Poiana Brașov

TL;DR

Poiana Brașov is Romania’s top ski resort, sitting at 1,030m in the Carpathian Mountains just 12km from Brașov. Perfect for winter sports, summer hiking, and year-round mountain escapes. Budget-friendly compared to Western European resorts, with excellent slopes for beginners and intermediates, stunning scenery, and easy access to Transylvania’s medieval towns and Dracula’s castle.

Why Poiana Brașov Should Be on Your Radar

Look, I’ll be straight with you—Poiana Brașov isn’t trying to compete with the glitz of the Alps. What it does offer is something arguably better: authentic mountain vibes, wallet-friendly prices, and some seriously underrated skiing and hiking without the crowds you’d fight through at more famous resorts.

Nestled in the Postăvaru Massif of the Carpathian Mountains, this resort town punches way above its weight. Whether you’re carving down slopes in winter, hiking wildflower-covered trails in summer, or just need to escape city life for a weekend, Poiana Brașov delivers.

Getting There: Easier Than You’d Think

By Air

Fly into Bucharest Henri Coandă Airport (OTP) or the smaller Brașov-Ghimbav Airport. Bucharest is about 2.5-3 hours by car, while Brașov’s airport is just 20 minutes away (though with fewer international connections).

By Car

From Brașov city center, it’s a scenic 12km drive that takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic and road conditions. The DN1 and later the road to Poiana Brașov are well-maintained, though winter driving requires proper tires and caution.

Public Transport

Buses run regularly from Brașov to Poiana Brașov (Bus 20). It’s cheap, reliable, and takes about 40 minutes. Taxis and rideshares are also affordable options if you’re traveling with gear or in a group.

When to Visit: Winter vs. Summer (Both Are Incredible)

Winter Season (December-March)

This is prime time. Snow typically blankets the resort from December through March, with the best conditions usually hitting in January and February. Expect temperatures between -5°C and 5°C (23°F to 41°F).

Why winter rocks:

• 23km of ski slopes across multiple difficulty levels
• Modern lift systems (though expect some weekend queues)
• Night skiing available
• Cozy après-ski scene with mulled wine and traditional Romanian food
• Proximity to Brașov’s Christmas markets

Summer Season (June-September)

Don’t sleep on summer Poiana Brașov. Temperatures hover around 15-25°C (59-77°F), and the mountains transform into a hiker’s paradise.

Summer highlights:

• Extensive hiking and mountain biking trails
• Adventure park with zip lines and rope courses
• Cable car rides for panoramic views (no hiking required)
• Wildflower meadows and fresh mountain air
• Way fewer tourists than winter

Shoulder Seasons (April-May, October-November)

These months offer serious deals on accommodation but unpredictable weather. Perfect if you’re flexible and budget-conscious.

Skiing & Snowboarding: What You Need to Know

The Slopes Breakdown

Poiana Brașov offers 23km of marked runs across 10 slopes:

• Beginners: Slopes 1, 9, and 10 are gentle and perfect for first-timers
• Intermediates: Slopes 2-7 offer varied terrain with some nice cruising
• Advanced: Slope 8 (Subteleferic/Kanzel) has the steepest gradient and mogul sections

The vertical drop isn’t huge (about 730m max), so hardcore experts might find it limited, but for everyone else, it’s genuinely fun terrain.

Lift System

Modern gondolas and chairlifts serve most areas, though older lifts still operate on some runs. Weekend waits can be frustrating during peak season—aim for weekdays if possible.

Ski Passes & Rentals

Ski passes run approximately €30-40 per day (prices fluctuate seasonally). Multi-day passes offer better value. Rental equipment is widely available and affordable, with full setups starting around €15-20 per day.

Several ski schools operate in English, German, and Romanian, making it accessible for international visitors.

Snow Reliability

Romania doesn’t always get Alps-level snowfall, but Poiana Brașov has invested in snowmaking equipment covering about 70% of slopes. Still, natural snow conditions vary year to year—check reports before booking if you’re particular about powder.

Summer Adventures: More Than Just a Ski Resort

Hiking Trails

The Postăvaru Massif offers trails for all fitness levels:

Easy:

• Poiana Brașov to the Postavaru Cabin via cable car (you can hike or ride)
• Forest loops around the resort (1-2 hours)

Moderate:

• Postavaru Peak (1,799m) hike—stunning 360° views, about 3-4 hours round trip
• Cristianul Mare trail—offers glimpses of Brașov city below

Challenging:

• Multi-day treks connecting to other Carpathian peaks
• Via ferrata routes for those with proper gear and experience

Adventure Park

The Bradul Adventure Park features zip lines, rope courses, and climbing walls set among the forest. Great for families and anyone who enjoys getting the adrenaline pumping without extreme sports.

Mountain Biking

Designated trails and forest roads make for excellent mountain biking. Rentals available in resort, though bringing your own bike gives you more trail options.

Where to Stay: Options for Every Budget

Luxury Options

Ana Hotels Sport Poiana Brașov and Alpin Resort offer full-service experiences with spas, pools, restaurants, and ski-in access. Expect to pay €80-150+ per night.

Mid-Range

Tons of 3-star hotels and chalets offer comfortable stays with breakfast included for €40-80 per night. Hotel Piatra Mare and Hotel Bradul are solid choices.

Budget-Friendly

Guesthouses, hostels, and apartments start around €20-40 per night. The quality is generally excellent for the price. Staying in Brașov city and commuting to the resort can save even more money.

Pro Tip

Book directly with properties rather than through third-party sites when possible—you’ll often snag better rates and more flexibility.

