The first Rakoczi SnowCamp ski camp was held

Between January 29 and February 1, 2026, students and faculty members of Ferenc Rakoczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian University participated in the first Rakoczi SnowCamp ski camp. The program was organized through the collaboration of the University of Rakoczi, the Rakoczi-tour Tourism and Information Center, the Department of Geography and Tourism, the training site of the Ede Egán Vocational Training Center in Petrove, and Árpád Vizáver, Director of the József Zupkó Health and Sports Center.

The program focused on both learning and active recreation. The series of events began with a meaningful excursion departing from Berehove, during which participants had the opportunity to gain a closer understanding of Transcarpathia’s natural treasures. The guided tour was led by Attila Tóth, Associate Professor at the Department of Geography and Tourism of the University of Rakoczi, and Emese Bodnár, a former Tourism major who is currently a Master’s student in Geography. Thanks to their high level of professional expertise, in-depth knowledge of the region, and practical experience, participants gained a comprehensive and authentic insight into Transcarpathia’s historical and cultural landmarks, its tourism potential, and the distinctive features of its development.

The route passed through the town centers of Vynohradiv and Khust, where participants visited the most important tourist attractions. The next stop was Tiachiv, where they explored one of the town’s historically significant buildings — the Reformed Church, a prominent monument of the region’s spiritual and cultural heritage. The tour then continued to the geographical center of Europe, located near Dilove, where participants learned fascinating geographical facts and gained insight into the symbolic significance of the site. The following destination was a picturesque location approximately four kilometers from Rakhiv, where the White Tisza and the Black Tisza rivers meet. The Transcarpathian tour concluded in Yasinia, where students admired the Church of the Ascension of Our Lord, a unique architectural and historical landmark included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Participants were accommodated in the Maramures Training Hotel in Yasinia, regarded as one of the most beautiful villages of the Upper Tisza region. The institution regularly serves as a field practice venue for students majoring in Geography, Biology, and Tourism, and also provides lodging for visiting tourists.

Meals were provided by the experienced instructors and students of the training site of the Ede Egán Vocational Training Center in Petrove, which significantly contributed to the high standard of the camp.

Thanks to their professional expertise and attentiveness, every shared meal was carefully planned, and the flavors of the dishes offered an unforgettable culinary experience. Participants’ feedback praised the variety and outstanding quality of the food, while the warm and caring hospitality created a homely and welcoming atmosphere, further enhancing the comfort of the time spent at the camp.

The first evening together focused on helping students from different academic majors get acquainted and on fostering teamwork. In addition, an educational quiz was organized, building on the knowledge acquired during the excursion, with the aim of reinforcing what had been learned and encouraging active collaboration within teams.

The main venue of the camp was Drahobrat, the highest ski resort in Ukraine, where students had the opportunity to develop their skiing skills and learn the fundamentals of safe conduct in mountainous environments. Reaching the ski lifts in GAZ–66 off-road vehicles provided a unique experience and offered insight into everyday transportation under challenging terrain conditions.

Beginner skiers were able to acquire the basics of skiing, overcome their initial uncertainties, and gain practical experience. More advanced participants focused on refining their technique and increasing their confidence on the slopes.

The skiing training was supervised by Árpád Vizáver, Director of the József Zupkó Health and Sports Center and physical education instructor at the Department of Pedagogy, Psychology, Primary Education, Preschool Education, and Educational Institution Management of Ferenc Rakoczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian University. The staff members involved in training the beginners had previously acquired the fundamental knowledge necessary for skiing instruction.

The evening sessions also provided opportunities for further training and professional reflection. Participants reviewed skiing techniques, shared practical experiences, and completed team-based tasks that contributed to the development of their communication skills, leadership abilities, and teamwork competencies.

On February 1, the participants returned to Berehove enriched with positive experiences. The four-day Rakoczi SnowCamp ski camp contributed to the students’ professional growth, the development of their practical competencies, and the strengthening of their commitment to teamwork and the formation of new friendships.

The first Rakoczi SnowCamp ski camp was organized by the University of Rakoczi. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to University of Rakoczi, the organizers, and all participants alike.