Winter weekends in the Cherkasy region: skiing, skating and snow-covered landmarks

In winter, travel routes across the Cherkasy region become quieter, and that has its charm: fewer people, clean frosty air, and snow-covered parks and landmarks that are hard to photograph without crowds in summer. For the active, there is even skiing. Here are some ideas for winter weekends.

Skiing in Vodianyky

The region’s best-known place for winter sports is the ski slope in the village of Vodianyky, about 17 kilometres from Zvenyhorodka. It is about two hours by car from Cherkasy. There are lifts, daytime and evening skiing, as well as hotels, restaurants and open-air hot tubs. Pass prices depend on the time of day and the season; check them before you go, along with whether there is enough snow.

Cherkasy: skating, sledging and a festive city

• Skating. In winter, Cherkasy has an ice rink at the Cherkasy Arena stadium.
• Sledging. The slopes in Sosnovyi Bir and Peremohy parks and in the surrounding woods are favourite sledging spots. Free of charge; you just need a sledge.
• A festive centre. During the holidays the city’s main Christmas tree stands on Soborna Square, and a walk to the snowy Dnipro waterfront rounds off the evening.

Sofiyivka in winter

Sofiyivka’s full tourist season starts in spring, but in winter the park is completely different: rocks and grottoes under snow, frozen ponds, silence and very few visitors. Boats and pedal boats do not run at this time, so plan a walk. Check cold-season opening hours on the park’s website.

Kaniv and Taras Hill in the snow

The snow-covered Kaniv Hills and the frozen Dnipro seen from Taras Hill make one of the most beautiful winter views in central Ukraine. The stairs can be slippery in winter, so it is better to drive up to the top from the other side of the hill. After the walk, warm up in the museum and Taras’s Svitlytsia.

Spa and quiet near Moshny

If you simply want to rest, there are country resorts with pools, a hammam and a restaurant in the pine forest of the Moshny ridge. Take a walk through the snowy forest in the morning and warm up in the evening.

Tips for a winter trip

• Check the forecast and road conditions: local roads are not always cleared right after snowfall.
• Daylight is short, so plan the main stops for the first half of the day.
• Bring a thermos and spare gloves, especially if you travel with children.