Vorokhta

Vorokhta is a modern, year-round resort in the mid-Carpathians with strong Hutsul roots. This tourist village is one of the oldest centers of culture and traditional crafts in Prykarpattia and Hutsulshchyna. Vorokhta was first mentioned at the end of the 16th century as a Hutsul settlement, and later as a center of traditional manufacturing. The village’s name comes from the surname Vorokhta. This story is closely intertwined with the history of the entire region. For centuries, the Austro-Hungarian Empire ruled over Prykarpattia, followed later by Polish authorities. The first inhabitants of these remote mountain areas were mostly people seeking freedom from the monarchical order of old Europe, settling on forested and hard-to-reach slopes. One of the descendants of these freedom-loving highlanders was Mykhailo Vorokhta, who established and developed a weaving workshop on the slopes of what would later become the resort. From his homestead, the rhythmic sound of looms could be heard as vivid Hutsul blankets and ceremonial garments were woven. And so it became a saying — still heard today: ‘Let’s go to Vorokhta.

Vorokhta’s tourism story began during a time of peace and calm — between the First and Second World Wars. With the arrival of the railway, resort facilities began to develop in the picturesque valley. In the first half of the 20th century, Vorokhta was a charming town dotted with finely crafted multi-storey wooden villas. At that time, guesthouses were equipped with the latest amenities — electricity, stove heating, plumbing, and other comforts. Several of these heritage buildings still welcome visitors today and are part of the community’s architectural legacy. The true tourism boom in Vorokhta came in the winter of 1922, when the first grand ski jump was completed — at the time, the only professional one in Poland. With the construction of this jump and later an entire complex, the cozy valley transformed into a genuine hub of winter sports and officially became the venue for the national ski jumping championships. Today, this historic complex has been restored and continues to teach skiers to ‘fly’. The old resort proudly carries on the traditions of climatic healing and recreation, offering plenty of activities for the whole family. Thrilling outdoor adventures lead high into the mountains, while gastronomic and museum routes treat guests to vivid emotions and local flavors. And the incredible Carpathian SPA experiences, available year-round, restore both physical and mental well-being.

Over more than four centuries, on its journey from a mountain settlement to a resort town, Vorokhta has absorbed the spirit of many historical eras: the fierce pursuit of ethnic freedom, refined European aristocracy, and the Soviet policy of oblivion. Yet through all these changes, Vorokhta has preserved its Hutsul roots, ancestral traditions, customs, recipes, and even a distinctive worldview. These are cherished, passed down through generations, and reflected in everything that surrounds both locals and visitors today — in intimate home museums, in grandmothers’ chests filled with heritage, in festive rituals, and in ancient recipes for mountain dishes and even natural cosmetics. Exploring the cultural side of this tourist village is an inspiring adventure that immerses visitors in a world of hard yet rewarding work and deep respect for nature. Many mountain crafts are still proudly practiced in Vorokhta and authentically represented at the highland farmstead on the Borsuchyna meadow. Visiting a hereditary Hutsul’s homestead, experiencing the romance and discipline of mountain life, listening to captivating stories about living in the wild, and staying for a special retreat — all this makes for an unforgettable travel experience. Vorokhta’s cultural paths reveal themselves through colorful customs filled with hidden meanings and the strength of faith that lives in both the people and the rare wooden shrines that have long watched over this ancient and picturesque village. Here, spirituality is felt as powerfully as the breath of the mountains. The village is home to three Greek Catholic churches and a Roman Catholic church — each with its own history, its own soul, and the people who keep that soul alive. These sacred places shape the spiritual landscape of the village, reminding us that Vorokhta is not only a tourist resort but also a place of faith, peace, and inner strength that unites the community.

During the Polish period in the 1930s, two ski jumps were built in Vorokhta, which later gained international recognition and are currently being reconstructed. The word ‘skochem’ is a dialect form used in Western Ukraine meaning ‘let’s go’, and it metaphorically complements the village’s sporting history connected with ski jumping.