Introduction: While Ukraine faces the challenges of an ongoing war with Russia, a remarkable project is taking shape in the western Carpathian Mountains. The GORO Mountain Resort, a £1.2 billion luxury ski destination, is under construction in the Lviv region near the Polish border. This ambitious development, led by the OKKO Group, aims to transform Ukraine into a premier European tourism destination, offering hope and economic revitalization despite the conflict in the east.
[](https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/2013872/ukraines-incredible-new-1-2bn-resort)A Symbol of Resilience in the Carpathians
Amid the turmoil of Russia’s invasion, Ukraine is quietly building one of Europe’s most ambitious ski resorts in the Carpathian Mountains. The GORO Mountain Resort, located near the village of Volosyanka in the Lviv region, is a £1.2 billion ($1.5 billion USD) project that promises to rival top alpine destinations. Construction began in October 2024, with the first phase set for completion between 2028 and 2029. The entire project, spanning 2,965 acres, is expected to take 15 years to fully realize.
[](https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/2013872/ukraines-incredible-new-1-2bn-resort)[](https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/ukraines-bold-1-2-billion-ski-resort-set-to-redefine-luxury-tourism-near-the-polish-border/)The resort will feature 25 hotels with 5,500 rooms, 41 ski slopes stretching 46.6 miles, 846 acres of snow-covered terrain, and over 10 miles of ski lifts, including two modern gondola lifts and 11 chairlifts. The first phase, covering 127 hectares, includes five hotel complexes with over 1,100 rooms, a 2.8-km gondola cable car (the longest in Ukraine), and a 3.8-km ski run. Additional amenities such as spas, swimming pools, restaurants, and spaces for children and business events will make GORO a year-round destination.
[](https://ubn.news/okko-starts-construction-of-an-all-season-ski-resort-worth-1-5b/)[](https://odessa-journal.com/okko-group-has-begun-the-construction-of-the-first-hotel-complex-at-the-goro-mountain-resort)
Strategic Investment for Ukraine’s Future
OKKO Group’s Vision: The project is spearheaded by OKKO Group, Ukraine’s largest gas station network, under the leadership of CEO Vasyl Danylyak. In a statement, Danylyak emphasized the project’s significance: “The construction of the first hotel complex is a strategically important stage in the implementation of the holistic concept for an international year-round holiday resort. GORO will become one of the largest recreational infrastructure facilities in Ukraine, which will affect the state’s position in the European tourism arena.”
[](https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/2013872/ukraines-incredible-new-1-2bn-resort)The resort is not just about tourism; it’s a bold step toward economic recovery and psychological rehabilitation for a nation scarred by war. Positioned just 50 km from the Polish border, the Lviv region has remained largely untouched by Russian missile or drone attacks, making it a safe haven for investment and tourism. OKKO Group is investing $500 million directly, with the remaining $1 billion to be sourced from institutional investors, including global firms like Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, and Vanguard.
[](https://snowbrains.com/construction-of-luxury-ski-resort-in-the-ukraine-starts-in-the-middle-of-russian-invasion/)[](https://beijingtimes.com/lifestyle/2025/02/14/ukraine-builds-1-45-billion-luxury-ski-resort-amid-ongoing-war/)International Expertise and Long-Term Impact
OKKO Group has partnered with world-class experts to ensure GORO meets international standards. Austrian firms such as ILF Group, known for their work on ski resorts like Sölden and Kitzbühel, and Doppelmayr/Garaventa Gruppe, experts in cable car design, are contributing to the project’s master plan and infrastructure. This collaboration underscores Ukraine’s ambition to create a resort that competes with Europe’s best.
[](https://odessa-journal.com/okko-group-has-begun-the-construction-of-the-first-hotel-complex-at-the-goro-mountain-resort)Initially proposed in 2017, the GORO project was delayed by the Russian invasion in 2022. Now, as construction progresses, it symbolizes Ukraine’s resilience and forward-thinking approach. The resort is expected to attract both Ukrainian and foreign tourists, boosting the local economy and creating jobs in the Lviv region. It also aims to serve as a center for health improvement and psychological rehabilitation, offering a refuge for those affected by the war.
[](https://prepareforchange.net/2025/03/13/ukraines-incredible-new-1-2bn-resort/)[](https://en.clickpetroleoegas.com.br/ucrania-choca-o-mundo-com-um-resort-de-12-bilhao-o-gigante-das-neves-que-esta-sendo-construido-em-meio-a-guerra/)Addressing Misconceptions
Some reports have falsely claimed that the Ukrainian state is funding GORO with Western aid, fueling pro-Russian narratives. In reality, the project is privately financed by OKKO Group and its investors, with the state providing only tax concessions. This distinction is critical to understanding the project’s role as a private initiative aimed at rebuilding Ukraine’s future, not diverting wartime resources.
[](https://www.bluewin.ch/en/news/international/why-a-luxury-ski-resort-is-at-the-center-of-fake-news-2456154.html)By 2028-2029, the first phase of GORO Mountain Resort will open its doors, marking a significant milestone in Ukraine’s journey toward recovery and global recognition as a tourism powerhouse. For more details, visit The Express or explore the latest updates on Ukraine news.
[](https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/2013872/ukraines-incredible-new-1-2bn-resort)