Poiana Brasov

If you think of skiing in Romania, the first name that comes to mind is probably Poiana Brasov. The resort lies on the northern slope of Mount Postavarul, at an altitude of about 1,020 metres and only 12 kilometres from the centre of Brasov. In winter it draws skiers from all over the country, and in summer it becomes a quiet place for hiking and fresh air. From Gherghita it is about 147 kilometres.

A short history

Poiana has not always been a resort. The first documentary mention of the place dates from 1427, when the meadows here were used for grazing sheep. People from Brasov, however, had long walked up to the clearing, and towards the end of the 19th century the first skiers appeared: people were climbing Postavarul on skis as early as 1895, and in 1906 the first ski competition was held here.

Until the middle of the last century Poiana remained a simple place, with a few cabins and villas. Everything changed in 1951, when the resort hosted the World University Winter Games. A modern hotel and the first cable car, Poiana – Postavarul, were built then. Hotels, new slopes and cable transport followed. After 2010 the ski area was modernised and extended, and most of the slopes were fitted with snowmaking.

What you can do here

In winter:
- slopes for all levels, from beginners to advanced
- ski and snowboard schools, with equipment rental
- cable cars and chairlifts to Cristianul Mare and Postavarul

In summer and autumn:
- hikes on marked trails to Postavarul Peak and Cristianul Mare
- a cable car ride for views over Brasov and the Barsa Land
- walks around the resort's lake and through fir and spruce forests
- mountain biking on the surrounding forest roads

The resort also has well-known rustic-style restaurants serving traditional dishes.

When to go and how much time to allow

The ski season usually runs from December to March, with natural snow normally from mid-November to mid-March, supplemented by artificial snow. Summer and autumn are perfect for hiking and for those seeking peace and quiet. For a ski day, allow the whole day; for a summer visit, half a day is enough, and you can spend the rest in Brasov.

One-day itinerary (summer)

• 07:30 – leave Gherghita
• 10:00 – arrive in Poiana Brasov, coffee with a view
• 10:30 – cable car up towards Postavarul
• 12:30 – down on foot or by cable car, lunch in the resort
• 14:30 – a walk by the lake or through the forest
• 16:00 – drive down to Brasov for a short walk through the old centre
• 18:00 – drive back to Gherghita

With children

Poiana Brasov is family-friendly: there are easy slopes and ski schools for children, and in summer the paths around the lake and the forests are good for short walks. Mountain weather changes fast, so take extra clothes for the little ones too.

At a glance

• Distance from Dracula Land: about 147 km, around 2 and a half hours
• How much time to allow: a full day
• Best time: December – March for skiing; June – October for hiking
• Suitable for: skiers of all levels, families, nature lovers
• What you will find: slopes, cable cars, a lake, restaurants and hotels

How to get there from Dracula Land

The distance from Gherghita to Poiana Brasov is about 147 km, around 2 and a half hours without traffic:

• the A3 to Ploiesti and the DN1 up the Prahova Valley
• from Predeal continue towards Rasnov on the DN73A, then climb to Poiana
• alternatively, go through Brasov and take the 12 km road up from the city

There are also regular buses from Brasov to the resort.

Practical tips

• In winter, check the road conditions and carry snow chains in the car.
• Ski passes and lift schedules change every season; find out before you go.
• On peak days the resort's car parks get crowded; arrive early.

The slopes, in brief

Poiana Brasov has a dozen slopes of different lengths and difficulty. Among the best known are Bradul and Kanzel, the shorter ones, Sulinar and Lupului, the longer ones, and Drumul Rosu, which is over 3.5 kilometres long and winds down through the forest. Beginners have easy slopes at the base of the resort, and advanced skiers find steep sections higher up, towards Postavarul. Slope and lift conditions are published daily in season.

Nature around the resort

The forests around Poiana are made up of fir, spruce, Swiss stone pine, pine and larch, and mountain flowers grow in the meadows, some of them protected. Wild animals live in these forests, including bears, so keep your distance and do not leave food scraps. In summer the clean air and pleasant temperatures, around 20 degrees, make Poiana a good place to rest, away from the heat of the plain.

Where to stay

Poiana Brasov is a full-day trip from the Gherghita area. In the evening, rest in accommodation near Dracula Land, away from the crowds of the resorts.