Best Ski Resorts in Romania [2025–2026 Winter Season Update]

If you think you need to fly to Austria or France for a great ski trip, think again! Romania might not be the first country that pops into your head when someone says “winter sports,” but it should – and you will understand why after reading today’s article sharing the best ski resorts in the country.

Not only that the country invested a lot in its ski resorts over the past several years, but they’re still more affordable than Western European alternatives, and sometimes equally spectacular (if not even more so!).

Here is the list of the winter sports & ski resorts that we’re going to talk about:

• Sinaia
• Poiana Brasov
• Straja
• Suior
• Predeal
• Ranca
• Paltinis
• Ski Resort Transalpina
• Azuga
• Sureanu

The best news is that most of these resorts in the Carpathian mountains are very close to the major cities in the country – Bucharest, Timisoara, Sibiu, Brasov, and so on.

In other words, there’s no excuse not to visit! So let’s jump right into the list of the best destinations for skiing in Romania.

1. Sinaia

This was the first ski resort I ever visited and I am sure that you will fall in love with it, just like I did.

Sinaia is set in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains in the Bucegi National Park. At its highest elevation, it reaches to 2000 m.

This area is rugged, remote and has some of the best views in the country in my opinion. Peles Castle is situated close to the ski resort, which adds an almost fairy-tale feel to the place.

It’s very close to Bucharest (just 139 km by train) and a 30-minute drive or train ride from Brasov. I actually recommend taking the train here, especially if you visit during the weekend, as the roads are usually packed and you’ll spend more time stuck in traffic than skiing.

Accommodation in the resort is plentiful. Prices range from truly affordable to very expensive luxury options. If you were to ask me, choose between Hotel Regal or Ioana Hotel, which are both good, yet affordable options.

Back to skiing in Sinaia, it’s worth mentioning that all levels are covered here, from gentle learning zones to the notorious black runs.

There are 3 ski schools, 4 lifts, and 3 gondolas, the latter operating in two parts: 1,000-1,400 m (Gondola Sinaia) and 1,400-2,000 m (Gondola Carp).

Prices are based on reloadable cards that use a point system to give you access to the ski lifts and gondolas.

Prices differ for adults, students (you need to be enrolled in a Romanian school to qualify) and children (5-12 years old). Kids under 5 get free access.

Here are some of prices this year for (make sure to double check here):

Points per card	Price – Adults	Price – Seniors	Price – Children
24 points	100 lei (€20)	90 lei	60 lei
60 points	225 lei (€45)	195 lei	145 lei
120 points	375 lei (€75.50)	320 lei	245 lei
300 points	825 lei (€166)	700 lei	540 lei

You will spend 6 points each on using the Gondolas for a one way trip, as well as using the chairlift. The ski lift is 2 or 3 points.

Apart from that, expect to pay around 230 lei (€46) for a 1-day skipass as an adult or 150 lei for kids. A 3-day pass is 520 lei (€105) for adults.

Having said that, the skiing itself is excellent, even though the prices are not Romania-low, as you’d expect them to be. Ouch!

Still, it is probably cheaper than in other parts of the world and you do get some high quality slopes to test your skills on (or learn how to ski, depending on your situation).

Sinaia is one of my favorites and you can learn more about it in my article sharing the top things to do in Sinaia (besides skiing), as well as the best restaurants in Sinaia to replenish all that lost energy.

2. Poiana Brasov

The most modern winter destination in Romania, Poiana Brasov, is a high-quality ski resort with artificial snow available if natural snow is not enough.

With the one of the longest ski slope in Romania (no less than 4.75 kilometers) and a total of 22.4 km of slopes, it is considered the best ski destination in Romania by many – and back in 2013 it was the place where the Alpine Skiing section of the European Youth Olympics took place.

To make things even better, the skiable area here has been recently expanded by 50 hectares to about 85 hectares. Also, a reservoir was built for the production of artificial snow. It can store 140,000 cubic meters of water, so you will never run out of snow when visiting!

As far as accommodation goes, prices are high for Romania, but still good value by Western standards. I like Hotel Crisalpin and Pension Pantheon. There’s also an option to stay in Brasov and commute ~14km.

If you want cheaper lodging, stay in Brașov city and commute.

