Romania is located in the northern Balkans, and more than a third of the country’s territory is occupied by the Carpathians. This mountain system is the second largest in Europe , second in length only to the Alps. The proximity to the warm Black Sea contributes to the creation of a special microclimate in these parts – with mild but snowy winters. Thanks to this, Romania has excellent conditions for winter sports, including alpine skiing.

Today there are dozens of large and small ski resorts. Many of them are in no way inferior in quality of trails and infrastructure development to the most “promoted” alpine winter recreation centers , but differ from them in affordability. All this contributes to the rapid development of Romanian resorts as a budget alternative to Western European ski resorts.

In recent years, both the number of resorts themselves and the level of their technical and infrastructure equipment have been growing rapidly here. Today, with the onset of cold weather, over 200 km of downhill slopes are being built in the country, served by one and a half hundred mechanical lifts. Below we will take a closer look at the top 15 most popular Romanian ski resorts.

Sinaia

inaia is a ski center located in Prahova County, in the valley of the river of the same name. The ski slopes here are laid on the slopes of the nearby mountains of Furnika and Piatra Arce. The valley itself is surrounded by spurs of the Carpathians covered with coniferous forests, descending in the form of an amphitheater. This area has mild winters with an average January temperature of -4°C. At the same time, there is enough snowfall here, and the average thickness of its cover exceeds 50 cm. The popularity of Sinai among skiers is growing every year, facilitated by the excellent climate, natural beauty of the surrounding areas and affordable cost.

In total there are 18 km of downhill slopes, the longest of which is 6 km long. All slopes are served by mechanical lifts with a capacity of up to 1.8 thousand people/hour. Cable cars take vacationers to the starting point at an altitude of 2.1 km, sometimes passing over the slopes at an altitude of up to 120 meters. Sinai also has a long bobsleigh track and areas for freeride.

After skiing, tourists can relax in cozy restaurants, visit a sports complex with a swimming pool and a fitness center, a billiards room, a casino, bars and night clubs. During the offered excursions, vacationers can visit the royal castles of Pelisor and Peles, as well as the medieval Sinaia Monastery.

How to get there?

The Sinaia resort is located 100 km from Bucharest, and 50 km from Brasov. These cities have airports and large railway stations, from where you can order a taxi transfer directly to the resort. There is a daily bus service from Brasov to Sinaia; the travel time is about 40 minutes.

Specifications:

  1. Height difference – 1084 m
  2. Resort altitude –1006–2090 m
  3. The length of the flat ski track is 5 km
  4. Length of ski slopes – 17.9 km
  5. Number of tracks – 16
  • ” Blue” – 3.4 km
  • “Reds” – 11.7 km
  • “Black” – 2.8 km
  1. Number of lifts – 10 (4 gondola, 3 chairlifts, 3 drag lifts)
  2. Ski pass for 1 day adults/children – 29€/20€
  3. Duration of the season – from December to March/April

Poiana Brasov

The ski center of Poiana Brasov is located in the heart of Transylvania, a vast region at the junction of Romania and Hungary . The resort is located in a picturesque valley covered with ancient relict forests. The valley is oriented to the south, thanks to which it is well illuminated by the sun throughout the year. For this feature it is also called the “Sunny Glade”. Poiana Brasov has mild winters with plenty of snow – the average January temperature here is -5°C, and snow cover lasts for 4 months of the year.

Particular mention should be made of the healing mountain air of this area and the extraordinary beauty of the surrounding landscapes. It is forbidden to move around the resort area by motor transport – the role of a local taxi is played by horse-drawn teams.

On the surrounding slopes there are about one and a half dozen kilometers of downhill slopes, served by mechanical lifts and a system of snow cannons. The longest route is 4600 meters long. Poiana Brasov has a ski slope built to Olympic standards, a bobsleigh track and two jumping hills. There are virgin areas intended for off-piste skiing. The ski center is connected to the neighboring natural resort area of ​​Cabana Postervaru by a cable car. There are balneological clinics, an indoor swimming pool with a sauna, and an ice skating rink.

Poiana Brasov also provides excellent opportunities for après-ski relaxation: there are 24-hour bars, nightclubs, and restaurants where you can taste excellent Romanian wines. Tourists are also invited to take excursions around the historical surroundings of Brasov . Particularly popular is a visit to the medieval castle, lost in the Transylvanian mountains, which once belonged to Prince Vladislav Tepes the Impaler. It was this bloodthirsty Romanian ruler who served as the prototype for creating the image of the famous Count Dracula.

