Skiing in Romania: Poiana Brașov and Other Resorts
The best-known place to ski in Romania is Poiana Brașov, a resort about 12 km above the city of Brașov, with slopes for beginners and intermediate skiers. The season usually runs from December to March, depending on the snow, and you can easily combine skiing with Brașov’s old town and the castles of Transylvania. For more ideas, see our Discover Romania guide.
Below we compare the main resorts and explain when to go, how lessons and rental work and where to stay.
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Key facts
- Poiana Brașov is the best-known ski resort in Romania, about 12 km from Brașov.
- Other resorts include Sinaia and Predeal in the Prahova Valley and Păltiniș near Sibiu.
- The ski season usually runs from December to March, depending on the snow.
- The resorts suit beginners and intermediate skiers, with ski schools and equipment rental on site.
- Skiing is easy to combine with Brașov, Christmas markets and castles such as Bran and Peleș.
The Best Ski Resorts in Romania
Romanian resorts are smaller than those in the Alps, but they are close to interesting cities and easy to reach from Bucharest. These are the main ones:
| Resort | Where | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Poiana Brașov | About 12 km from Brașov | The most complete resort, ski schools for all levels |
| Sinaia | Prahova Valley, between Bucharest and Brașov | Higher slopes in the Bucegi Mountains |
| Predeal | Prahova Valley, near Brașov | Families and beginners |
| Păltiniș | About 35 km from Sibiu | A small, quiet mountain resort |
Poiana Brașov: Romania’s Best-Known Ski Resort
Poiana Brașov sits on the slopes of Postăvarul Mountain, surrounded by forest. It has runs for beginners and intermediate skiers, ski schools, equipment rental and hotels close to the lifts, which makes it the easiest option for a first ski trip in Romania.
The resort is about 20–30 minutes by road from Brașov, and a city bus and taxis connect the two. Many visitors sleep in Brașov and go up for the day, so they can enjoy the old town in the evening.
Tours for a Ski Trip to Romania
Ski or snowboard lessons in Poiana Brașov, a day trip to Sinaia and Brașov with Peleș Castle and a private trip to Bran Castle from Bucharest. Check the dates of each tour for your trip.
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Ski or Snowboard Lessons on the Slopes of Poiana Brașov
Ski or snowboard lessons with an instructor at Poiana Brașov, Romania’s best-known ski resort, just above Brașov: a great winter plan.
* Prices are indicative and subject to seasonal variations or changes applied by the official provider. The exact price and availability are confirmed on the booking platform.
Viator
Sinaia and Brașov in One Day
A day trip from Bucharest to the mountain resort of Sinaia, home of Peleș Castle, and the medieval old town of Brașov.
* Prices are indicative and subject to seasonal variations or changes applied by the official provider. The exact price and availability are confirmed on the booking platform.
Viator
Private Day Trip to Dracula’s Castle from Bucharest
A private full-day trip from Bucharest to Bran Castle, the famous “Dracula’s Castle” in Transylvania.
* Prices are indicative and subject to seasonal variations or changes applied by the official provider. The exact price and availability are confirmed on the booking platform.
* Prices are indicative and subject to seasonal variations or changes applied by the official provider. The exact price and availability are confirmed on the booking platform.
When Is the Ski Season in Romania?
The season usually runs from December to March. January and February tend to have the most reliable snow, while the start and end of the season depend on the weather each year. The main resorts can produce artificial snow on some slopes.
The busiest periods are the Christmas and New Year holidays and weekends, when many people come from Bucharest. If you can, ski on weekdays.
Ski Lessons and Equipment Rental
You do not need to bring anything except warm clothes. At the resorts you will find:
- Ski and snowboard schools with group and private lessons, a good choice if it is your first time.
- Equipment rental for skis, boots, poles, snowboards and helmets.
- Ski passes sold at the resort, by the day or for several days. Check current prices before you go.
- Always follow the rules of the resort and the instructions of the mountain rescue teams (Salvamont), and do not go off-piste without checking the local warnings.
Where to Stay: Poiana Brașov or Brașov?
Sleeping in Poiana Brașov means waking up next to the slopes, ideal if you want to ski from the first lift. Sleeping in Brașov gives you restaurants, the old town and, in December, the Christmas market, with the slopes 20–30 minutes away.
If you travel in December, our guide to Christmas markets in Romania explains when they open, and Brașov’s is one of the best known.
More Than Skiing: Castles and Winter Plans
A ski holiday around Brașov leaves room for other plans. Bran, Peleș and Râșnov are close to the slopes and look their best under the snow, and Brașov’s old town is perfect for an afternoon off the skis.
To plan the rest of the trip, read our guide to Romania in winter: weather, what is closed and what to pack.
Skiing in Romania: FAQ
Where is the best skiing in Romania?
Poiana Brașov, about 12 km from Brașov, is the best-known and most complete resort. Sinaia has higher slopes in the Bucegi Mountains, and Predeal suits families and beginners.
When is the ski season in Romania?
Usually from December to March, depending on the snow. January and February tend to have the most reliable conditions.
Is Romania good for beginner skiers?
Yes. Poiana Brașov and Predeal have easy slopes and ski schools with group and private lessons, and you can rent all the equipment at the resort.
How do I get to Poiana Brașov?
From Brașov it is about 20–30 minutes by road, by city bus or taxi. From Bucharest, Brașov is about three hours by train or car.
Can I rent ski equipment in Romania?
Yes. The resorts have rental shops for skis, boots, snowboards and helmets, so you only need warm clothes.
Is skiing in Romania cheaper than in the Alps?
Ski passes, lessons and accommodation are often cheaper than in the big Alpine resorts, although the ski areas are also smaller. Check current prices before you book.
