THERE IS SNOW IN SLAVKO, BUT IT'S HIGH (end)
Tourist boom continues in the famous ski resort of Slavsko. Thousands of mountain skiers storm the slopes of the surrounding mountains. And if the vagaries of the weather do not allow riding near the house, then the highlands save. Long-running slopes on the mountains Trostyan, Vysokiy Verkh or a relatively new descent on Mount Ilza welcome their fans.
Morning meets with gloomy clouds. However, the owners assure that everything will pass. Indeed, soon the sky begins to clear up. What could be better! And let gray clouds still run across the sky and a prickly wind blows, but the dazzling blue gradually takes its toll. And sparkling snow and dark firs appear under the rays of the sun. Ah, sorry. After all, here they are called modryns.
Did you call the blacksmith?
Good news. It appears to be invited. Quite close. It is enough just to go down the hill on which the boarding house stands. However, this is not so easy to do. After all, the paths were covered with snow, and then they also iced over. So you have to move very slowly and carefully.
But what you see is worth the effort. At first glance, "Blacksmith's Estate" is no different from other similar ones in Slavske. The most important thing is inside and in the yard.
The hosts, a young couple, Irina and Alexander, worked in Italy for several years. Traveled a lot in Europe. And they tried to transfer what they saw to themselves. But, this is not just blind copying. It turned out to be a very organic combination of east and west. Your own unique style.
The house is small by local standards. On its three floors there are only six cozy rooms or rooms. But each of them is unique. And the guests already have their preferences. Those who have been here come back again and again. And usually they ask to be placed in the same room as the previous time.
And in the courtyard, in a large hangar, there is a real forge. And most importantly, each guest can try himself as a blacksmith. Alexander will conduct a master class. Learn the basics of your craft. And how nice it is to take home a souvenir forged with your own hand.
She's really tall
And now to the mountains. That is, to climb to the top. Although, it is certainly loudly said. In fact, climbing the chairlift does not require much effort. If, not counting, of course, the temperature and the fresh breeze. After all, the rise takes about forty minutes. Double chair suspension road is unique in its kind. Because in addition to the final points of landing - disembarkation, an intermediate landing station is provided. So for those who do not dare to go down from the very top, there is a good alternative.
The Vysokiy Verkh Ridge and its main mountain, Pisana, have been attracting more and more skiers lately. And this is not surprising. Special climate. Snow falls very early and lasts until late spring. A lot of lifts, both chairlifts and tows at the top of the mountain, attract lovers of skiing. Moreover, the choice of routes is simply inexhaustible. Gentle for beginners and almost sheer for real aces.
Now there are a lot of people on the slopes. Joyful animation and laughter reign everywhere.
Despite the fact that Mount High Top (aka Zakhar Berkut - 1243 m) formally belongs to the neighboring village of Volosyanka, it is very convenient to travel here from Slavsko. The distance is only about 6 kilometers. There are 9 main slopes of different difficulty levels.
The main lift is a double-chair lift with a length of 2800 m. From the middle part of the mountain, skiers are served by three rope tows up to a kilometer each. Elevation difference up to 552m.
There is a restaurant and a small hotel at the top. As well as private sellers. Although they mainly serve their customers near the replanting station in the middle of the mountain. The choice of food is sufficient. Quality as lucky.
However, standing in a piercing wind is not very pleasant. And you will not immediately understand the breathtaking from the unearthly beauty of mountain ranges or prickly ice whirlwinds, seeking to overthrow the daredevils from a height. So hurry down, under the protection of those very thick modrins.
The modern five-story building of the Zakhar Berkut tourist complex is located a couple of hundred meters from the ski lift. It would be more accurate to say that a real town is located here. Since on the slopes of Mount High Top, cottages grow like mushrooms one after another.
Original and very cozy
From the foot of the mountain to the opposite edge of the village, drive along the newly repaired road for about twenty minutes at most. For Slavsky, this is an event. I mean new cover. We've been waiting for decades. And immediately there is a result. Even at this early time there are luxury cars. And big buses. Previously, they simply could not get here. And these are clients for local hotel owners. The integrated economy in action.
The last turn and now the gates of the Arefyevs' Manor are slowly opening. It has long been my favorite home, and its owners are good friends. And it's not even convenience. There is no need to talk about this, everything is on top and at a very reasonable price. The main thing is some unique truly homely atmosphere.