How to get there?

You can get to Poiana Brasov from Bucharest International Airport, located 165 km from the resort. You can order a taxi transfer from the Romanian capital to Brasov, or take a train or intercity bus. The ski complex is located in the outskirts of the city, 13 km from its center.

Specifications:

  1. Height difference – 842 m
  2. Resort altitude – 941–1783 m
  3. The length of the flat ski track is 5 km
  4. Length of ski slopes – 13.7 km
  5. Number of ski slopes – 10
  • “Blues” – 5.8 km
  • “Reds” – 2.8 km
  • “Black” – 5.1 km
  1. Number of lifts – 10 (3 gondola, 2 chairlifts, 5 rope tows)
  2. Ski pass for 1 day adults/children – 15€/10€
  3. Duration of the season – from December to March/April

Predeal

Predeal is a large ski center located near Brasov, in the valley of the Prahova River. It is located in an area protected from mountain winds, covered with coniferous forests, between the Bucegi, Baju and Postevarul mountains. Even in the midst of winter, the average air temperature in the Prahova Valley is around -5°C, and the amount of snow that falls during the season is several meters. The town of Predeal itself is the highest in Romania: its center is at 1.1 km.

Ski slopes are located on the surrounding mountains and take the form of clearings laid through wooded slopes. The longest slope is 3 km long; most of the ski area is covered by a system of snow generators. The separate Clabuchet track is equipped with floodlights and is intended for night skiing. In the summer, Predeal is repurposed as a natural resort: routes for hiking enthusiasts are laid out in the picturesque surroundings.

How to get there?

You can get to Predeal from the airports and train stations of Bucharest and Brasov by ordering a taxi transfer or using regular transport. The Romanian capital is located 145 km from the resort center, and Brasov is only 25 km away from Predeal.

Specifications:

  1. Height difference – 411 m
  2. Resort altitude – 1040 m – 1451 m
  3. The length of the flat ski track is 0.6 km
  4. Length of ski slopes – 7.4 km
  • “Blues” – 1.8 km
  • “Reds” – 4.4 km
  • “Black” – 1.2 km
  1. Number of lifts – 2 (1 chairlift, 1 drag lift)
  2. Ski pass for 1 day adults/children – 28€/15€
  3. Duration of the season – from December to March/April

Transalpina

Transalpina is one of the newest Romanian ski centers. It was opened in 2012 in the picturesque mountainous area of ​​Valcea, near Lake Vidra. This area has long been famous for its beautiful natural landscapes and has been used as a holiday destination. The ski slopes here are laid on the slopes of the nearby mountains of Lotru, Cindrel and Parang. The total length of high-speed ski trails here exceeds 6 km, and they are served by five mechanical lifts.

On the resort territory there is a cafe with hot dishes and warm drinks, and there is a ski equipment rental service. The duration of the season, depending on the weather, in Transalpina is from 4 to 5 months. During this time, the resort manages to receive several tens of thousands of vacationers.

How to get there?

Public transport does not go directly to the resort center, so the best option is to order a transfer from the capital’s airport. You can also get here from the neighboring town of Petrosani, where there is a railway station. The distance from it to Transalpina, which is 30 km, can be covered by taxi or in your own car.

Specifications:

  1. Height difference – 620 m
  2. Resort altitude – 1320–1940 m
  3. Length of ski slopes – 6.1 km
  • “Blues” – 3.8 km
  • “Reds” – 2.3 km
  1. Number of lifts – 5 (2 gondola, 1 chairlift, 2 rope tows)
  2. Ski pass for 1 day adults/children – 22€/13€
  3. Duration of the season – from December to March/April

Muntele Mic

The Muntele-Mik ski center is located in the province of Caras Severin, in the historical region of Transylvania. Local ski slopes are located on the slopes of the surrounding mountains, covered with coniferous forests. The longest route of them is 5.5 km long with a height difference of 200 meters. The simplest slope, suitable for amateur skiers, stretches for 1.3 km.

Unfortunately, off-piste skiing in Muntel Mik is strictly prohibited due to the difficult terrain of the virgin zone and the high risk of accidents. Therefore, extreme freeriders should choose another ski center for their vacation. Near the resort there is an ancient wooden monastery of hermit monks, dedicated to St. Elijah and decorated with skillful tiled paintings.

How to get there?

The easiest way to get to the resort is from the airport or train station of Timisoara by ordering a transfer. You can also use public transport or rent a car. The distance between the center of Timisoara and Muntele Micom, if you drive along the highway, is 120 km, and the entire journey will take no more than 1 hour 40 minutes.

