The Parâng – Petroșani ski area and Parâng Resort make up a mountain corner with huge potential, still largely undiscovered in Romania.
View from the Parâng slope
The destination is easily accessible, especially for those coming from the Jiu Valley, but also for those planning a trip on the Transalpina.
In this article:
The History of Parâng Resort in Hunedoara County
The history of Parâng Resort spans more than a century. As early as 1900, the first chalet was built, later named “Cabana Arsă” (“the Burnt Chalet”) because of the three fires that destroyed it. It served as a refuge for hikers exploring the area with backpacks on their backs.
By 1965, the chalet had been rebuilt and expanded to 95 beds, including a restaurant and a snack bar. Over time, amateur skiing began to take root in the Parâng area. In the years when the resort was just a chalet, people skied on the Troița and Culoarul Porcului slopes, routes that were later equipped with a cableway (an aerial means of transport made up of one or more cables suspended from pylons, along which passenger cabins and material carts travel, used in hard-to-reach mountain regions).
In 1959, the Petroșani-Parâng Resort entered a new era, that of mass, amateur, and semi-professional skiing. Sports bases were built for students of the Academy of Physical Education in Bucharest, and in 1960 construction began on the cableway meant to supply these bases.
Over the decades, ski tows and ski lifts were built and sports facilities were developed. The resort grew along with the Petroșani locals' passion for tourism, and today it is a mountain destination, officially certified as a mountain tourist resort since 2009.
Location and Access Routes
Parâng Resort lies at an altitude of about 1,800 meters, in the eastern part of the Jiu Gorge, only about 5 kilometers from the town of Petroșani, in the Parâng Mountains, the legendary realm of the ancient gods.
The Petroșani – Parâng ski area lies below Parângul Mic Peak. The chairlift base is 10 km from Petroșani. The route is DN 709F. To reach the ski area, you have to take the chairlift, which takes you from an altitude of 950 meters to 1,650 meters.
From the Hotel Rusu area, at 1,100 m, access to the Parâng alpine area is by chairlift, but in summer you can also drive up to the resort: the 8 km road to the chairlift is paved and has been open since the 2021-2022 season.
Distances
Distance to Parâng Resort from:
Deva – 1 hr 47 min (102.0 km) via DN66/E79
Bucharest – 5 hr 52 min (324.9 km) via DN7A, DN7/E81, and E81
Râmnicu Vâlcea – 3 hr 11 min (147.8 km) via DN7A
Obârșia Lotrului – 57 min (35.5 km) via DJ709F and DN7A
Alba Iulia – 155 km, 2 hr 14 min (152.0 km) via DN66/E79 and A1
Târgu Jiu – 1 hr 35 min (74.3 km) via DN66/E79 and E79
In winter, car access is restricted, so you'll need to take the chairlift to reach the base of the ski area.
Ski Slopes
Parâng – Petroșani Resort offers a captivating experience for winter sports lovers, with easy access via two chairlifts and an impressive ski area that boasts no fewer than 9 ski and snowboard slopes, with a particular focus on those for experienced skiers.
The slopes here are in good condition, and as you go up, you'll be able to admire the spectacular scenery of the Jiu Gorge, the Retezat Mountains, the Căpățânii Mountains, and the Șureanu Mountains.
The slopes in Parâng Resort are equipped with two chairlifts, ski lifts, and night skiing facilities.
Slope B – 3,200 m (from 1,073 m to 1,685 m); difficult in the first half; chairlift, no night skiing
Slope A – 350 m; easy; (from 1,430 m to 1,500 m); ski lift, with night skiing
Europarâng – 600 m, intermediate, ski lift, no night skiing
Sub Telescaun – 376 m (from 1,592 m to 1,685 m); chairlift, with night skiing
“Saivane” – 900 m (1,330 m – 1,550 m), intermediate; ski lift, no night skiing
Slope C (Poiana) – 250 m (1,430 m – 1,500 m), intermediate; ski lift, no night skiing
“Culoarul Porcului” – 750 m (1,497 m – 1,697 m), intermediate; chairlift, no night skiing
“Telescaun Nou” – 300 m, easy, chairlift, no night skiing
Zidul Morții – 300 m, difficult, chairlift, no night skiing
Source: stirileprotv.ro
The slopes are generally open:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9:00-16:00, Friday-Sunday 9:00-17:00 (old chairlift),
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 10:00-15:00 and Friday-Sunday 10:00-16:00 (new chairlift).
