Training and Sports Base "Zaroslyak" at Hoverla

The history of the Zaroslyak area goes back centuries. This name was given by local residents to the space between Breskul in the east and the watershed between the Prutchik Kozmensky and Prutchik Zaroslyatsky in the west. As early as 1880, a tourist shelter of the Polish Tatra Society named after Henryk Hoffbauer - a well-known leader of the Society in Kolomyia and creator of the first tourist route along the Chornohora ridge was established at the site of the modern training and sports base "Zaroslyak".

From 1911 to 1918, a series of fires and military actions during World War I destroyed the shelter. However, in 1923-1927, the shelter was rebuilt and by the end of the 1930s, it accommodated from 120 to 150 tourists per day. During World War II, it was completely destroyed again.

In 1959, Zaroslyak was given a new life. A modern sports base was built, which was included in the list of Olympic facilities of the Ukrainian SSR. With excellent sports infrastructure and being the highest base in the Ukrainian SSR, the "Zaroslyak" base hosted the strongest athletes from all Soviet republics until the collapse of the USSR.

Since 1991, the base has been one of the leading facilities for training athletes in independent Ukraine. In 2004, a unique twelve-meter ski jump for freestyle was built on the base's territory.

After a major renovation in 2008, the base can accommodate up to 90 people per day.

The material and technical support of the training and sports base "Zaroslyak" allows for year-round sports events for teams and athletes of any level. The base has a sports and wellness complex that includes a gym and fitness room, sauna, and massage room.

What has already been written about the base, accommodation, and meals.

Serhiy 13.10.2016: "We stayed in September 2016 (we were going to Hoverla from there). Liked it... The living conditions are quite decent. The staff is friendly and helpful, they really try to ensure that guests have good memories of this place. The food is simple but quite tasty, quality, and the portions are huge... Regarding entertainment, it should be understood that this is not a vacation base (and not even a tourist base), but the "Training and Sports Base of the Olympic Reserve of Ukraine"... By the way, rooms should be booked in advance..."

Anatoliy 14.10.2017: "The base is located in a convenient place. I spent a long time choosing where to stay to climb Hoverla. It turned out that there is a sports base right at the foot of the mountain. Very convenient, because the route to Hoverla starts just a few meters from the base. The base has rooms with cosmetic repairs, modest and clean. There is an old TV, but we didn't need it, we were so tired that we fell asleep as soon as we got to the room. Thanks to the staff, very hospitable and attentive. The food is good! Everyone was satisfied))"

Valentin 14.10.2017 wrote: "We stayed at the base in September 2017. Everything was fine. We were welcomed well and fed. The staff is friendly. The room was clean and had hot water. To spend the night in a protected area in the forest among the mountains in decent conditions is just great!"

Yevhen Kokolskyi, January 2019: "140 UAH for breakfast, which includes three fried eggs, a bowl of oatmeal, a cube of butter with a slice of hard cheese, and tea - this is somehow too much for "Zaroslyak". "The cost of accommodation at the recreation base includes three meals a day" - by the way, this is not true, meals were not included in the accommodation price (standard 310 UAH per person)."

Svetlana, Kyiv 24 December 2017: "I am very satisfied with the Zaroslyak base! You live in the mountains, fresh air, the nature is amazing, they feed well. And hooray!!! There is no mobile connection!!! That is, you can call from certain places, BUT no one can reach you. A full-fledged vacation from work. The rooms have modest repairs, but they are clean and tidy. Unfortunately, the TV in our room did not work, but we were not too upset, we walked more. One day we climbed Hoverla, the second day we walked near the base and grilled kebabs (you can use the grill), the third day we went to Lake Nesamovite. We were VERY satisfied with the vacation! Thank you!"

