Snowfall is again in the forecast, although the ski season is in question: festive weather in the Carpathians and accommodation prices.

In the Carpathian Mountains, the snow season has begun, which will make it possible to open the ski season, which usually begins at the end of autumn. However, despite the late start season, prices for accommodation remain stable, and interest is lower than last year.

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Due to the lack of snow, the ski season in Ukraine has not yet started at any of the ski resorts, although, as a rule, skiing begins at the end of autumn or at the beginning of winter. At the same time, snow deposits started in the Carpathian region today. The journalists were told whether the meteorological conditions will be favorable for skiing during the winter festivities and whether the prices for accommodation will change due to the late start of the winter season. UNNHead of the Department of Meteorological Forecasts of the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center Nataliya Golenya and tourism expert Yuliya Veselovska.

Details According to Natalia Golenya, at the moment snow is already covering the Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk and Transcarpathian regions, including the Carpathian highlands. Its height varies from a few centimeters to more than ten in some habitats. Rainfall will continue in the coming days, after which a short break is expected.

A blanket of snow has already formed in the Carpathians. Maybe not everywhere, but especially in the Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk regions, even the Transcarpathian region, particularly the highlands. The snow cover is from one to six centimeters, and in the Carpathians, in particular in Kolomyia, up to 12 centimeters. The snow will continue to fall today until the evening, then there will be a short respite for Christmas

– remarks the expert.

And after the Christmas silence, the weather will again change to a more dynamic one. At the end of December, the Carpathian Mountains will be covered with new snowfalls, which will be accompanied by strong winds. According to Natalia Goleni, this weather situation will continue on New Year’s Eve.

From December 28-29, on Sunday and Monday, it will snow again. Wind gusts of 15-20 meters per second, blizzards are possible. The weather will be almost like this on New Year’s Eve – with snow, with a snow cover of up to 10-20 centimeters and with frost

– explains Nataliya Golenya.

In addition, the temperature regime directly in the mountains will remain stably winter. During the day and night, negative indicators on the thermometer will prevail, which will contribute to the preservation of snow. Short-term warming is possible, but they will not have a significant impact on the general situation.

The temperature is expected to be from 3 to 8 degrees below zero, and if it clears up at night – up to 10-12 degrees below zero. No sharp changes or thaws are predicted on the eve of the New Year. The weather will be stably wintry, starting from the next few days

– concluded the forecaster.

However, despite the return of snow and winter conditions, the Carpathian tourist market is unusual this season. Tourism expert Yuliya Veselovska notes that the offer of housing in the Carpathians now exceeds the needs, which is uncharacteristic for the period of the New Year holidays. Also, many tourists who booked trips in advance canceled their stay en masse due to the lack of snow.

I monitored the situation and saw that a lot of people were canceling their reservations because there was no snow and they did not believe that the season would happen at all. Even now, despite the fact that the snow is gone, the supply of housing, according to my personal observations, exceeds the demand. Last year, the groups were closed much faster, and this year, you can find housing even a few days before arrival

– says Yuliya Veselovska.

At the same time, there was no sharp decrease in the cost of living due to the late start of the winter season. Homeowners are in no hurry to change the price, and the greatest interest is traditionally reserved for New Year’s dates.

I wouldn’t say that prices have gone down much. They practically do not change. Maximum – on New Year’s dates, owners who do not have full occupancy can raise the price not twice, but, for example, by one and a half times. But good, high-quality housing with good conditions was already booked from October to November

– explains the tourism expert.

In addition, the tourism expert notes that tourists who want to save should pay more attention to profitable offers.

Those who understand economics are willing to be more flexible and lower prices to attract a customer. There are also discount aggregators where you can find good value packages for several days with meals. But Instagram houses with panoramas and expensive repairs do not reduce their price

she said.