Specifications:

  1. Height difference – 379 m
  2. Resort altitude – 1416–1795 m
  3. The length of the flat ski track is 9.8 km
  4. Length of ski slopes – 10.2 km
  5. Number of ski slopes – 6
  • “Blues” – 3.6 km
  • “Reds” – 6.6 km
  1. Number of lifts – 5 (2 chair lifts, 3 drag lifts)
  2. Ski pass for 1 day – 28€
  3. Duration of the season – from December to March/April

Straja

The winter resort center of Straja is located in the province of Hunedoara, in the middle of the Valcano Mountains. The ski slopes here are laid on the slopes of the Strazha peak, which rises 1.8 km above the surrounding area. This resort center appeared as a result of the reorientation of the industrial area of ​​Valea-Jiului to tourism activities.

Currently, the Guard is in a state of arrangement and expansion. Every year, new infrastructure facilities appear here and additional routes are laid. Thus, initially the local hotel fund was designed for 80 guests, but today it can accommodate up to 3.7 thousand people at a time. The slopes are served by modern mechanical lifts with a total length of 9.7 km and a capacity of 8.7 thousand people. Some of the downhill slopes are equipped with a backlight system, which allows you to use them even after sunset.

How to get there?

You can get to the Strazha resort from Bucharest airport by ordering a transfer in advance. Another option is to get to the town of Lupeni yourself through Hunedoara, by taxi, bus or rented car. From here a cable car leads to the ski center, and since 2007 an 8 km long asphalt highway has been put into operation.

Specifications:

  1. Height difference – 788 m
  2. Resort altitude – 1130 m – 1868 m
  3. Length of ski slopes – 19.7 km
  • “Blues” – 2.3 km
  • “Reds” – 15.5 km
  • “Black” – 1.9 km
  1. Number of lifts – 12 (1 gondola, 5 chairlifts, 5 drag lifts, 1 baby lift)
  2. Ski pass for 1 day – 22€
  3. Duration of the season – from December to March/April

Azuga

The town of Azuga is located in the southern part of the Carpathians, in the picturesque valley of the Prahova River. It has been known since the beginning of the 19th century as one of the centers of the glass industry in Transylvania. Already from the beginning of the twentieth century, this area began to be used as a natural resort, but Azuga began to develop as a ski resort relatively recently. However, it has already been able to gain popularity among vacationers, both within the country and abroad.

In 2008, mechanical lifts were installed here, delivering athletes to the starting points on the mountain slopes. And the very next year, the first artificial snowmaking system for slopes in Romania was installed in Azuga. There is a Storika track, illuminated by floodlights after sunset, used for night skiing. The longest of the local slopes, “Kazaku”, is more than 3 km long. In addition, Azuga has an ice skating rink, sports equipment rental, a five-star hotel and private apartments. Vacationers will be able to visit the resort’s casino, bars, night discos, billiards room, and bowling center.

How to get there?

The city of Azuga is located 150 km from Bucharest. You can get here from the Romanian capital by ordering a transfer or using a regular bus route.

Specifications:

  1. Height difference – 561 m
  2. Resort altitude – 978 – 1539 m
  3. Length of ski slopes – 8 km
  4. Number of ski slopes – 4
  • “Blues” – 2.5 km
  • “Reds” – 5.5 km
  1. Number of lifts – 7 (1 gondola, 5 rope tows, 1 baby lift)
  2. Ski pass for 1 day adults/children – 22€/17€
  3. Duration of the season – from December to March/April

Paltinis

Paltinis is the oldest and most mountainous of all Romanian resorts. It was founded in 1894 by the Transylvanian Society as a natural climatic resort operating all year round. In summer, Paltinis is a place of pilgrimage for lovers of hiking and mountain biking. With the onset of winter, ski routes open here, laid on the slope of a neighboring mountain 1.5 km high. The main attraction of Paltinis is the unusually clean mountain air, saturated with the aroma of pine needles, and beautiful pristine landscapes.

How to get there?

Palatinis is located not far from another popular Romanian resort – Sinaia. You can get here by bus from Brasov, which is 50 km away, or by ordering a transfer from Bucharest International Airport. You can also get to the resort by private car.

