Nestled in a scenic valley at the junction of the Opir and Slavka rivers, Slavske is a popular winter sports destination in western Ukraine. It’s one of the biggest ski resorts in the country, with trails to suit all abilities across its numerous mountains. Slavske also lies on the doorstep of Skole Beskids National Nature Park’s rugged landscapes.
Things to do in Slavs’ke
Spend an afternoon wandering through the peaceful streets of Slavske, which has traditionally been inhabited by Bokyo highlanders who are native to the Carpathian Mountains. An architectural highlight of the town is the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a gold-domed masterpiece that dates back to 1901.
If you’re visiting in the winter months, hit the ski slopes of Mount Trostian or take advantage of the advanced trails on Mount Zvorets. While Slavske has been a ski hub since the late 19th century, it became particularly popular during the Soviet era as the training grounds for the USSR Winter Olympics team.
In summer, you can explore the Skole Beskids mountains on foot or by horseback, with large tracts of its spruce, beech and fir forests protected within Skole Beskids National Nature Park. Guided treks access the highest peak in the range, Mount Parashka, while berry and mushroom picking are popular on the lower slopes.
Getting around Slavs’ke
Slavske is around two hours’ drive from Lviv and Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Trains connect Slavske railway station to cities throughout Ukraine, as well as into neighbouring Slovakia and Hungary. The centre of Slavske is accessible on foot and ski lifts connect to the surrounding slopes.