My Mountain Story

For as long as I can remember, the mountains have been a part of my life. I grew up in a mountain village nestled deep in the Ukrainian Carpathians, where childhood days were shaped by forests, rivers, and rugged peaks rising above the plains. The images of steep, forested slopes, crystal-clear streams rushing over stone beds, and the scents of pine, mint, berries, and mushrooms are forever imprinted in my memory.

But the mountains were more than just scenery — they were alive with stories. A special place in my heart belongs to the fairy tales and life stories told by my grandfather. His life was deeply connected to the mountains: as a boy and young man, he spent every summer on the wild alpine meadows, herding sheep and cows and making the traditional local cheese — brynza.

As I grew older, I roamed the forests with adults, picking berries, mushrooms, and hazelnuts, and at home I helped my grandparents with the garden, haymaking, and planting potatoes. I remember one May when I first saw the snow-covered summit of Mount Syvulia — and I wondered: what would it be like to climb the highest peak and see everything from above, and how could snow possibly stay on a mountaintop into summer?

First Steps and a Dream

Together with my cousins, I explored the local forests and climbed nearby peaks. The view of our villages and the neighboring ones from above took my breath away.

On one of those trips, we came across a group of geography students camping in the mountains for their fieldwork. To me, they were living the dream — combining their studies and future work with life in the mountains. I felt both envy and inspiration. Soon after, I began collecting topographic maps of the Carpathians, planning countless routes I hoped to conquer one day.

The Dream Becomes Reality: My First Major Trek

That dream became reality in 2016. I completed my first long trek: ten days, more than 130 miles, and over 20,700 feet of elevation gain. I finally touched snow in late June. I met shepherds on the meadows and tasted their fresh brynza.

That trek was unforgettable not only for the landscapes and the feeling of a childhood dream fulfilled, but also for the food. My friends, who organized the hike, meticulously planned not only the route, navigation, and safety, but also the meals. The food was incredible. We even designed the path to pass mountain farms, so we could buy fresh cheese and cook banosh — the best camp meal I’ve ever had.

A New Chapter in Kyiv

After moving to Kyiv, hiking became even more frequent and cherished. We later added bikepacking — in the Carpathians, from Kyiv, and beyond. Neither the pandemic nor the war stopped us.

For me, the mountains became an escape from the overload of the metropolis and from man-made dangers, into a place of peace and inspiration. On the trail, people became especially close: we trusted each other, sharing everything — from a train cabin to a tent, from cooking meals to long talks around the campfire.

From Hiking to Guiding

Hiking has always been more than recreation for me. It is a way to recharge, to inspire others, and to bring people together. And I’m grateful that I’ve been able to share this love of the mountains with my friends and family.

Beyond hiking with cousins and friends, I also organized and completed treks with my father across the highest and most beautiful Carpathian peaks. One of them was in late autumn, when the mountains were already cold and nearly empty of people.

I was also drawn to bigger challenges and winter expeditions. In winter, the Carpathians are especially beautiful and almost deserted.

I organized and completed several winter treks, most of them solo. Familiar trails looked completely different under snow and ice.

And while winter hiking can be dangerous even in the Carpathians, my experience, careful preparation, and planning allowed me to complete them successfully. Sometimes, though, I had to turn back because of deep snow, strong winds, or dangerous cornices on the ridges. These moments taught me the most important rule: safety first, plan carefully, and make rational decisions.

My Approach and Philosophy

I enjoy every form of trekking: weekend camping, long-distance backpacking, thru-hiking, ultralight adventures, and fastpacking.

I consider myself a gear enthusiast — I love researching and testing everything, from backpacks to titanium spoons. Food also plays a special role in my hikes. Cooking outdoors is not just about calories; it’s a ritual and a form of meditation. That said, some treks left no time for cooking — like an 11-hour, 28-mile trek with 8,549 feet of elevation gain, where I only stopped to refill water bottles from my trail running vest and fueled myself with energy bars and snacks. That route, Kvasy–Vorokhta, is one of the most popular in Ukraine (my Strava track).

I’m also fascinated by fastpacking. Often traveling solo, I covered long distances while staying in homes rented by local villagers. It was a wonderful way to experience authentic Carpathian culture, try traditional food, and share stories with other hikers over dinner.

From the Carpathians to the Appalachians and Beyond

My passion for the mountains naturally led me to long-distance running. I became so immersed in marathons that I completed four World Marathon Majors, two of them in under three hours. These experiences built resilience, discipline, and a strong ability to plan logistics — skills that I now bring into every project and expedition.

After thousands of miles on trails and roads, and years of organizing and planning treks, I want not only to continue but also to share and help others discover the same wonder and freedom I first felt in the Carpathians as a child.

For me, the Appalachian Trail has always been a source of inspiration — perhaps the most famous long-distance trail in the world, and one I dream of walking someday. And of course, I find motivation in the story of Grandma Gatewood, who proved that true strength and love for the mountains have no age and no limits.