On Wednesdays, the old chairlift undergoes technical maintenance, and on Tuesdays, the new chairlift.
Hiking Trails
The Parâng Massif offers a rich network of hiking trails. The marking and maintenance of these trails on the western slope are the responsibility of the Salvamont Hunedoara mountain rescue service. Each trail varies in difficulty and is accessible in both the cold and the warm season.
Several hiking trails start from the western slope of the mountains, including one to Parângul Mare Peak (2,519 m). About half of them start in Petroșani or in the Petroșani – Parâng tourist area and lead to the main attractions of the Parâng: mountain peaks (Cârja – 2,405 m, Mija, Stoienița, and Mohorul) and glacial lakes (Roșiile Lake, Verde Lake, Mija Lake).
Parâng Resort also welcomes you in summer. The traditional chairlift runs in the summer season too, with plenty of opportunities for hiking.
If you're in Parâng Resort, you can also visit the ski areas at Vidra – Voineasa and Straja.
For more on ski slopes in Romania, see the articles Rânca Resort, Șureanu Ski Area, Transalpina Ski Resort – Voineasa, and Top 7 Ski Resorts with Beginner Slopes in Romania
Ski Pass
Rates for the current season may differ from those of the previous season, 2022-2023:
On the old chairlift:
Adult rates | Children's rates, ages 7 – 14 |
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On the new TS3 chairlift:
Adult rates | Children's rates, ages 7 – 14 |
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Source: pressalert.ro
Other information:
There is a Salvamont mountain rescue fee of 2 lei, paid once per day;
Luggage that takes up an extra seat is charged 15 lei per seat;
In summer, you can also drive up (starting in front of Hotel Rusu); in winter, access to the mountain is by chairlift only;
If there is demand, snow, and open slopes, the new chairlift will also run on weekdays.
Weather in Parâng Resort
Checking the weather forecast has become essential if you're planning a stay or an outing in nature. In the mountains, the weather is unpredictable, especially in winter, so for a safe and successful trip to the Parâng Petroșani area of Hunedoara County, we recommend keeping an eye on the forecast.
Parâng Webcam
Before heading to any winter sports resort, including Parâng Petroșani, you can get live details on the weather, the condition of the slopes, and the number of skiers on them by watching live footage from the webcams on the ski area.
Accommodation at Parâng Ski Resort
Parâng Resort offers a wide range of accommodation options, whether you're looking for a luxury experience, a hotel, a mountain chalet, or a guesthouse with a friendly atmosphere.
Whatever your preferences, you'll easily find a place to stay that will make your visit as pleasant as possible. In the Parâng chairlift area, there are places to stay, some long-established, others more recent.
For a rustic experience, you can opt for one of the chalets or villas available in the area. Many owners also provide cooking facilities.
The guesthouses in Parâng Resort are known for their welcoming atmosphere and friendly service. Here you'll find comfortable rooms and the chance to connect with local hosts and learn more about the area and its traditions.
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, there are hostels that offer accommodation at affordable prices. They're ideal for those who want to explore the Parâng Mountains and enjoy adventure without spending too much.
You can also stay in Petroșani or at other guesthouses along the Jiu Valley for a more varied travel experience.
Whichever option you choose, if you can look past the infrastructure and technical shortcomings, Parâng – Petroșani Resort can offer you an unforgettable stay amid the natural beauty of the Parâng Mountains.
