Winter mountain hikes: the snow-white Carpathians are waiting!

As the winter frosts arrive, the traveller’s soul longs for the mountains, craving a real celebration. Winter mountain hikes offer not just fairy-tale landscapes, a magical atmosphere and unforgettable impressions, but also test your endurance. Amid the drifts of snow-covered mountain meadows, on the silvery blanket of snow that wraps the tall spruces and beech primeval forests and coats with crystal the little windows of cosy wooden mountain cottages - it is here that an inexpressible winter wonder is born, felt especially keenly at New Year and Christmas .

Which winter mountain hikes to choose - depends, first and foremost, on your «mountain» experience and level of training. After all, routes that seasoned adventurers breeze through with ease are not always within a beginner’s reach, and notions of «comfort» in the mountains do not always coincide. All the more so because it is worth remembering: winter in the Carpathians is full of surprises, for which you need to be ready mentally, physically, in terms of kit and information.

Winter mountain hikes: routes into the Carpathians

Winter tourist routes into the Carpathians vary in level and difficulty. Beginners are advised not to undertake a hike lasting more than one day at this time of year. Those who already have experience may choose a longer journey. In any case, do not neglect the safety rules in the mountains: study the route, the weather and the avalanche risk carefully. Though the Carpathians are young mountains, they can be very harsh and merciless towards an unprepared traveller.

Today, several versatile winter routes in the Carpathians enjoy the greatest popularity, namely:

• a one-day ascent of Hoverla (2061 m) . The highest peak of the Ukrainian Carpathians attracts travellers at any time of year. The winter hike up Hoverla is not difficult and takes roughly 6 to 8 hours. The most challenging section of the route - is the final climb to the summit itself. But it is well worth it! From Hoverla you will see stunning panoramas of the Chornohora and Svydovets ridges, as well as the Gorgany.
• a hike to the Borzhava meadows. The most easily accessible option - is to ascend in comfort by cable car in 15-20 minutes almost to the very summit of Hymba. If you wish, you can climb 300 metres higher to conquer the mountain, or simply admire the views at a leisurely pace from the local café. Another, more challenging route starts from Volovets and leads to the weather station on Mount Velykyi Verkh and Mount Stiy. Velykyi Verkh can also be reached in a single winter day from the Podobovets resort. During a trip to Borzhava you can see the Shypit waterfall , the high-altitude Synevyr lake , and visit the sanctuary for Carpathian bears .
• a hike to the Runa meadow (1482 m). One of the easy, picturesque one-day routes into the Carpathians, which begins in the village of Lumshory and passes a cascade of waterfalls , Komsomolske lake, beech forests and the ruins of military bunkers. After descending to the village you can relax in vats of healing hydrogen-sulphide water.
• a one-day ascent of Pikui (1408 m). This is the highest peak of the Watershed Range of the Ukrainian Carpathians, most conveniently conquered from the Volovets villages of Shcherbovets or Bilasovytsia. From the summit magnificent views open up over the Carpathian Watersheds and the beautiful Borzhava mountain massif
• a hike to Krasiya (1036 m). The jewel of the Uzhanskyi National Nature Park , set at the ski resort of the same name, «Krasiya». The simplest and quickest way to enjoy the wonderful mountain panoramas - is to ride the cable car up to the summit .
• the tourist route «Dragobrat-Svydovets». The Svydovets massif - is one of the most picturesque in the Carpathians, but it requires special preparation. The easiest way to admire its breathtaking landscapes is to use the comfortable chairlift at the «Dragobrat» ski resort.

For experienced travellers

More challenging are hikes to the Hutsul Alps - the Marmarosy, to Mount Petros (2020 m) and to the entire Chornohora ridge, to the Svydovets massif, to the Gorgany. They demand mountaineering skills and know-how, excellent physical and mental preparation, special hiking gear, greater duration (several days) and, often, considerable stamina. Such expeditions are frequently planned well in advance and carried out in several stages.

So that winter mountain hikes bring only pleasant emotions, you need to approach the choice of kit responsibly, and to choose the right footwear and clothing. Wear thermal underwear, a windproof and waterproof ski jacket and trousers, a fleece jumper, and comfortable, good-quality footwear that does not let in water or tear. Take a hat and two pairs of gloves - just in case you lose a pair. Your rucksack should be light; do not pack too many things - you will have to carry them.

You can take a personal first-aid kit - a bandage, plasters, a painkiller, validol, no-shpa, a lip balm and a small tube of moisturising cream. In winter it gets dark quickly, so you will need a head torch. For snacks, high-calorie, filling foods, nuts, raisins and sweets are ideal. If you have the chance - bring hot tea in a thermos and trekking poles. And may your winter mountain hikes bring you an ocean of enjoyment and positive, vivid, unforgettable emotions!