Romania is a country little known by tourists in general and outdoor enthusiasts in particular. And at the same time, the country has been creating the necessary infrastructure for more than a year, and today tourists cannot be surprised by such a phrase as “ski resorts of Romania”. Predeal, Sinai, Poiana Brasov are only the top resorts, and there are still many smaller places, but not so famous. Therefore, Romania has something to offer outdoor enthusiasts. We will tell you about what are the ski resorts of Romania, where it is better to go and what are the features of rest in this country.
Geographical position of Romania
In the southeast of Europe, in the Danube river basin, the largest country in the region is located - Romania. It takes 12th place in area among European states. Due to the size and geographical position of Romania, mountains and plains were equally taken. The climate in the country is continental, with moderately cold, snowy winters and warm summers. Therefore, the ski resorts of Romania are a great opportunity to indulge in winter sports without leaving far from Europe. Bucharest is only 2 hours and 40 minutes by plane from Moscow, and Romania’s ski resorts are not far from the capital.
Mountains of Romania
The mountain range on the slopes of which Romania is located is the Carpathians. 14 mountain ranges stretch across the country, from the border with Ukraine to the border with Serbia. The highest point of the Carpathians falls on Romanian territory. This is the Moldovan mountain, its height is about 2544 meters above sea level. The mountains of Romania have the shape of an arc; three chains are distinguished in it: the Eastern, Western and Southern Carpathians. The main ski resorts in Romania are located in the eastern part of the Southern Carpathians. But gradually, other territories are being developed, so Romania has brilliant tourist prospects ahead.
Features of rest
Romania still can not boast of a large tourist flow, but every year it is growing. This country has something to attract travelers: history, beautiful nature, incredible castles, sea, mountains. Therefore, vacation in Romania is a new and very interesting destination. What are the benefits of traveling to this country? While there is no mass tourist here, you can enjoy the beauties of nature and attractions without a big crowd. Here, there are very few travelers from Russia so far, for us Romania is so far terra incognito.
Romania builds its entire tourism infrastructure for European tourists, so the quality of accommodation and services is high. However, this has a flip side, in Romania you should not expect that someone knows the Russian language. In addition to Romanian, they speak English, Italian and German. Another advantage of Romania is the prices for holidays, they are one of the lowest in Europe. Incidentally, this is also facilitated by the fact that the country has not joined the European Union and retains its national currency, the Romanian leu. A restriction when traveling to Romania may be the need to apply for a national visa. True, those who have a valid Schengen do not need it.
Romania ski resorts: pros and cons
Winter sports enthusiasts are accustomed to skiing in Europe in Austria, France, Italy, even Andorra, and only last but not least they will think about Romania. Reviews about the ski resorts of this country are quite supportive and it is even surprising that there are not many people here. This, apparently, can be explained by the fact that the infrastructure is just under construction, everything necessary is already there, but there is no choice and some variety of services.
The argument in favor of Romania is precisely the lack of a large number of tourists, as well as low prices. They are here an order of magnitude lower than in Austria with almost the same quality of tracks. Another plus is an interesting excursion program near the resorts and beautiful natural views. Surprisingly, in some resorts you can combine relaxation with treatment with mineral waters. A minuscule leisure time can be called a minus, although there are restaurants, saunas, clubs, in other words, everything is like in the best resorts. But here there are almost noisy, fashionable parties. Not in vain did Romania gain the title of aristocratic ski resorts.
Spa Poiana Brasov
On Mount Postavaru at an altitude of about 1020 meters is located one of the largest ski resorts in Romania Poiana Brasov. It is located just 13 km from the interesting, ancient Transylvanian city of Brasov. The resort is one of the most popular in Romania, it is surrounded by stunning nature. Infrastructure Poiana Brasov has about 40 hotels, several restaurants with national cuisine, the Favorit entertainment center with a bowling alley, saunas, skating rinks. At the service of skiers there are “blue” and “black slopes”, there are for cross-country skiing, snowboarders with ski jumps, there is even a night-lit track on Mount Bodul half a kilometer long. Equipment for sports can be rented at the hotel or at several special rental points. By the beginning of the slopes, 9 ski lifts are delivered, including a funicular and with telecables.
Reviews on Poiana Brasov
Russian tourists are just beginning to master the ski resorts of Romania. Predeal (photo attached) is already quite famous, but Poiana Brasov is still a little-known place. A few Russian skiers say that the resort is very cozy, with incredibly beautiful surroundings. It is amazing that no one rides around the city in cars, only on sleighs or horse-drawn carts. Russian tourists love to combine active and sightseeing vacations, and this resort is ideal for this. Nearby, Brasov is a city with interesting history and sights, and it is also close to the famous Bran Castle, known as Dracula's Castle. Tourists note that in the evenings the resort does not get bored. You can visit the restaurant and taste the local cuisine and wines, you can go to the sauna, take a walk in the most beautiful places, go ice skating or sledding. Poiana Brasov's tracks, according to tourists, are not striking in variety, but have a good height difference.
Resort Sinaia (Romania)
The ski resort, located in the Prahova Valley, is not very popular with tourists, especially Russian ones. But this did not make Sinai worse. It is compact and comfortable. Due to its favorable location in the valley, there are no severe frosts, snow lies for a long time. The resort offers the largest number of tracks in Romania, their total length is more than 20 kilometers. They vary in degree of difficulty: black, blue, green, there are tracks for experienced athletes and beginners. In addition, there are long slopes for those who like cross-country skiing. For tourists, there are high-speed lifts, equipment rental, a fitness center, and numerous restaurants. Every year the infrastructure is growing and improving. Sinai is an old town with nice architecture; it is not in vain that it is called the “pearl of the Carpathians”.
Tourists reviews
According to tourists, Sinaia (Romania) is a European-level ski resort, but with a more affordable price tag. The city is suitable not only for skiing, but also for sightseeing. Sinai itself is a very nice, toy town with small houses and churches. You can also go from here to the Peles castle, to Brasov, and visit the Sinaia Monastery. There are also enthusiasts who reach the interesting Romanian city of Sighisoara. Rest in Sinai is calm, there are no noisy gatherings, although the restaurants conduct entertainment programs. Tourists really like the local food.
In general, entertainment in Sinai is less than in other resorts, but the prices here are lower. Sinai tracks, according to tourists, are very good and varied. The season lasts from November to March, and all this time a good snow cover is kept.
Resort Predeal
When it comes to ski resorts in Romania, Predeal, reviews of which are full of enthusiastic epithets, is remembered first. This is the largest and highest located resort in Romania. It is located at an altitude of 1160 meters. The resort stands in an amazing place, it is spread between two peaks: Bayul and Bucegi, as well as in the valleys of two rivers. Therefore, from the peaks of the Predeal there are amazing views, and the weather is always good here. In winter, the thermometer does not fall below minus 5 degrees. Predeal is an all-season resort, so the entertainment and service infrastructure is well developed here. For skiers, here are equipped 10 tracks of varying difficulty, including one for skiing in the dark.
Reviews of tourists about Predeal
Before going to a new place, travelers try to get acquainted with the reviews of tourists. The ski resorts of Romania (Predeal, Poiana Brasov and Sinai) are well appreciated by skiers who have been here. They say about the resort of Predeal that this place is with the highest level of service, and every year it only gets better - Romanians are very interested in the arrival of tourists. Also, everyone notes rather low prices for accommodation and services, although Predeal is more expensive than other resorts in Romania. The city has all the conditions for a good rest and skiing, and for those who wish there are opportunities to make excursions to nearby attractions.