Veterans Return to the Slopes as Ukraine Launches Its First Adaptive Ski Hub

The first adaptive alpine skiing hub in Ukraine for war veterans with lower-limb amputations has opened in the Lviv region. The center began operating in the city of Boryslav at the Bukovytsia ski resort, according to the Department of Sports, Youth and Tourism of the Lviv Regional Military Administration on February 17.

The hub officially launched on February 9, with the first participants completing a week of training. Veterans learned the Three-Track Skiing technique, which involves skiing on one ski using two outriggers. Training was led by alpine skiing instructors, physical therapists, and veterans who had completed certified training in the United States.

Under the program, veterans will receive ongoing free access to Bukovytsia’s ski infrastructure, modern adaptive equipment, professional adaptive skiing lessons, and peer-to-peer mentorship from fellow veterans.

According to Oleksandr Shvachka, a veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war and president of the Alliance of Veterans, the hub is part of a broader effort to build a sustainable rehabilitation system through sport and physical activity.

“At the very beginning, we set ourselves the goal of creating an effective and sustainable rehabilitation system through sport and physical activity. Last year, I personally experienced what it means. It is adrenaline, it is the opportunity to feel free again… to remember brotherhood and support. And I am confident that this hub will attract worthy, strong, courageous people who are ready to work on themselves,” said Shvachka.

Roman Khimyak, Director of the Department of Sports, Youth and Tourism of the Lviv Regional Military Administration, emphasized the importance of joint efforts in supporting veterans.

“This complex once again highlights that when it comes to the rehabilitation of war veterans, everyone must unite: business, civil society organizations, and authorities. Sport must be accessible to everyone. We see the strength and impact of adaptive sports on the physical and, above all, psychological rehabilitation of wounded service members in our ‘League of the Invincible’ project. Now it is a community not only of recovery, but of belief in oneself, community, and mutual support,” Khimyak added.

Earlier, seven members of the Armed Forces Para Snow Sports Team spent three weeks in Ukraine training local ski instructors under Project VOLYA, an initiative designed to support Ukrainian service members wounded in the ongoing war.

The delegation, including four British adaptive skiers, traveled to the Bukovel resort in the Carpathian Mountains. They worked to equip Ukrainian instructors with adaptive skiing skills and then remained to help train 25 injured Ukrainian soldiers.

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