Here they love art. Literally all the walls are covered with paintings. Already only on them you can make a real trip. After all, Oksana and Dmitry Arefieva are true connoisseurs of beauty. And it is not surprising that their passion grew into something much more serious. Last fall, the eighteenth international plein air of artists, organized by this amazing family, took place in Slavske.
It should be noted that the peculiarity of this direction of art is its mobility. Each time, artists need to present new routes, new objects that have not yet been seen before. Abroad, a special type has long been formed - art tourism. In our country, this direction is just emerging.
Now imagine yourself in the place of the guests living in this small hotel. Paintings hang in every room, corridor, everywhere. And many of them can be bought. So the estate of the Arefievs can rightly be called a kind of artistic and tourist center. And it is unique in its essence and spirit.
The uniqueness of the center lies in the fact that the paintings serve as a kind of guide. They are a great incentive for tourists who come to the Arefyevs to visit these places. Where else can you find something like this?
And not so long ago, another tradition was born in the Arefyevs' estate. The fact is that the walls of the dining room in the house are decorated with real river stones. And somehow one of the artists left his autograph on one of the stones. Just like that, for fun. But, the example found its followers. And now dozens of stones have their personal marks from the masters. Here is such a kind of walk of fame turned out.
Art is forever
In what other village can you find an art gallery? And in Slavske it is. It's called Maxim. And this is another side of the activity of the Arefiev family. Enjoys well-deserved popularity. Located directly opposite the train station. Very comfortably. Residents of this mountain resort, and especially their guests, do not have to look for a long time.
As soon as you get off the train, this very temple of arts appears before your eyes. Here you can look at the original author's souvenirs. And choose the picture you like.
Eat and play
An active day causes just a brutal appetite. Especially since it was time for dinner. Restaurant "Maxim" is also one of the fields of activity of the Arefievs. Located in the very center of the village, it has long become a favorite vacation spot for residents and guests of Slavske. And a kind of museum of the history of skiing must be added. After all, Dmitry Arefiev was once a famous athlete himself.
And so that after a hearty and tasty dinner the guests would not immediately fall asleep, the hosts invited them to play balls. Bowling in the village is of course the highest class! And, by the way, a very good room. The owner of this establishment is the same Pan Vasil, the owner of Smerichka. Here's business diversification in practice. Needless to say, after an hour and a half battle with heavy balls, the guests barely manage to get to the bed.
Visiting the furry beast
The village of Volosyanka is located just a few kilometers from Slavske. For investors, it turned out to be a very tasty morsel. This was facilitated by its favorable location. The presence of a wide valley, with a fan of outgoing branches, undoubtedly facilitates construction. And the surrounding mountains are in no way inferior to Slavsky.
A couple of hundred meters from the road, behind tall dense fir trees, there is an entrance to the real Middle Ages. This is a magical place where the ringing of knightly armor is still heard, silks and brocades of beautiful ladies' dresses rustle, and guests are greeted with bread and salt. Here stands a majestic castle-tower, which, according to legend, was brought together by a brave knight to honor the memory of his savior, the Bear. Good people know and respect this tower, calling it “Vezha Vedmezha”.
Traveler, choose a chamber according to your heart, plunge into a sweet dream. And in the morning, refresh your strength with a delicious nutritious breakfast, and let yourself be surprised. What do you like? It is in Vezha Vedmezha that they know how to make dreams come true, including the oldest of almost all of us - to become a brave knight, the winner of all fights or a beautiful lady, for whose smile these fights are fought.
Having tried on medieval clothes: luxurious embroidered dresses for ladies and armor for men, you can try your hand at archery or crossbow shooting. And after accurate shots go to the arena and take part in a knightly duel. In addition, demonstration battles, a fire show, a unique exhibition of the arsenal of medieval weapons and, most importantly, do not miss shots from a real medieval cannon await the guests. Her volley disperses sad thoughts, leaving only lightness and pleasant fatigue in the heart after a day full of adventure...
If you want, you can go to the forest, to the mountains, along unbeaten paths to rocks, fortresses and waterfalls. Or try your hand at Vedmezha Lazalka, testing yourself for strength and dexterity high above the ground. And then - the heat of the bath, after which all illnesses will leave the body and soul... In the evening, your place is at the table of the Refectory, where you will forget about the transience of time with delicious food, good wine and friendly conversations...
But, time still does not wait. It's time to get on the road. Although, how many of those fees. Load your backpack into the trunk of a cozy minibus. And you can go. A couple of hours drive to Lviv.
And there is already waiting for an intercity bus. And you don't have to worry about anything.
