Mala Kurtiaska (1,644 m a.s.l.) is a wild and rewarding summit in the Svydovets massif of the Ukrainian Carpathians — a treeless peak where vast alpine meadows meet dramatically steep and in places cliff-like slopes. If you are after an authentic, crowd-free Carpathian experience, this one is hard to beat.

Sitting in the western section of the main Svydovets ridge, in the Tyachiv district of Zakarpattia Oblast, the mountain has a bold, rugged character. Its north-western and south-eastern flanks drop away steeply, giving the peak a striking profile. The summit itself is open grassland — the broad 'polonyny' (alpine pastures) that define this part of the Carpathians. In summer they bloom with wildflowers; in autumn they glow with warm golden hues. To the east lies a basin that cradles the headwaters of the Mala Shopurka river, while nearby Unhariaska (1,707 m) to the east and Velyka Kurtiaska (1,621 m) to the south-west make for a tempting ridge traverse.

• Starting point: village of Brustury — approach from the north across the open meadows, difficulty: moderate to demanding due to steep slope sections.

• The open, treeless summit offers no natural shelter from wind — plan your timing accordingly.
• The peak is located in Ukraine; ensure you have the required entry permissions and are up to date with local regulations before visiting.

The headwaters of the Mala Shopurka river rise in the hollow just east of the summit — a quiet reminder that even the steepest Carpathian slopes are generous with life.