Poiana Brașov is located in Brașov County, at an altitude of about 1,030 m, on the northeastern slope of the Postăvarul Massif in the Eastern Carpathians, 12.5 km from downtown Brașov.
In Poiana Brașov
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Also known as Poiana Soarelui (“Sun Meadow”), Poiana Brașov is a mountain resort in Romania, known for its ski slopes, leisure facilities, and mountain scenery.
In winter, Poiana Brașov ranks as Romania's leading ski resort, with high-quality winter sports facilities and a wide variety of slopes suitable for all skill levels.
Poiana Brașov Ski Resort
Outside the ski season, the resort becomes a popular spot for mountain hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities.
A Brief History
The first written record of the settlement dates from 1427 and is linked to the sheep farming that took place here.
Poiana Brașov began to gain recognition as a tourist destination at the end of the 19th century. In 1895, locals and visitors began exploring the nearby Piatra Mare area.
In 1904, the first chalet was built here.
In 1906, Romania's first official ski competition was held here, a significant event that marked the beginning of Poiana's development as a resort. Its popularity grew steadily, and its infrastructure was expanded to accommodate the growing number of visitors.
During this period, Poiana Brașov was also officially recognized as a winter sports destination, as skiing grew increasingly popular.
Later, in the postwar period, in 1951, the resort hosted the World University Winter Games (officially known as the Winter Universiade), which brought Poiana to the forefront of Romanian mountain resorts.
The competition aims to give student athletes the chance to showcase their skills and represent their home countries and universities. The event led to substantial investment in infrastructure and to the modernization of the resort, which was equipped with slopes, cable transport facilities, and modern amenities.
Postăvarul Peak
During that period, a modern sports hotel was opened, along with the first Poiana–Postăvarul cable car, 2,150 m long. Over the years, numerous developments and new facilities have turned Poiana Brașov into the renowned resort we know today. These investments contributed significantly to the resort's development.
Poiana Brașov - Cable Car
Today, Poiana Brașov remains a benchmark for winter sports and mountain hiking, and it continues to attract tourists from Romania and abroad. Not to be overlooked are the therapeutic benefits of the mountain air for exhaustion, endocrine disorders, and secondary anemia.
Access and Transportation
Poiana Brașov can be reached from the city of Brașov (12.5 km), and the main road is modernized and well signposted (DJ 1E). It is easy to get here from Romania's major cities, including Bucharest (about a 3-hour drive).
Poiana Brașov can also be reached from Râșnov. It's a 12 km drive on DN1E, a scenic but fairly well-maintained mountain road. The road is open year-round, although in winter you may need winter tires or even snow chains in heavy snow.
There are direct bus lines (line 20) connecting Brașov with Poiana Brașov, departing from the Livada Poștei area in Brașov. You can also travel the Brașov – Poiana Brașov route with uberSki at a fixed price.
Within the resort, access to the slopes is provided by a well-developed cable transport network: the Postăvaru Express gondola, cable cars, chairlifts, and ski lifts, all operating throughout the ski season.
Mountain view in Poiana Brașov
Public parking is available, but spaces are limited during peak season. Visitors are advised to use public transportation to avoid the crowds.
Distances and travel times to the resort:
from Râșnov: 18 min (11.9 km) via DN1E
from Brașov: 19 min (12.6 km) via DN1E
from Sinaia: 1 hr 9 min (52.5 km) via DN1/E60 and DN73A
from Bran (from the castle): 29 min (22.2 km) via DN73/E574 and DN1E
from Bușteni: 54 min (41.2 km) via DN73A
from Azuga: 50 min (38.2 km) via DN73A and DN1E
from Predeal: 47 min (34.1 km) via DN73A and DN1E
from Teșila (Doftana Valley): 1 hr 50 min (78.9 km) via DN1/E60
from Sibiu: 2 hr 34 min (155.0 km) via DN1/E68 and DN73A
from Bucharest: 3 hr 20 min (187.1 km) via the Bucharest – Ploiești Motorway/A3 and DN1/E60
Guesthouses, Hotels, and Villas in Poiana Brașov
Poiana Brașov offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets, from hotels and guesthouses to mountain chalets.
The resort has grown and now offers luxury hotels (4 and 5 stars), such as:
Teleferic Grand Hotel: A 4-star hotel with modern facilities and mountain-style design, known for its fully equipped spa, pools, saunas, wellness services, and restaurants serving international cuisine.