Eating & Drinking: Fuel Up Right

Traditional Romanian Food

You haven’t lived until you’ve tried sarmale (cabbage rolls), mici (grilled meat rolls), and ciorbă (sour soup) after a day on the slopes. Portions are huge, prices are low, and the food is hearty comfort cuisine perfect for mountain weather.

Restaurant Recommendations

• Șura Dacilor – Rustic atmosphere, traditional dishes, reasonable prices
• Coliba Haiducilor – Cozy mountain lodge feel
• Restaurant Bradul – Classic Romanian and international menu
• Wolf Bistro – More upscale if you’re celebrating something

Budget Eats

Plenty of small eateries serve covrigi (pretzels), langos, and quick bites for €2-5. Grocery stores in resort let you self-cater in apartments.

Après-Ski Scene

Not quite as wild as Austrian or Swiss resorts, but bars like Capra Neagră and various hotel bars serve up cold beers, mulled wine (vin fiert), and local spirits. The vibe is relaxed and friendly rather than party-hard.

Beyond the Resort: Day Trips You Can’t Miss

Brașov Old Town (12km away)

Medieval architecture, colorful buildings, excellent restaurants, and the famous Council Square. The Black Church is a must-see Gothic masterpiece. Easily accessible by bus or car—spend a full day wandering.

Bran Castle (25km away)

Yes, “Dracula’s Castle” is touristy, but it’s also legitimately cool. Perched dramatically on a hilltop, the castle offers history, legend, and great photo ops. Beat the crowds by arriving early or late.

Râșnov Fortress (20km away)

Often overlooked in favor of Bran, this peasant fortress offers better views, fewer tourists, and genuine historical atmosphere. Climb to the top for panoramic Carpathian vistas.

Peleș Castle (60km away in Sinaia)

One of Europe’s most beautiful castles, this Neo-Renaissance gem was the summer residence of Romanian royalty. Worth the drive if you have time.

Libearty Bear Sanctuary (25km away)

Romania has Europe’s largest brown bear population, and this sanctuary rescues bears from captivity. Ethical, educational, and moving—book tours in advance.

Practical Tips & Money Matters

Currency

Romania uses the Romanian Leu (RON), not the Euro. As of late 2024, €1 ≈ 5 RON. Credit cards work most places, but carry cash for smaller establishments, parking, and tips.

Budget Expectations

Poiana Brașov is genuinely affordable:

• Budget travelers: €30-50/day (hostel, self-catering, bus transport)
• Mid-range: €60-100/day (decent hotel, restaurants, lift passes)
• Luxury: €150+/day (top hotels, dining, activities)

Language

Romanian is the local language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, especially among younger people and hotel staff. German is also common. Learning basic phrases like “mulțumesc” (thank you) and “vă rog” (please) goes a long way.

Safety

Poiana Brașov is very safe. Standard precautions apply—watch your belongings, don’t leave valuables in cars, and be aware of your surroundings. Mountain safety matters more than crime: check weather, tell someone your hiking plans, and don’t overestimate your abilities.

Accessibility

The resort has made strides in accessibility, with some hotels offering adapted rooms and certain slopes accessible for adaptive skiing. However, older infrastructure means not everything is wheelchair-friendly. Contact accommodations directly to discuss specific needs.

Internet & SIM Cards

WiFi is available in most hotels and restaurants. If you need data on the go, Romanian SIM cards are cheap—pick one up at the airport or in Brașov for around €5-10 with decent data packages.

What to Pack

Winter

• Proper ski gear or money to rent
• Layered clothing (it gets cold)
• Waterproof jacket and pants
• Warm gloves, hat, neck warmer
• Sunglasses and sunscreen (mountain sun is intense)
• Après-ski casual wear
• Good boots with traction for icy sidewalks

Summer

• Hiking boots (trails can be rocky)
• Layers (mountain weather changes fast)
• Rain jacket
• Sun protection
• Daypack for hikes
• Water bottle
• Comfortable evening clothes

Year-Round

• Power adapter (Romania uses Type F, 230V)
• Basic first aid kit
• Phone charger and power bank
• Travel insurance documents

Sustainable Travel Tips

Romania’s natural beauty deserves protection. Here’s how to be a responsible visitor:

• Stick to marked trails to prevent erosion
• Pack out all trash (leave no trace principles)
• Support local businesses and accommodations
• Respect wildlife—observe from distance, don’t feed
• Use refillable water bottles (tap water is safe in hotels)
• Consider offsetting travel emissions
• Learn about local environmental challenges and conservation efforts

Final Thoughts: Is Poiana Brașov Worth It?

Absolutely, especially if you’re looking for authentic mountain experiences without the Western European price tags. It’s not the biggest, fanciest, or most extreme resort, but that’s exactly its charm.

You’ll find friendly locals, excellent value, beautiful scenery, and enough activities to fill a week or more when combined with exploring Transylvania. Whether you’re a beginner skier testing the waters, an intermediate looking for affordable slope time, a hiker seeking new trails, or a traveler who wants to experience Romanian mountain culture, Poiana Brașov delivers.

The resort continues to modernize and improve infrastructure while maintaining its character. Get there before it becomes the next over-hyped destination—right now, it’s the sweet spot of quality, authenticity, and affordability.

Pack your bags, brush up on your “mulțumesc,” and get ready to fall in love with Romania’s mountain gem. See you on the slopes (or trails)!

Pro Insider Tip: Combine a few days in Poiana Brașov with time in Brașov city and other nearby towns. You’ll get the full Transylvania experience—mountains, medieval history, castles, and Romanian hospitality. That’s the real magic of this region.