Specifications:

  1. Height difference – 267 m
  2. Resort altitude – 1400–1667 m
  3. The length of the ski slopes is 1.6 km “Red”
  4. Number of lifts – 2 (1 chair lift, 1 drag lift)
  5. Ski pass for 1 day – 20 €
  6. Duration of the season – from December to March/April

Semenic

The year-round recreation center Semenić is located in the district of Caraş-Severin, in the western Romanian region of Banat. In summer, lovers of hiking through picturesque valleys and climbing mountain peaks come here. In winter, Semenich turns into a ski center, with several slopes laid on the slopes of the mountain of the same name in the Banat ridge. Semenich is an alpine flower that grows in these mountains. He gave the name to the mountain peak, and then to the resort itself.

The ski center has all the infrastructure necessary for comfortable skiing. Add to this favorable climatic conditions – an average winter temperature of -5°C and a large thickness of snow cover, in some years exceeding 2 meters.

How to get there?

The closest international airport to Semenich is in Sofia, Bulgaria. You can get from there to the resort by bus (ticket price 60€) or by train (price 56€). You can also get to Semenić from Bucharest by intercity bus, passing through the center of the Resita district, which is 35 km from Semenić.

Specifications:

  1. Height difference – 230 m
  2. Resort altitude – 1200 m – 1430 m
  3. The length of the ski slopes is 2.5 km “Red”
  4. Number of lifts – 2
  5. Ski pass for 1 day adults/children – 12€/8€
  6. Season duration : all year round

Vatra Dornei

Vatra Dornei is a ski center located in Suceava County. This area received the nickname “Necklace of Bukovina” for the beauty of its natural landscapes. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, Vatra Dornei began to develop as a climatic resort, and to this day several sanatoriums operate here.

With the onset of winter, the resort becomes a major center for active recreation. There are several downhill runs on the nearby slopes, suitable for both amateur beginners and experienced athletes. Some of the routes run right through the city park, and hotels, sanatoriums and guest houses are located next to them. The longest of them is 3 km long, and at the end of the descent it is divided into several branches.

How to get there?

You can get to Vatra Dornei from Bucharest by ordering a transfer directly from the international airport. You can also get here by train – the ticket price will be, depending on the class of carriage, 10-44 €. Another option is to take an intercity bus. A ticket will cost 16-23 €, and the travel time will be 11.5 hours.

Specifications:

  1. Height difference – 435 m
  2. Resort altitude – 816–1251 m
  3. Length of ski slopes – 5.5 km
  • “Blue” – 0.7 km
  • “Reds” – 4.8 km
  1. Number of lifts – 5 (1 gondola, 3 chairlifts, 1 drag lift, baby lift)
  2. Duration of the season – from December to March/April

Balea Lac

The Balea winter holiday center is located in the province of Sibiu, at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. Nearby is the “pearl of the Carpathians” – Lake Balea. This reservoir of glacial origin is located in the Fagaras mountain range and dates back several millennia. In summer, the lake attracts fans of natural beauty, and in winter, its shores turn into a winter recreation center.

Here is the longest mountain slope in the Carpathians, about 14 km long. On it, in the altitude range from 1.7 to 2.2 km, there are several ski slopes. The resort village itself is located at the foot of the mountains, in a cozy valley, closed on all sides from the piercing winter winds. Tourists will be able to stay in several hotels and guest houses, including a unique 16-bed ice hotel.

How to get there?

You can get to the ski center by personal or rented car . During the winter season, a tourist bus runs from the provincial center, Sibiu, to Balea.

Specifications:

  1. Height difference – 508 m
  2. Resort altitude – 1700–2208 m
  3. The length of the ski slopes is 14 km “Black”
  4. Number of lifts – 1 gondola
  5. Season duration : from December to March

Kalinderu

The resort center of Kalinderu is located in the valley of the Prahova River, near the town of Busteni. This area is especially appreciated by lovers of pristine natural beauty, untouched by modern civilization. The local healing air helps to restore physical and mental strength, and the peace and quiet of the picturesque Prahova Valley provides a wonderful break from the hustle and bustle of big cities.

With the onset of cold weather, several ski slopes of varying difficulty levels are laid on the surrounding slopes. The most complex of them, opened in 2007, has a length of 1.3 km, a width of 40 meters, and a slope of 37%. Modern mechanical lifts deliver skiers to the starting points.

Vacationers are offered excursions to the natural monuments of the Bucegi Sphinx and Babele , and a visit to the Cross of Heroes, which is located at the top of a 2.3-kilometer mountain. You can also enjoy exotic activities such as skydiving and wingsuiting in Busteni.

How to get there?

The Kalinderu resort is located 130 km from Bucharest, and you can get here from the Romanian capital by transfer. Another option is to use the railway or intercity bus. The train journey will take 2 hours 45 minutes and cost 13 €, and the bus trip lasts 3 hours 30 minutes.

