Skiing in Romania

The main reason why Poiana Brașov or the resorts along Prahova Valley - especially Sinaia and Predeal - are permanently listed among the best-developed ski areas in Romania, with the best slopes in the country in terms of infrastructure and services is the tradition of this sport in these ski areas. The same mountain resorts boast the highest tourist intake in the ski season.

Skiing was and remains a relatively expensive sport, so it developed from the beginning in several directions, depending on the practitioners. Recreational skiing was for wealthy families. Competition, alpine and professional skiing was practiced by cabin owners (mandatory), by the military, or by extremely passionate skiers. The latter were also the best skiers in the early twentieth century. Over time, ski lessons and access to the slopes in Romania have become accessible to a wider category of tourists, from several areas of the country.

The country's ski and snowboard infrastructure is not as advanced as in other European countries, but it is generally considered to be growing, safe, with acceptable services and prices. In addition, the areas with ski slopes in Romania are full in season, especially on weekends and during winter school holidays. The ski season regularly lasts four months (December-March), although even in May you can find perfect valleys (Mălăiești, Bâlea Lac ) for freeride skiing or alpine skiing.

The ski slopes in Romania are, for the most part, of an intermediate or beginner level. Generous ski areas must have at least a high difficulty slope, even if not as long as skiers would like.

Taking into account the preferences of Romanians, but also according to the model of Western ski resorts, the resorts with ski facilities tend to be small ski parks, where tourists find absolutely everything they need to spend a whole day on the slope, without going back and forth to their accommodation place. Thus, most of the slopes offer ski lifts (including for beginners), cable car, or even gondola, and all have snow cannons to allow for fun ski vacations in drier seasons. Equipment rental facilities or chalets located close to the slopes are also included.

Details that can make the difference in choosing the ski area would be the possibility of night skiing, the presence of a ski school/courses for beginners at the base of the slope, or an apres-ski. In general, the most touristy slopes are also the most modern and with more facilities.

Another difference is the all-season mountain resorts. Poiana Brașov or Rânca, for example, are extremely crowded during the ski season, and very relaxed the rest of the year. The resorts which are also used as a hiking base - such as those from Prahova Valley, Păltiniș, Borșa or Durău - welcome tourists all year long. On the other hand, the resorts with mineral springs located on the inner side of the Carpathians offer a special category of services in the spring-autumn period, which also include mineral water cures, relaxation cures, or wellness packages.

In order to keep the tourists entertained and in place for as long as possible, many ski holiday packages in Romania have diversified. Both Romanian and foreign tourists often prefer the combination of ski & adventure recommendations, with convenient accommodation facilities, with packages or plans for visiting tourist attractions, traditional meals, and spa services.