Anna, Ukraine 29 August 2017: "My 12-year-old child went hiking with a group, twisted his ankle, and the group leader decided to leave him at this hotel. From August 24 to 26, my child was at Zaroslyak, with him were two 18-year-old boys, they left food and money for him. The boys who stayed with him drank the money left - this is my question to the group leader, of course. My son had money on his card, but he couldn't use it. The instant noodles ran out on the second day (they gave him a kettle), there was nowhere to cook porridge, my child was left without food, money, and connection. The connection only caught Kyivstar, and only in the dining room, he asked the staff in the dining room and the administrator to let him call his parents - no one allowed, although he explained that he had nothing to eat and needed to call his parents. Guys, would you really have lost a lot from one call on MTS??? We would have compensated all your expenses, paid for that damn call, transferred money to the hotel account so that the child could eat. Although on the last day he begged and was allowed to cook porridge in the dining room. And for that, thank you. Just no words."

Mykola, Berdyansk 5 April 2017: "I decided to climb Hoverla in the first days of May and book a room, but the indicated phone was constantly out of service. I stayed at this base in 2011. I liked everything, but getting from Vorokhta here can only be done by taxi and the price is not small. The room was triple with all amenities, the food in the dining room was excellent and the prices were not high, I collected white mushrooms in the mountains, and the cook made an excellent soup, which I had never eaten for its taste. The connection at the base only worked in the dining room by one window and only "Kyivstar", otherwise only at heights. I climbed to the top where the meteorological station is located and to Hoverla by a short route, now I want to make the ascent by the second route and visit the lakes. I am passionate about photography, so I want to visit the mountains in spring when everything blooms and pleases the eye."

Sasha, Kyiv 26 August 2016: "We held gatherings from 01.08.16 to 14.08.16. We were at the base for the first time. It was recommended to us. Our entire group was satisfied. The base was full during this period. The place is very beautiful."

Andriy, Ternopil 31 May 2016: "I have been going to the Zaroslyak base for many years. Previously, the director was the same man, and everything was good. Then the directors changed often. This affected the condition of the base: water and electricity became available only at certain hours, and the food quality decreased. I was very upset because such a wonderful and unique place should be in good condition. In winter, I thought about whether to go to the base or not. I decided to go for the Christmas holidays (2016). To my joy, I saw that everything is returning to normal. The management is good, everything is organized clearly, guests are satisfied. After spending well the Christmas days, I went again for the May holidays to my favorite place. There were many people during these days despite the rainy weather. Improvements at the base are noticeable. Of course, without luxury and special repairs, but everything is clean and tidy. The rooms are in order, the sauna is updated, hot and cold water is constantly available, and the food is good and healthy. I note that I am not a fan of buffets. In conclusion, I will say that I am very pleased that this place is maintained and preserved. I express my gratitude to the current management of the base. I wish you development and prosperity!"

Olexiy, Chernivtsi 30 May 2016: "We held a corporate event at the Zaroslyak base. I had long wanted to climb Hoverla, but I could never gather myself, and here we went collectively :-). Very beautiful place! Carpathian reserve. The base is located in the forest, right at the foot of the mountain. It was somehow strange for me to spend the night in such a place. I mean, in a good sense. The rooms are not renovated, but it is clear that cosmetic repairs were made. Everything is very tidy and clean. We were fed well, like at recreation bases, in sanatoriums: first, second, and compote :-) Pleasant childhood memories. The food was deliciously prepared. The ascent to Hoverla left me with very vivid impressions. How beautiful our Carpathians are! I have seen the Alps many times and cannot say that they are better. I recommend everyone to visit this place and climb Hoverla. After all, I think many of you, like me, travel abroad and look for beautiful places, and they are, it turns out, right here at home! I recommend staying at the Zaroslyak base. Friendly staff, clean rooms, good food. All this brought back childhood memories. We went and charged ourselves for a year ahead, a certain lightness appeared both in the body and in feelings."

Andriy 14 October 2017: "The place is super!!! The nature captivates and inspires. We were at the base in September 2017. We were welcomed very warmly and fed deliciously. The food is good, you can not only eat but also overeat. Everything is tasty and homemade. The rooms are modest but clean and tidy. Bed linen and towels are provided, bring your own shampoo and soap. The staff is friendly, they will tell and explain everything. The location of the base is very convenient!!! I recommend!"