The ski slopes in Poiana Brasov also follow a points-based pricing system (other options available too – check here), as well as various passes, and the prices for this season are as follows:

Points per card	Price – Adults	Price – Children
20 points	100 lei (€20)	50 lei (€10)
60 points	250 lei (€50)	135 lei (€27)
120 points	410 lei (€82.50)	235 lei (€47)
240 points	720 lei (€145)	390 lei (€78)

There are seven slopes available in Poiana Brasov, with difficulty levels ranging from very easy to expert:

• Bradul: 430 m long, easy difficulty (85 meters level difference)
• Kanzel: 350 m long, high difficulty (138 m level difference)
• Lupului: 3,266 m long, high difficulty (775 m level difference)
• Sulinar: 2,820 m long, medium difficulty (645 m level difference)
• Ruia: 535 m long, high difficulty (198 m level difference)
• Subteleferic: 2,200 m long, high difficulty (280 m level difference)
• Drumul Rosu: 4,750 m long, easy difficulty (630 m level difference)

Related reading: If you’re looking for more than just winter sports and skiing, check out my article detailing the best winter destinations in Romania.

3. Straja

Once nearly unknown, Straja in Hunedoara County has transformed into a top-tier resort over the past several years.

It is located between Targu Jiu and Deva, while Sibiu and Ramnicu Valcea are still relatively close. But even though it’s not in your typical tourist spots, it’s worth the trouble getting there!

At an altitude of 1,400 meters in the Carpathian mountains, the resort offers 12 ski slopes spread over an impressive 26 kilometers.

Here is where you will find an amazing 8km-long slope, one of the longest in the country.

Where to stay in Straja? I recommend choosing Cabana Mea STRAJA if you want to be right by the slopes, or the Casa Greta if you want to be in the nearby village of Lupeni (for more things to do once skiing is over).

Prices are also more affordable here than in the top two recommendations. The ski pass is 160 lei (€32) for one day or 420 lei (€82.50) for three days. As you can see, it is a lot cheaper than Sinaia or Poiana, less crowded, but with still great snow quality. Best value resort in the country right now.

4. Suior

This resort is situated in Maramures. Again, the scenery is spectacular with its forest-strewn mountains, with a beautiful vista across the valley when the weather conditions are favorable.

There are good road links from the major centers in the country, Bucharest being 573 km from the ski resort. But you’re much closer to Baia Mare or even Cluj Napoca.

The resort has ski runs that would suit the beginner and intermediate level skier. There are only 2 ski lifts, which charge 5 euros for adults and 3.30 euros for children for a return trip (keep in mind: all prices are in Romanian lei, but I am converting them to make it easier to understand the costs).

A one-day ski pass will cost:

• €23,50 during weekdays and €31,40 on weekends (for adults)
• €17,65 during weekdays and €21,60 on weekends (for adults)

There is 1 ski school and facilities to hire ski equipment if you require it, and plenty of other options, including a winter amusement park.

I enjoyed my skiing in this resort for a few factors: I could find accommodation of a high standard within my budget. The price of the daily ski pass is also a major factor in giving this resort serious consideration.

The best thing that I liked was the low-key, uncomplicated layout of this resort. It’s really ideal for those beginning skiing, but also offers challenges for those at a more advanced level.

It’s also a bit off the beaten path, so less crowded than most other recommendations on the list.

In terms of accommodation, you have great choices like Complex Turist Suior Cota 1000 (located next to the ski lift) or the similarly beautiful Mogosa Vacation House.

5. Predeal

We’re going back to the Bucharest / Brasov area for one of the most popular mountain resorts in the country, all year long: Predeal.

Although this is usually more crowded than the other places due to its popularity, it is so for all the right reasons: it’s beautiful, it’s cheap and it offers great slopes for skiing!

We’re talking about a total of 6 slopes of varying difficulty levels: beginners, intermediate and experts. A total of 7.4 kilometers of slopes provide enough space for the thousands of tourists flocking the areas.

In terms of accommodation, you have a ton of options here. It’s difficult to pick the best places to recommend, since they’re all good, but I would go for Pensiunea Regina during the winter.

But you literally have tens of options, most of them of really high standards – but also at really high prices.

For example, a single ride up with the gondola is 11 Euros for adults, while a 1-day ski pass in Predeal is 265 lei (around 52 Euros). You can check out all the prices and options here.

6. Rânca

A relatively new resort, located in the Gorj county near the spectacular Transalpina road, Ranca is the resort with the longest ski season (starting sometime in September and lasting until May).

