Is Ukraine Building a Ski Resort?

The Short Answer: Yes, there are plans to develop a major new ski resort in the Ukrainian Carpathians called the Goro Mountain Resort. The project aims to support tourism and winter sports development but has faced delays due to environmental concerns and the ongoing effects of the Russian invasion.

Ukraine has long been known for its mountain landscapes, especially in the Carpathian Mountains, which stretch across the western part of the country near the Romanian border. These areas already support several ski resorts and winter sports locations, though most are smaller and targeted toward local or regional visitors. With interest in expanding tourism and strengthening domestic recreation, a larger ski resort could represent a major step for Ukraine’s winter sports industry.

Why Ski Tourism Matters in Ukraine

Skiing has been a part of Ukrainian culture for decades, and with winter tourism growing, the Carpathians have become a popular destination for visitors. Ski resorts like Bukovel, Dragobrat, and Slavske cater to both locals and tourists, but much of Ukraine’s infrastructure remains underdeveloped when compared to the grand ski resorts of Europe. Expanding the country’s ski offerings not only strengthens its tourism industry but also boosts economic growth, bringing in international travelers and enhancing domestic travel options. A new, larger resort could boost national pride and elevate Ukraine’s standing as a winter sports destination.

Reasons Ukraine is interested in a new resort

1. Strengthening domestic tourism and keeping travel spending inside the country
2. Creating more opportunities for winter sports athletes and youth training programs
3. Supporting regional economies that have faced hardship during the Russian invasion
4. Competing with mid-sized European markets like the Czech Republic and Slovakia

A growing number of Ukrainians have taken up skiing and snowboarding in recent decades, and improving the country’s winter sport facilities aligns with long-term tourism planning goals. The development of this resort could also help promote local culture and attract international attention.

What Is the Goro Mountain Resort Project?

The proposed Goro Mountain Resort is described as a large recreational project near the Svydovets massif, an area known for alpine ridges, glacial lakes, and dense spruce forests. The Lviv region and surrounding areas provide access to this landscape, which is already popular for hiking in summer and touring in winter. The resort aims to offer a wide variety of amenities and attract both winter sports enthusiasts and tourists year-round.

Who is Involved in the Project?

• OKKO Group: Primary private investor funding the development
• Ilf Group: Engineering, site planning, and infrastructure planning
• Regional authorities and Ukrainian state officials: Approvals, land management coordination
• Environmental groups such as Free Svydovets: Monitoring construction and raising climate and ecological concerns

Planned Resort Features

The project design includes:

• A ski area with terrain suitable for various skill levels
• Modern gondola lifts and ski lifts
• A network of ski slopes extending across the mountain
• Hotel complexes and visitor accommodations
• Cable cars to connect different areas of the resort
• Restaurants, rental shops, ski schools, and service centers
• Artificial snow capabilities to help maintain the ski season

Early plans suggested the resort could cover a broad total area across multiple valleys, potentially making it one of the largest ski destinations in Eastern Europe.

Why the Project Is Controversial

While the project could offer economic benefits, it has also raised significant questions.

Environmental Concerns

The Svydovets region hosts:

• Primeval forest areas
• High alpine wetlands
• Glacial lakes formed over thousands of years
• Habitats for the brown bear, Eurasian lynx, and several endangered species

Environmental researchers and activists argue that large-scale construction, road building, artificial snow systems, and new recreational facilities could disrupt water sources and wildlife movement. There have also been claims of illegal logging linked to early land preparation, which activists have documented in field reports and satellite analysis.

Groups such as Free Svydovets continue to call for independent environmental assessments before major development proceeds.

Climate Change and Ski Conditions

Like many mountain regions across Europe, the Ukrainian Carpathians are experiencing warming trends and changes in seasonal snowfall. This raises practical concerns about:

• Length of the ski season
• Dependence on artificial snow
• Long-term snow reliability at lower elevations

Some nearby countries have already invested in dry slope and year-round facilities to adapt to changing winter patterns. If Goro is built, it may require similar solutions to maintain ski operations.

Political and Legal Challenges

The project has been the subject of appeals and reviews in Ukrainian courts. Additionally, inquiries have been raised in the European Parliament and European Commission regarding compliance with environmental protection rules. Because the area borders protected natural zones, regulators are reviewing how the project would safeguard water resources and wildlife corridors.

How Does Goro Compare to Other European Resorts?

The Goro project has often been compared to well-known Alpine areas. However, in scale and setting, it is more comparable to:

• Slovakia’s Jasná resort
• Slovenia’s Vogel and Kranjska Gora
• Czech Republic mountain resorts like Spindleruv Mlyn

These resorts offer:

• Accessible slopes for families and beginners
• Some advanced terrain for more skilled skiers
• Village-style hotel and dining developments
• Growing tourism infrastructure supported by regional governments

The goal for Goro is to create a similar experience that blends scenic mountain environments with modern ski services and lodging.

Community Impact and Year-Round Potential

The Goro Mountain Resort project has sparked mixed reactions from local communities. Supporters highlight the potential benefits, such as job creation in construction and hospitality, increased winter tourism income for nearby towns, and a stronger identity as a mountain destination. However, opponents raise concerns over the loss of traditional landscapes, potential pressure on local water resources, and risks to community-managed forests and wildlife. For many residents, the debate centers on finding a balance between development and the preservation of ecological and cultural heritage.

Beyond skiing, the resort is also envisioned as a year-round destination. The Carpathian Mountains already attract hikers, cyclists, and climbers, and the addition of a resort could further support these activities with trail networks, guided mountain tours, lakeside recreation, mountain biking, and educational programs. This shift toward year-round tourism is becoming increasingly popular across Europe, especially as ski seasons shorten due to climate change.

Where the Project Stands Today

The resort is not currently under active full-scale construction. While feasibility studies, land planning, and initial approvals have taken place, progress has slowed due to:

• The Russian invasion, which shifted national priorities
• Ongoing legal cases from environmental organizations
• Revisions to project plans based on climate modeling
• Economic uncertainty affecting investor timelines

No opening date has been given, and the timeline remains flexible. The future of the resort depends on legal decisions, environmental policy, and long-term tourism planning.

Prepare to Hit the Slopes with Peter Glenn

For skiers and snowboarders keeping up with the industry, there is real excitement about the possibility of a new destination in Eastern Europe. 

If you are preparing for your next winter adventure, Peter Glenn offers ski jackets, snow pants, baselayers, boots, helmets, goggles, and gear from trusted brands like Obermeyer, Spyder, Bogner, The North Face, and more. Gear up now at Peter Glenn and hit the slopes with trusted brands backed by real performance.