Hello everyone!
Writing an article for Substack has been on my to-do list for a long time, and the time has finally come to act. My life is full of events every day, and I often hesitate about the best way to share these stories. But time waits for no one, so let’s dive in!
Those who follow me on social media might have noticed that this Saturday marked the third offline meetup of the LvivStyle community. It was an incredible event that required a lot of effort to organize, especially during the final days before the party. So much so that the next day, I didn’t even want to get out of bed! 😅 This event deserves a separate detailed post, and I promise to write about it soon.
Today, I want to tell you about my hometown of Slavske, where I spent quite some time two weeks ago. The reason for my visit was a joint project with my mentor, Takao Hirose, to build rental cottages in the Carpathian Mountains.
Construction is a complex and exhausting process that requires extensive preparation, obtaining permits, and considering countless details. Sometimes I tell myself that if I can handle this project, nothing will scare me anymore. 😅 However, challenges arise at every step. The situation is made even more difficult by the fact that Ukraine is still at war.
For instance, connecting electricity to the site during a time when the country’s energy infrastructure is under attack becomes a real achievement. And that’s just one of many obstacles. Despite the difficulties, I’m exploring all possible ways to secure the necessary resources. I’m confident our project will be a great success.
Slavske has always been known as a ski resort. Although I’ve never been to Bukovel, watching videos of its slopes always brings a smile to my face. The most challenging trails in Bukovel look just like the easiest ones in Slavske. 😅 This place attracts people who love skiing, snowboarding, and a bit of adrenaline.
This time, I decided to ski as well. But, as luck would have it, another skier crashed into me at high speed. I fell, got hurt, and broke my ski poles (luckily, I wasn’t injured). 😅 But don’t worry—my 6-year-old niece Zlata conquers the mountain slopes with ease, so it’s absolutely doable for adults too.
In my childhood, I remember our entire family being forced to sleep in one room. There were so many tourists in our house that they were willing to sleep on the floor, as long as they had a roof over their heads and some hot tea. Those were unforgettable times when our village thrived from season to season, hosting guests from all over Ukraine, Europe, and sometimes even Asia or Africa.
Things changed in 2014 when the war began. Tourism suffered a major blow, and the COVID-19 pandemic only made things worse. Despite this, Slavske remains popular.
Ukrainian men who cannot travel abroad are increasingly choosing the Carpathians for family vacations. And while the infrastructure is not as developed as in Bukovel, the village is changing rapidly. New hotels, chalets with panoramic windows, and SPA complexes are popping up. Recently, OKKO Group announced plans to build a massive ski resort in Slavske, which might even surpass Bukovel.
We managed to take all the necessary steps before the official announcement of the resort’s construction, and I’m proud to say we’re part of these changes. It’s challenging but incredibly inspiring.
I can already imagine enjoying sunsets in these cottages high in the mountains. It’s a joy to be part of a big project that will transform the Carpathians and benefit all of Ukraine.
P.S. In the meantime, you have a few years to visit and see the resort as it was during Soviet times. I know there are many people who are interested in this type of travel and seek out such locations. So, for those who love this kind of journey, you still have a few years to experience the resort in its relatively old state. Hurry up—it’s truly safe in Slavske, even during the war! 😁
Share this post