Yaroslav, 15 July 2016: "We returned two days ago. We went to climb Hoverla and visit Lake Nesamovite. Everything worked out. We were very lucky with the weather. We camped near the base, used the toilet and took showers at the base for an additional fee. Everything was fine. We also ate at the base in the dining room. As we understood, any person can come and eat at any time, the dining room works constantly. We ate well :-) In general, the staff is very friendly. It was pleasant!"

Mykhailo 31 May 2016: "We stayed with the family at the Zaroslyak base for the weekend. Two adults and a 14-year-old child. We took a luxury room with a double bed and an extra bed. The room is good. We were satisfied with everything. There was both cold and hot water in the room, there were no interruptions with water. We took three meals a day for two days. They fed us well, hearty, and tasty. Unfortunately or fortunately, there is almost no mobile connection at the base and in the area. Life still works somehow. We were even pleased with this. When we climbed Hoverla, the connection with Kyivstar appeared periodically. By the way, a tip - take something for your head. At the top, when we were there, a strong wind was blowing. The view from the top is very beautiful. I want to express my gratitude to the base staff for their hospitality, openness, and honesty. When we were leaving, I forgot my apartment keys in the room, as soon as I realized it, I called the base. They found the keys in the room in the nightstand and sent them to us by mail. Thank you VERY MUCH!!!"

Sasha 30 May 2016: "Every year, the management of our company holds a corporate event in a new interesting place. This year we decided to climb Hoverla. We stayed at the Zaroslyak base, right at the foot of Hoverla. Besides being convenient, the nature around was enchanting. In the morning, we woke up to the view of Hoverla from the window, and when we went outside, the air was intoxicating )) For breakfast, we were fed hearty and tasty. Our group ordered breakfast at 7:00, and by 8:00 we started our ascent up the mountain. We climbed with a guide, who constantly motivated and entertained us))) When we reached the top - the feeling was incredible, the views are breathtaking, and most importantly, the feeling of pride that I did it is very uplifting)) Everyone was tired but filled with happiness as we descended to the base where a full lunch awaited us. Then we rested and walked around the area. Some of us enjoyed the sauna. In the evening, we had a festive dinner: kebabs, banosh over the fire, various salads, uzvar. The next day we went to Lake Nesamovite. Again, everyone was thrilled! I have no other words)) Everyone liked it very much! A week has passed, and we are still discussing it at work and looking at photos. We really liked the base. A big thank you to the staff! Very friendly, hospitable. They try so hard that it felt like we came to relatives. I have thoughts of gathering my company and going back to them again. I want to experience this atmosphere once more)."

Oleksandra 5 December 2015: "After reading many reviews, both good and not so good, my husband and I went to the base. The goal was, of course, to enjoy the local nature, color, and climb Hoverla. The first thing we encountered was the terrible road leading to the base. The taxi cost 250 UAH one way. I sincerely felt sorry for the car, and I would never go there in my personal vehicle. The staff greeted us very kindly. The beauty of the mountains and forests captivated us at first sight. Regarding the food, we were satisfied with everything. The food really reminded us of a good canteen in a summer camp. But is that bad? It was tasty and filling. There was no MTS connection or internet. But this is not a minus, just a statement of fact. The room and bathroom were very simple and quite clean. But... as soon as we arrived, we were informed about the lack of water due to a breakdown. It was provided in the morning and evening. We had to keep asking when it would be available. Because we were not always warned ourselves. The second problem we encountered was that the batteries worked very poorly. It was really cold. I understand that heating the entire base with only a few occupied rooms is very unprofitable. But still, you are accepting people! And maybe it would be worth solving this problem more locally. For example, providing electric heaters in the rooms. Because when there is already snow outside, it should be at least a little warm indoors. We couldn't even dry our shoes after hiking in the snowy mountains in a day. Overall, if you perceive the base as just a place to sleep, located in a unique location, everything will be great!)"