If you are a fan of winter sports and looking for a valuable alternative for your winter break on the mountains, check what Romania has to offer. With many places for you to ski or snowboard, Romania can be your next winter alternative destination. Beyond the famous Transylvania road, Dracula stories and number of beautiful castles cand fostresses, Romania has many slopes for locals and visitors to enjoy. Even though it may be known as a ski destination, the country still has many picturesque surroundings and a number of slopes to suit all abilities. Definitely a great alternative to the expensive Alps.
WHERE TO SKI
Just a few hours drive from Bucharest, the country's capital, you will get to the range of ski slopes stretching from Brasov, Sibiu to Sinaia. The famous location for skiing in Romania is Poiana Brasov. It is the leading ski resort in the country and is set in the beautiful Carpathian Mountains. Apart from numerous slopes, you may also find a ski school or ski hire shop around in case you haven't brought your equipment for you.
The area has many other ski areas where you can enjoy different slopes. Definitely worth to go to Sinaia as well for skiing. The ski resort Sinaia is located in Prahova County (Romania). Offering 18 km of slopes and terrain, Sinaia is among the 3 largest Ski Resorts in Romania. Sinaia is known for its pretty Peles castle which is beautiful during the winter and summer times as well.
Smaller ski areas in between these counties are for example Predeal, which is the highest town in Romania, Busteni or Azuga. Azuga is a new resort in the Prahova Valley of the Baiului Mountains. These ski towns may be smaller compared to Sinaia or Poiana Brasov, in terms of a town size as well as number of slopes. However, a great place to change the atmosphere or for some practice run. They are also definitely less busy and cheaper compared to others. If you have a car, it is easy to travel in between cities as they are about 1-2 hours apart from each other.
A bit further from this area is Sibiu, where you can find more ski resorts. There are two options for skiers close to Sibiu, both in the small resort of Paltinis, 17km from the city center. The first is what is now known as the Old Slope, or Partia Oncesti. served by a chair-lift located at the entrance of the older part of Paltinis, while the second is the newer Arena Platos complex five kilometers back down the road to Sibiu.
WHERE TO STAY
There is number of larger or small towns where you can stay. Depending on your travel opportunities, time and purpose of travel, you can find a place suitable for your needs. If you are looking to do more then just going skiing or snowboarding, definitely check hotels in Brasov, Poiana Brasov, Sibiu or Sinaia. Larger cities will give you more options for sightseeing, dining or shopping. However, if you are looking to enjoy the mountains, seek for hotels and resorts close to the ski slopes. You will save time traveling to the ski slope and you'll enjoy some fresh air and views. Definitely book in advance, as it can get busy during the peak season. Check for hotels as well as Airbnb options. PS: Make sure to book via my links to get discounts!
HOW TO GET THERE
The closest airport to Poiana Brasov and it's surrounding ski resorts area is Bucharest, which is around 2 hours and 30 minutes away. The best way to get there is either by hiring a car, which will give you the flexibility to travel at your own time, carry your equipment and also to go to different ski places nearby. Alternatively, there is a train from Bucharest to Brasov, which is the nearest larger city, from where you will have to change to a local bus to get to your ski resorts.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
A couple of notes on what you should know before you travel:
1. Check skiing updates and weather on official websites before you decide where to go. It may be partially closed or totally closed due to not enough snow or too bad weather. So always check before in case you want to change a skiing town.
2. Carry cash with you, because you'll need it for ski hire, buying ski passes or food and drink at the ski resort.
3. Hire a car if possible. It will give you the flexibility to travel to different ski towns in between in case some of them may be closed or you want to simply try different slopes. In addition, you may be also able to go sight-seeing in between and visit some beautiful castles and fortresses around the area.
4. Prices of ski hire, ski schools or getting on slopes depend on locations. Some may be cheaper than others. In addition, you may be paying either by a full day pass, half a days pass or buying pay as you go pass.
5. If you are in the mountain areas, definitely try out "papanasi". Traditional Romanian fried doughnuts made with cottage cheese and topped with smetana and jam. This desert may be available in any restaurant in Romania, but famous to eat in the mountains!
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