Specifications:

  1. Height difference – 295 m
  2. Resort altitude – 1000–1295 m
  3. Length of ski slopes – 2.9 km
  • “Blue” – 0.2 km
  • “Reds” – 2.7 km
  1. Number of lifts – 3 (1 chairlift, 1 rope lift, 1 baby lift)
  2. Ski pass for 1 day – 28€/15€
  3. Season duration : from December to April

Cavnic

The ski center of Roata-Cavnic is located in the Maramures district, in eastern Transylvania. On two nearby mountain slopes, several downhill runs are built annually, with varying levels of difficulty. Thanks to this, Kavnik is great for relaxing with the whole family and for experienced riders.

The longest of the local slopes, 2.2 km long and with a slope of 14%, is intended for beginner skiers with little experience. Two difficult routes, 0.8 and 1 km long, have a slope of up to 33%, and a descent of medium difficulty – 21%.

How to get there?

You can get to Cavnic from Cluj-Napoca Airport by taking a transfer or by regular bus. The distance between Cavnic and Cluj-Napoca is 97 km. From Bucharest to the resort you can get by taxi in 4.5 hours.

Specifications:

  1. Height difference – 248 m
  2. Resort altitude – 908–1156 m
  3. Length of ski slopes – 6.3 km
  4. Number of tracks – 4
  • “Blues” – 2.3 km
  • “Reds” – 2.1 km
  • “Black” – 1.9 km
  1. Number of lifts – 8 (1 chair lifts, 2 drag lifts, 5 baby lifts)
  2. Ski pass for 1 day adults/children – 24/20 €
  3. Duration of the season – from December to March/April

Arena Platos

The Arena Platos ski resort is located in the province of Sibiu, in the Carpathian foothills. This winter recreation center is literally within walking distance from the popular year-round resort of Paltinis. The ski slopes here are located on a 2.6 km long slope, with an altitude range from 1.3 to 1.44 km. Four mechanical lifts lift athletes to the starting points, and another one serves the children’s training slope. The slopes are equipped with snow generators, which allows you to ski comfortably even in the fall, when the snow cover is insufficiently thick, and during spring thaws.

There is a ski school at the Platos Arena, where, under the guidance of experienced mentors, you can learn the basics of skiing. The resort has a children’s center with animators, where parents can leave their child while skiing on the slopes.

How to get there?

You can get to the resort from Bucharest International Airport by bus or train. A train ticket will cost 9-35 €, depending on the class of carriage, and a bus trip will cost about 17 €.

Specifications:

  1. Height difference – 142 m
  2. Resort altitude – 1300–1442 m
  3. The length of the ski slopes is 2.6 km “Blue”
  4. Number of lifts – 5 (1 chair lifts, 3 drag lifts, 1 baby lift)
  5. Ski pass for 1 day adults/children – 20€/16€
  6. Duration of the season – from December to March/April

Baisoara

The resort center of Baisoara is located in the province of Cluj, in the middle of the Western Romanian Mountains. Baisoara has been developing as a ski resort for relatively recent times – since 2000. Today, the winter recreation center is under active development: new slopes are built here every year, and infrastructure facilities appear. Local downhill skiing runs along the picturesque slopes of the surrounding mountains, covered with coniferous forests.

Baisoara is great for a family holiday with a child and for beginners to practice their skiing skills. Since the ski center is still developing, the tourist infrastructure here is presented in a minimal form – cafes, guest houses, rental shops, etc.

How to get there?

The easiest way to get to Baixoara is from the center of the province, the city of Cluj-Napoca. The distance from this city to the resort is about 10 km. You can get to Cluj-Napoca from Bucharest by train, departing from the North Station 5 times a day. The ticket price will cost 18 €, and the travel time will be 11 hours. You can also fly from the Romanian capital to Cluj by plane: the ticket price is 37 €, and the travel time is 1 hour. Every day there are 9 flights from Bucharest to Cluj-Napoca. In addition, Cluj Airport receives flights from Paris , London , Budapest and Vienna .

Specifications:

  1. Height difference – 180 m
  2. Resort altitude – 1490–1670 m
  3. Length of ski slopes – 3.1 km
  • “Blues” – 1.4 km
  • “Reds” – 0.8 km
  • “Black” – 0.9 km
  1. Number of lifts – 2 (1 chairlift, 1 rope tow)
  2. Ski pass for 1 day adults/children – 24€/18€
  3. Duration of the season – from December to March/April
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