Winter sports tourism is developing rapidly in Ukraine, and the resorts are developing to meet the standards expected by the travelers.

Carpathians
The Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains are spectacular all year round, but especially in winter. There are a large number of resorts in the Carpathians offering a complete range of winter sports facilities, and there is no doubt they are special and unique. After a fun day on the slopes where else can you kick back with a glass of mulled wine and enjoy mouthwatering Gutsul (the local ethnic group) cuisine in a cozy wooden kolyba (pub)?

Bukovel
The largest ski resort in the area is Bukovel, located in the centre of the Carpathians at a height of 900 metres close to the village of Polyanycya in the Yaremcha region. Stunning scenery, crystal clear air, a rich historical heritage and the unique cultural traditions of the native highlanders always attracts tourists to this resort. The facilities are already of a high standard. The resort has everything you would expect in a European winter holiday destination including numerous runs (some floodlit) catering for all levels, snow-mobiles, luxury hotels and cottages, night clubs, pubs, restaurants, saunas, fitness centers, and even paintball.

Dragobrat
Dragobrat is another nice resort, at 1400 meters above sea level it is the highest resort in the Carpathians. With peaks such as Stig (1704m) and Wizhnytsia (1883m), it is the top Ukrainian destination for downhill riders, and skiing is possible here right through until late April and even early May. Dragobrat rarely gets overcrowded making it a great location for those who like a bit of space on the slopes.

Slavsko, Tysovec, Puddobovec, Pylypec, Synyak, Krasia and Ai-Petry
There are many other ski resorts in the Carpathians including Slavsko, Tysovec, Poddobovec, Pylypec, Synyak and Krasia, and don't forget Ai-Petry in Crimea. Ai-Petry is fairly basic but has a number of lifts and runs and offers equipment rental and instruction. You will find accommodation in the form of ?sovok' style apartments which house from 3 to 12 people.
The reason Ai-Petry is not up to scratch just yet is that it resides in a national reserve and therefore winter sports is strictly speaking illegal here, but they are pushing hard for recognition from the government which will mean a drastic improvement in the services offered. But you don't have to head off to these far-flung destinations to give winter sports a try.

Kiev
There are ski and snowboarding facilities right here in the centre of Kiev. Located at 23a Protasiv Jar St, the city's own little resort offers two runs with lifts ? one is 300m and one of 500m in length. There is a half-pipe for the more experienced riders. Snowboarders will be pleased to see that their needs are catered for at all the resorts listed above, with each offering equipment rental and instruction.