There are six slopes available right now (and one for sledding, for children) and although they are not yet as spectacular and long as some others on the list, they are improved on an yearly basis, so with each new visit, you will have a better experience.

Ranca is still a bit off the beaten path, so it won’t be as crowded as others, but still offers really high quality slopes and services, plus some amazing views thanks to the Transalpina road, one of the most spectacular and beautiful roads in the country – and probably in Europe.

It’s not really close to any of the top cities you generally know in Romania. The closest popular tourist destination is Sibiu, with Ramnicu Valcea and Targu Jiu being other major cities close by.

You can check out the updated prices here, with a note that it also employs a points system, but also offers daily passes (and more).

There are many villas and pensions offering cheap accommodation options, but if you want my recommendation, look no further than Hotel Onix.

7. Paltinis

Paltinis is a ski resort situated one hour’s drive from Sibiu, and the winter season is when it’s mostly alive. It makes sense, because this is the oldest mountain resort in Romania!

The entire area is very active, and there are plenty of ski slopes to choose from – six, to be precise. Amongst the winter sports you can practice here, the first is, of course, skiing. But there are also sleighs available for rent and climbing activities are allowed as well.

Regular trips are organized with a local bus from Sibiu to Paltinis and back. And that, for a very low fee, as everything is affordable in Romania.

Plus, no need to worry about the weather! If natural snow doesn’t show up, they will use artificial snow.

Where to stay? I recommend Pensiune Victoria for a great price/quality ratio, or Castelnor if you want to pamper yourself a bit.

8. Ski Resort Transalpina

Another resort that offers breathtaking views due to the proximity to the Translapina Road, this one is younger and lesser known, but definitely worth checking out.

Even though it has 7 ski slopes, the actual treat here is the set of stunning vistas that can be enjoyed from almost every part of the slopes. We’re talking about 6.1 km of slopes serviced by 5 lifts (and this is constantly updated and improved, so each year, you will get more and better goodies)

Since this is a relatively young and lesser-known place, I’m marking it for you on Google Maps here.

If you don’t mind some automated music, you can check out their official website, with the latest prices and also an interactive view over the slopes, so you know exactly what you get yourself into! For example, you will pay around €37,30 for the daily skipass as an adult.

9. Azuga

Not as popular as it used to be back in the day, Azuga remains one of my favorites, with plenty to offer and cheaper prices than most other resorts on the list.

Here are the slopes it offers:

• Cazacu Teleski Slope – 400m length, intermediate.
• Cazacu Variant Slope – 1920m length, intermediate.
• Cazacu Babyski – 150m length, easy.
• Sorica Slope – 2100m length, intermediate.
• Sorica Teleski Slope – 700m length, intermediate.
• Sorica South Slope – 770m length, easy.
• Sorica La Stână Slope – 910m length, easy.

10. Sureanu

Another hidden gem in Romania, this young ski resort in Sureanu is referred to as the “Switzerland of the East.” To match that, I recommend booking your stay at the resort itself here, or at the nearby Poarta Raiului (translated: Heaven’s Gate).

Although incredibly beautiful, this off-the-beaten-path resort is difficult to reach – a car is necessary, with no major city connections available. But trust me, it’s worth the trouble of getting here!

The resort offers excellent skiing conditions due to its higher altitude and consistent snow cover throughout the season.

It has 11 slopes: 1 for advanced skiers, 8 of medium difficulty, and 2 beginner-friendly ones. Check out its official website for details (mainly to see if the slopes are open).

My Top 3 Picks

If you don’t really know which one to choose, here’s how I rank them:

• Best Overall: Sinaia for easy access, diverse slopes, unbeatable scenery.
• Best for Families: Poiana Brașov for modern, organized, reliable snow.
• Best Hidden Gem: Șureanu – remote, peaceful, and picture-perfect.

And if you’re traveling on a tight budget, Rânca or Azuga give you real value for money.

Final Thoughts

Romania might not yet compete with the Alps in fame, but it definitely competes in experience. You’ll find quality slopes, fair prices, and landscapes that make every descent memorable and definitely worth checking back again.

Romania’s natural beauty really adds something to the whole skiing experience, so you will surely fall in love with the slopes and recommended ski resorts in this article, as well as winter in Romania in general.

Let us all know which is your favorite ski resort in the country, and if you think some that are not on the list should be included next year!