Ana Hotels Sport Poiana Brașov: A 4-star property known for its quick access to the slopes, its large spa center with pools and a hot tub, and its restaurant serving gourmet dishes and traditional cuisine.
Alpin Resort Hotel: One of the few hotels in Poiana with a semi-Olympic pool; the complex can accommodate up to 700 people.
Many 4- and 5-star hotels in Poiana Brașov offer special amenities, including spas with pools, sports courts, saunas, and wellness treatments, restaurants serving gourmet dishes and traditional cuisine, as well as conference rooms equipped for business and private events.
Summer in Poiana Brașov
Visitors can choose to stay in traditional guesthouses and chalets. Many of them are located at the edge of the forest, ideal for those who want a quiet experience closer to nature: Zimbrul Guesthouse, Orizont Guesthouse.
Villas and vacation apartments are also available to rent, suitable for larger groups or families: Villa Cristalfrost, Villa Zorile, Elexus Apartments.
Ski Slopes and Facilities in Poiana Brașov
Poiana Brașov is Romania's leading ski resort, with an extensive, well-organized ski area for skiers of all levels.
The resort has 7 main slopes covering a total length of about 24 kilometers, with varying levels of difficulty.
Poiana Brașov slope map
Source: https://starepartii.brasovcity.ro/harta-domeniul-schiabil/
Winter Sports Infrastructure
Poiana Brașov has modernized, efficient infrastructure designed to provide easy access to the slopes:
Cable transport: The resort has a gondola (Postăvarul Express), 2 cable cars (Capra Neagră and Kanzel), 2 chairlifts (Lupul, Ruia), and 5 ski lifts (Bradul, Kanzel, Ruia, Subteleferic, Stadion) that provide quick access to the slopes, with a combined capacity of over 8,500 people per hour.
Snow parks: During peak season, special freestyle and snowboarding areas are available, equipped with ramps and obstacles.
The resort has several ski and snowboard rental shops located near the slopes.
There are also accredited ski schools offering private and group lessons with certified instructors.
Poiana Brașov Ski Resort
The ski season in Poiana Brașov usually runs from December to the end of March, depending on snow conditions. This year's first snowfall was recorded on November 10.
Winter in the Postăvarul Massif
Snow depth ranges from 50 to 100 cm during peak season, and the resort has snow cannons to ensure optimal conditions during milder spells.
Ski Passes and Prices
A ski pass in Poiana Brașov gives unlimited access to all cable transport facilities, with prices depending on the duration and type of pass you choose (one-day, multi-day, or season).
Ski slope in Poiana Brașov
The resort also offers point cards, which give access to certain lifts, a convenient option for occasional skiers.
Slope | Length | Difficulty | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
Drumul Roșu | 4,752 m | Easy – Intermediate | The longest slope in the resort, ideal for intermediate skiers, with a moderate gradient and a pleasant route for a relaxing descent. |
Sulinar | 2,820 m | Intermediate | A varied run combining wide sections and moderate pitches, perfect for intermediate skiers, descending from high altitudes through scenic landscapes. |
Lupului | 2,605 m | Advanced | A steep, technical slope for experienced skiers, with challenging pitches and turns for a dynamic experience. |
Kanzel | 297 m | Advanced | A short, steep, technical slope, suitable for experienced skiers who prefer fast, challenging runs. |
Subteleferic | 2,200 m | Advanced | The steepest slope, often used for competitive training; it includes very steep sections. |
Bradul | 430 m | Easy | A slope for beginners, ideal for lessons and for children, with floodlights for night skiing. |
Stadion | 612 m | Easy | A beginner slope for novices and children, used mainly by ski schools for basic lessons, with a gentle gradient and easy access. |
Passes for the Cable Transport Facilities: Cable Cars, Gondolas, Chairlifts, and Ski Lifts (2024-2025 Season)
Passes valid from 4 hours to 10 days
Short duration:
From 11:00 a.m.: 175 lei (adults), 105 lei (children aged 6-12).
From 1:00 p.m.: 140 lei (adults), 70 lei (children).
From 2:00 p.m.: 90 lei (adults), 55 lei (children).
4 hours: 165 lei (adults), 100 lei (children) – valid from first entry.
Day passes:
1 day: 220 lei (adults), 130 lei (children).
