tourism, and the construction of hotel and recreational housing for vacationers has become an important trend. The number of new facilities in Ukraine has doubled in some regions,” the expert notes.
The construction of new hotels and apart-hotels, particularly in such regions as Ivano-Frankivsk, Mukachevo and Uzhhorod, has become an important factor in the development of tourism, as most investments are directed to these resort areas.
Is domestic tourism saving the day?
In addition to ski resorts, other types of tourism, such as balneological resorts, are also actively developing in Ukraine. Places such as Skhidnytsia, where you can not only improve your health but also enjoy natural pools with healing water, are very popular.
“Tourism in Ukraine is actually saving the tourism industry, because due to the limited demand for outbound tourism and closed borders, domestic demand has become much higher. People who stay in Ukraine are actively traveling and spending money on domestic travel,” the expert emphasizes.
According to the expert, a significant discovery for Ukrainian tourists was Uzhhorod, which has become a very popular vacation destination over the past three years.
“During this time, Uzhhorod has become one of the most visited cities in Ukraine, and it can rightfully claim second place after Lviv,” Taranenko said.
Uzhhorod is famous not only for its natural beauty and proximity to the Carpathians, but also for its new hotels and developed infrastructure for business tourism. Many tourists come here not only for recreation but also for business trips.
Consequently, prices for winter vacations in Ukraine in 2024 show a noticeable increase, driven by inflation, rising energy costs and improved infrastructure at resorts. However, Ukrainian ski resorts remain competitive with international ones, in particular due to more affordable prices compared to popular winter destinations in Europe. Proper planning, seasonality and discounts can help reduce winter travel costs and make vacations more affordable for both budget travelers and luxury vacationers. Despite the challenging situation, Ukrainian tourism continues to grow. Domestic resorts such as Bukovel, Yaremcha, Uzhhorod and others are becoming increasingly popular, and new investments in infrastructure are helping to ensure a high level of service. At the same time, although the borders remain closed to many tourists, domestic demand for Ukrainian resorts is growing, and the tourism business is adapting to the new realities.
Author – Daryna Glushchenko
