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• Resort Guide

Resort Height: 1021m

Romania’s best known ski area is probably the most affordable ski area in most British brochures, with a lift pass costing about half that of the major resorts in the Alps, and most other costs much lower too. Of course you are getting a lot less for your money in terms of ski area size, as Poiana Brasov’s ski area is a fraction of the size of the best known Western European centres. It’s also rather low by modern standards, but the snow record is relatively good thanks to north facing slopes and the local micro-climate and there is some snow making cover if required.

On the up side Pioiansa Brasov is a well equipped resort with lots to do off the slopes, thanks to its long heritage as Romania’s leading winter destination, including hosting the University Winter Olympics back in 1951.

Poiana Brasov, known as “the sunny glade,” is largely made up of modern hotel complexes but was founded back in 1895 and is only 12km from the medieval city of Brasov. It is located in the region of Transylvania in the Carpathian mountains, made infamous by the tale of Count Dracula.

Two practicalities of note. Firstly, there are no visas required for British citizens (however please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned return date from Romania). Those without British citizenship should apply for a visa to the Romanian embassy well in advance of travel. Secondly, sterling is preferred in resort to travelers cheques and there is an ATM machine in the Hotel Sport to access your own bank account directly and safely.

Beginners

Beginners will get the most out of Poiana Brasov. The ski school has an excellent reputation thanks in part to strong competition for places and the norm is that English is well spoken. The terrain is gentle at the bottom of the mountain and if snow is poor there when you visit there’s an option to go to another gentle plateau at the top for lessons via an easy to ride gondola or cable car lift. Most tour operators offer exceptionally good value learn to ski packages so it’s a good place to find out whether you really like winter sports or not without spending a lot of money.

Intermediates

Early intermediates will enjoy the uncrowded slopes and attractive scenery around Poiana Brasov’s small ski area. As with beginners, first class instruction is highly affordable so this is a good place to perfect your parallel turns.

Advanced

Advanced skiers will struggle to stay entertained for a week and will probably need to head off with a guide in to the trees to find some variety beyond the two black runs. Of these the three kilometer long Valea Lupului trail can provide a challenge when some conditions are right.

Snowboarding

There’s no organized terrain park and most of the lifts are surface tows – although you can get top to bottom by gondola or cable car – so this is perhaps not the best choice for boarders looking for freestyle terrain to bounce off (unless you wish to find your own like in the old days before snowparks were invented!). On the other hand, learn to board packages including lift ticket, equipment rentals and high quality English-speaking tuition is hard to find at a lower cost anywhere, so it’s not a bad place to try boarding for the first time.

Other Activities and Facilities

There’s plenty to do in Poiana Brasov when not skiing or boarding. Facilities include swimming pool, sauna, ice rink, a riding centre and toboggan run. Organised activities include horse riding, paintballing and scenic sleigh rides. Excursions are organised to Brasov for low cost shopping and to visit the impressive thirteenth century Saint Batholomew’s Cathedral, also known as the Black Church. Following on that cheerful theme is the chance of an excursion to Bran Castle, reputedly the home of the legendary Count Dracula on whom Bram Stoker’s gothic novel was based.

Après Ski and Dining Out

“Highly affordable” probably sums up Poiana Brasov’s nightlife the best with beers costing less than a pound a time and a bottle of local wine for less than three pounds. It is also often lively and fun with Romanian folk evenings popular at venues like Dacian’s Lounge and the Outlaw’s Hut where gypsy dancing is highly impressive. The bars are open late, as are several night clubs and there are also regular cabaret shows and ski school parties. A trip to the nearby ancient city of Brasov, 20 minutes away, is also worthwhile.

Families

Although on the surface not a great choice for families, there are some advantages in taking children that are past the toddler stage in certain circumstances. The ski school has special children’s classes (normally) for kids aged five and up. Non-ski childcare is not offered by the resort as a whole but several of the hotels (Bradul, Sport and Alpin) all have supervised clubs for children – the only problem may be that they do not operate all day every day so if you are in ski school you may find your ski school class is happening when there’s no childcare available in your hotel. If you’re on top of that however, or it isn’t even an issue, Poiana Brasov is both friendly and affordable.

Ski/Board Suitability Guide

Suitable for families:	[No]
Suitable for beginners:	[4]
Suitable for intermediate skiers:	[4]
Suitable for advanced skiers:	[2]
Suitable for boarders skiers:	[3]

Piste Map for Poiana brasov

Accommodation in Poiana brasov

• Bradul Hotel - 3 star,
• Hotel Alpin - 4 star, half board
• Hotel Bradul - 3 star, half board
• Hotel Sport - 3 star, half board
• Poiana Hotel - 3 star, all inclusive
• Sport Hotel - 3 star, all inclusive

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