2 days: 370 lei (adults), 195 lei (children).
3 days: 510 lei (adults), 265 lei (children).
4 days: 620 lei (adults), 330 lei (children).
5 days: 730 lei (adults), 380 lei (children).
6 days: 830 lei (adults), 445 lei (children).
Flexible:
10 days per season: 1,550 lei (adults), 890 lei (children) – consecutive or not.
20 hours per season: 720 lei (adults), 390 lei (children) – minimum usage time of 1 hour.
Season pass:
5,000 lei (adults), 3,000 lei (children) – personalized and non-transferable, valid for the entire season.
These options offer flexibility for both short visits and frequent use throughout the season.
Source: here
Point Card Prices 2024-2025
Card Type | Adult Price | Child Price (ages 6-12) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
10 points | 70 lei | 40 lei | – |
20 points | 130 lei | 65 lei | – |
30 points | 180 lei | 100 lei | – |
60 points | 320 lei | 170 lei | |
80 points | 380 lei | 210 lei | |
120 points | 550 lei | 300 lei | |
240 points | 930 lei | 490 lei |
Source: here
Single-Ride Cards 2024-2025
Card Type | Adult Price | Child Price (ages 6-12) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Single ride up | 40 lei | 25 lei | – |
Round trip (up and down) | 65 lei | 35 lei | – |
Single ride down | 40 lei | 25 lei | – |
Additional Facilities
Online management: Cards can be topped up and paid for at www.skibv.ro.
Validity extension: Unused services from the previous season remain valid.
Discounts:
Brașov Residents' Wednesday: 50% off certain passes for residents of Brașov.
People with disabilities: 10% off round-trip rides and free skiing on the beginner slopes during special promotions.
Source: here
For complete, up-to-date details, I also recommend visiting the official website of the Poiana Brașov resort.
Summer Activities and Recreation in Poiana Brașov
Poiana Brașov is an attractive destination in summer too, offering a wide range of outdoor activities, ideal for hiking, mountain sports, and recreation for all ages.
Hiking and Mountain Trails: The resort is the starting point for numerous mountain trails of varying difficulty:
The trail to Postăvaru Peak: About 2-3 hours, a moderately difficult trail with a superb panorama of Brașov and the Bucegi Mountains.
The Poiana Brașov – Cristianu Mare Chalet trail: An easy trail of about 1.5 hours, suitable for families and beginners, with peaceful scenery and easy access.
The Poiana Brașov – Solomon's Rocks trail: A short, scenic 1-hour trail that descends toward Brașov, ideal for a leisurely walk.
Summer Sports: The resort offers mountain biking (dedicated trails and bike rentals), climbing, archery, and paragliding, attractive alternatives for active visitors.
Relaxation and Recreation Areas: There are picnic areas and places to relax, and nearby there's an adventure park with treetop courses and climbing activities, ideal for families and children.
With all these options, Poiana Brașov is also a summer destination for nature and adventure lovers.
Local Cuisine and Restaurants in Poiana Brașov
Poiana Brașov offers a diverse culinary experience, with restaurants serving both traditional Romanian dishes and international specialties. Here are a few recommendations for visitors who want to discover the local cuisine:
Restaurant at the Teleferic Grand Hotel – Located inside the Teleferic Hotel, this restaurant serves gourmet dishes that blend international cuisine with local influences. Refined dishes are prepared here from fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Ana Hotels Sport Restaurant – Known for its traditional Romanian dishes, this restaurant focuses on authentic regional recipes, serving dishes such as bulz (polenta with cheese and sour cream), tochitură (a meat stew), and various kinds of ciorbă (sour soup).
Coliba Haiducilor – A rustic restaurant, very popular for its authentic atmosphere, distinctive decor, and a menu full of Romanian dishes, from sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) and mititei (grilled minced-meat rolls) to traditional platters. Ideal for a traditional dining experience.
The resort also has options for quick lunches, cafés, and international eateries, ideal for snacks or light meals.
The upscale restaurants and traditional-style chalets offer special lists of Romanian wines, with varieties from well-known wine regions such as Dealu Mare and Cotnari.
Some restaurants hold tastings of local cheeses, and many places put the emphasis on local products, including smoked meats and cheeses from the Carpathian Mountains.
Local Events and Festivals in Poiana Brașov
Poiana Brașov hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from sports competitions and cultural festivals to traditional fairs, drawing visitors from all corners of the world.
