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Mountains
„Landscape
can not be beautiful, if there are no peaks on the skyline“
Shatobrian.
The
chine of the Ukrainian Carpathians extends across Zakarpatya from
the northwest to the northeast. The highest mountain ridge determines
the administrative border between Zakarpatska, Lvivska and Ivano-Frankivska
regions. The frontier with Slovakia and Poland in the northwest
and with Rumania in the southeast passes along this mountain ridge.
The
highest mountain of the Ukrainian Carpathians is Goverla (2060
m). It is called “the highest point of Ukraine”. The Carpathians
serve as the boundary between Zakarpatya and continental Ukraine
cutting off blasts from the northeast and southeast. This process
contributes to comparative difference of the climate of Zakarpatya
from the climate of the rest of Ukraine.
Prydunaiska
lowland extends southward from the Carpathians chine. The warm
streams of the Mediterranean air penetrate deep into Zakarpatya
right up to the Carpathians chine. This stipulates for hot and
long summer and mild snowy winter. The mountains by themselves
represent smooth, without any rocky ridges, peaks – polonyna.
Polonyna is a plot of mountains at a height of 1400m and higher.
The peculiarity of it is the complete absence of any forest. Prevalent
grass and shrubs coating of plateau makes for vegetation of delicious
berries such as bilberries and red bilberries. A little lower
on the mountainside one can always come across the undergrowth
of blackberries.
In
summer the numerous flocks of sheep, tended by shepherds from
April till November, supplement the mountainous landscape. Everyone
can observe an interesting process of sheep milking in the polonyna.
And just after the process of milking here, at the scene of it,
the shepherds make sheep’s cheese. Later tasty brynza will be
made of cottage cheese.
The
main part of the Carpathians is covered with coniferous and beech
forests. In consequence the Carpathians are called “the lungs
of Europe”.
Besides
fir and beech there are many other trees in the Carpathians like
oak, maple, hornbeam, larch, alder-tree, cherry-tree, nut-tree
and even yew-tree, the age of which reaches one thousand.
In
the mountainous massifs caves and rock salt deposits were formed
many thousands years ago. Some salt lakes resembling the Dead
Sea are situated on the deposits. They are of less size, but of
the same medicinal qualities.
The
true main treasure of the Carpathians is the great number of mineral
springs. They are similar by their mixtures to such famous waters
as Borzomi and Essentuki-2. The absence of any charge and prohibition
on their usage, the fact of allocation in the middle of wild and
virgin nature, strong and diverse characteristics will provide
your rest with additional benefits.
For
you, skiers, we propose three types of winter rest:
- Mountain.
There is a mountain-ski route 700m long with elevator and intervening
supports passing our recreation department. Skiing is possible
from November till April (sometimes till June). The route is
intended for beginners and average skiers. There is a hire center
at the recreation department where you can get skis and necessary
equipment. At your request our instructors will teach you. There
is also the cafe for skiers, which is situated on their way.
- Extreme.
We will organize for you an interesting walk to forest and polonyna.
While walking you will have the possibility to ski using wide
wooden skis. That leaves unforgettable impression. On your way
you can meet the different representatives of the Carpathians’
fauna: red deer, lynx, wood grouse etc. You will have halt at
Gutsul’s kolyba and treat yourself to shashlyk and brynza.
- Racing.
Presence of summer footpaths provides the visitors with chance
to ski along them using race skis. They are available.
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