The Carpathians Are Covered in Snow: How to Go Hiking in November and Stay Safe

The first snow fell in the Carpathians in late October, covering Mount Pip Ivan Chornohirskyi and the Drahobrat area. On the morning of October 27, temperatures on Mount Pip Ivan dropped to −4°C, with dense fog and winds of 17 m/s. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) is urging tourists to plan high-altitude hikes carefully. On October 28, rescuers had already helped two female hikers descend from the mountains.

If you're currently looking at tickets to Vorokhta or Yasinia, this article is for you.

What's happening in the mountains?

According to the SESU office in Ivano-Frankivsk region, at 8:00 a.m. on October 27, temperatures on Mount Pip Ivan were below freezing, with dense fog and strong northeasterly winds. The following morning, temperatures stood at −1°C, with fog and winds of 9 m/s. On Drahobrat, fresh snow is particularly noticeable near the Oaza Tourist and Sports Complex.

On October 28, mountain rescuers helped two female hikers who had become cold on the section between Mount Gemba and Zhyd-Mahura descend safely to Pylypets. This is a popular hiking route on the Borzhava Range, and it is not among the highest in the region. This means that bad weather can catch hikers off guard even outside the highest mountain areas.

For November 1, forecasters predicted light rain mixed with wet snow, icy conditions, and fog in the highlands. Temperatures in the valleys were expected to remain mild, with no lasting snow cover.

What do rescuers recommend?

• Check the weather forecast and choose a route that matches your fitness and experience. If in doubt, it's better to postpone your trip to the highlands.
• Bring warm, waterproof clothing, as well as enough food and water.
• Charge your phone and bring a power bank — batteries drain faster in cold weather.
• Tell your family or friends about your route and expected return time.
• Study the map in advance or hike with a guide.
• Wear bright clothing with reflective elements — this makes you easier to spot in fog.

An app you should install before your trip

SESU recommends the "Rescue in the Mountains" app (listed simply as "Rescue" in the App Store). It is free and available for Android and iOS. You can use it to register your hiking group before setting off and send an SOS alert with your coordinates in an emergency. The app was developed by the "Rovin" Association of Mountain Guides as part of the Carpathian Search and Rescue Network project.

Our advice: install the app and register at home, while you still have a reliable internet connection, rather than waiting until you reach a mountain pass.

And what about the ski season?

It's still too early. Bukovel has not yet announced the opening date for the 2026/27 season. The resort's website currently offers winter bookings and early-bird ski passes. For comparison, Bukovel opened for the previous season on December 28, 2025. No official opening date has been announced for Drahobrat either.

Where to go now if you want to avoid the highlands

• Verkhovyna — a new 17-kilometer route featuring QR codes is a great option without having to climb mountain ridges.
• Vorokhta — explore the historic viaduct and enjoy walks through the Prut River valley.
• Yaremche — visit Probiy Waterfall and browse the souvenir market.

FAQ

Can you hike Mount Pip Ivan in November?
Yes, but only if you have the necessary experience and winter equipment. Temperatures there had already dropped to −4°C in late October, with fog and strong winds. SESU advises hikers to take weather conditions and their own level of preparation into account.

How can I register a hiking trip with mountain rescuers?
You can do so through the "Rescue in the Mountains" app or by using the online registration forms available on the websites of regional SESU offices in western Ukraine.

When will the 2026 ski season open at Bukovel?
The opening date has not yet been announced. Last season, the resort opened on December 28.

Who should I call if I get into trouble in the mountains?
101 — State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU). 112 — Universal emergency number (works even without a SIM card or when your mobile network operator has no coverage).