Polissia is a flat region, and there are no ski resorts with lifts here: for real slopes, people go to the Carpathians. But for sledding, ice sleds, tubing, and cross-country skiing, there are enough hills and forests. Every regional center has slopes where children and adults slide down every winter, and after snowfalls, ski tracks are laid in the forests.
The main condition is snow. The snow cover in Polissia is unstable: it falls in December, may melt in January, and return in February. So watch the forecast and go in the first days after a snowfall. There are very few equipped trails with rentals here, so it’s best to bring your own sleds, tubes, and skis.
Zhytomyr and Zhytomyr Region
Hydropark and Shoduarivskyi Park
The favorite place of Zhytomyr residents for winter fun is the hydropark on the Teteriv River. Local skiers recommend it for beginners, families with sleds, and those who do cross-country skiing. After heavy snowfalls, whole families gather here, and snow hills appear on the beach.
For steeper slopes, Zhytomyr residents choose the slopes of Shoduarivskyi Park (formerly Gagarin Park) from the Zarichany side: here they ski and snowboard off prepared trails. These are slopes above the river, so children are better off staying on the gentle hills of the hydropark. About the park and the cliffs above the Teteriv — in the article Zhytomyr — what to see in the city and nearby.
Tubing in Horodske
In the village of Horodske, at the cultural and artistic center “Poliska Khata”, in February 2025 a 70-meter-long tubing hill was opened. It was built with a grant from the “Own Business” program and made all-season — with a special covering, so snow is not required. There is no lift, and rides are by appointment only. Nearby is an old house with a stove, so children will have a place to warm up.
Ski Races in Irshansk
In the north of the region, cross-country skiing has a long tradition. In Irshansk, Korosten district, the Zhytomyr region ski racing championship among boys and girls is held annually; last year it took place on February 7–8, 2026. There are no public trails with rentals here, but the championship shows that there is usually enough snow for skiing in the Polissian forests.
Rivne and Barmakovel
Residents of Rivne jokingly call the hills near the village of Barmaky, which borders the city, “Barmakovel.” This is the protected tract “Barmakivske,” where in winter both children and adults ski, sled, and use ice sleds. It is 10–15 minutes from the city by car or minibus.
There are no lifts, rentals, or rescuers here, so everyone is responsible for themselves. Before sliding down, check the slope: under the snow there may be bushes and stones. Take your trash with you — this is a protected area. According to local media, ski bases near Rivne are currently not operating. What else to see in the city — in the article Rivne — what to see in the city and nearby.
Lutsk
In Lutsk, people traditionally go sledding in Lesya Ukrainka Central Park above the Styr River and in the 900th Anniversary Park, as well as on the slopes around the old town near Liubart’s Castle. It is crowded here in winter, so choose the hill according to age: gentle slopes in the park for little children, longer runs for teenagers.
Chernihiv
In Chernihiv, the highest places are Boldyni Hills, a chain of hills 20–35 meters above the Desna floodplain, and the ancient Val in the city center. There are no prepared winter trails here. In 2025, one of the city council deputies proposed equipping the Royal Hill in the regional landscape park Yalivshchyna with a ski lift and artificial snow, but the regional authorities and the scientific-technical council did not support the idea: this is a forest area with archaeological monuments.
So in Chernihiv, sledding means walking in parks after snowfall, without rentals or standby rescuers. Routes around the city are in the article Chernihiv — the Ukrainian Ravenna on the Desna. Chernihiv and the northern part of the region are regularly attacked, so check the community news before going out.
Kyiv Region
In Motyzhyn of Bucha district, near the Kyiv–Zhytomyr highway, Dobropark operates in winter. Last year, the winter season there started on December 6, 2025, and the season program on the park’s website mentioned a tubing hill. Check the park’s website for prices and the program this winter.
For cross-country skiing in Kyiv Polissia, large forest areas near the capital are suitable. The nature reserve Zhukiv Khutir covers 622 hectares of old pine-oak forest with wide forest roads, and the Vorzelskyi Nature Reserve lies right within the settlement of Vorzel. There is no rental service there; after snowfall, skiers prepare the trails themselves.
Safety on the Hill
- Before your first run, walk the slope: check for stumps, stones, bushes, and whether the hill leads onto a road.
- Do not sled from riverbanks or ponds — the ice below may be thin.
- Children should wear helmets, warm gloves, and have dry clothes to change into. Adults should stay nearby, not on a bench.
- Do not slide down until the person below has moved away, and climb up beside the track.
- It gets dark early: plan sledding during daylight, as park lights may not work due to power outages.
- During an air raid alert, go to a shelter instead of waiting on the slope.
Rental and Equipment
There are few prepared winter trails with rental services in Polissia, so the easiest option is to have your own sled, ice sled, or tubing. If you want alpine skis and a lift, there is no such opportunity in Polissia: the nearest equipped slopes are in the Carpathians.
Read about ice rinks in Polissia cities and safety on natural ice in our separate article about ice rinks.