Recently launched, the Massif Festival combines music and winter sports and was held in March in Poiana Brașov. It is one of the most eagerly awaited festivals in Romania, offering a rich experience that includes electronic music, hip-hop, and other genres, alongside activities typical of the winter season.
The festival draws a young crowd, turning Poiana Brașov into a meeting place for lovers of music and winter sports.
The festival also features themed photography contests and creative workshops for children.
In summer, Poiana Brașov hosts the “Jazz in the Park” Festival, where visitors can enjoy open-air concerts in a relaxed mountain atmosphere. The festival attracts renowned artists from Romania and abroad.
Open-Air Film Week – In July and August, the resort holds open-air film screenings in the recreation area, with a selection of Romanian and international films.
Tourist Attractions in and around Poiana Brașov
Poiana Brașov's strategic location gives visitors easy access to many cultural and natural attractions in the region. Here are some of the most important sights nearby that can round out your vacation in the area:
Council Square (Piața Sfatului) in Brașov
Located in the heart of Brașov, Council Square is known for its medieval architecture and lively atmosphere. The square is home to the Council House, a historic building that houses the Brașov History Museum.
Postăvarul Massif
The Postăvarul Massif attracts visitors who want to explore its mountain trails. The climb to the summit (1,799 meters) offers a spectacular panorama of Țara Bârsei (Burzenland), the Bucegi Mountains, and even the Făgăraș Mountains.
The Black Church
A symbol of Brașov, this Gothic church is the largest of its kind in Eastern Europe and dates from the 14th century. The church houses an impressive collection of Oriental rugs and an old organ with 4,000 pipes, used for concerts.
Colții Corbului Mare or Stejărișul Mare
Stejărișul Mare is a botanical nature reserve near Brașov. It is known for the richness and diversity of its plant species, especially the downy oak and other plants typical of the area. The reserve covers hills and forest with rocky terrain, cliffs, and interesting formations, which contribute to the varied habitat of its species.
Tâmpa
Mount Tâmpa, on the edge of Brașov, is a major tourist attraction thanks to its spectacular scenery and biodiversity. Rising to 960 meters, Tâmpa offers a panoramic view of Brașov and its surroundings. The nature park is protected and is home to rare species of plants and animals.
Bran Castle
Just 20 km from Poiana Brașov, Bran Castle, known as “Dracula's Castle,” is one of Romania's most popular tourist attractions.
Râșnov Fortress
Râșnov Fortress is a favorite with visitors for its scenery, its authentic atmosphere, and the cultural events held here, and it is easily reached from Poiana Brașov.
7 Ladders Canyon
An ideal destination for nature and adventure lovers, 7 Ladders Canyon (Canionul 7 Scări) is about 20 km from Poiana Brașov. This spectacular mountain trail follows the canyon and includes metal ladders and bridges that let visitors explore the waterfalls and rock formations of the gorge.
Sighișoara Citadel
About 130 km from Poiana Brașov, Sighișoara is a unique medieval town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See more details here.
Viscri Village
Located 80 km from Brașov, the village is famous for its 13th-century fortified church and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Viscri is admired for its traditional Saxon architecture and local heritage conservation initiatives. It lies on the Via Transilvanica route.
Peleș Castle (Sinaia)
About 50 km from Poiana Brașov, Peleș Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Europe, with unique Neo-Renaissance architecture and meticulously decorated interiors. The castle was the summer residence of Romania's royal family and is now a very popular museum.
Its onetime rival, Cantacuzino Castle in Bușteni, is 40 km away.
Weather in Poiana Brașov
To make the most of your time in Poiana Brașov, make sure you have the right gear for the weather (ski boots, waterproof clothing, gloves, and sunglasses).
The weather in Poiana Brașov now and for the next 7 days:
Did you know…
One of Romania's first gondolas was built here in 1987.
Poiana Brașov is where the country's first chairlift was opened.
The resort has a place in the history of Romanian skiing as the home of the country's first ski school.
It is one of Romania's oldest mountain resorts, with a tradition of more than 100 years.
Poiana Brașov has been a filming location for various productions, including Romanian and international films. A notable example is the film “Școala de înot” (2015), which includes scenes shot on the resort's ski slopes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose Poiana Brașov for a vacation?
Poiana Brașov is considered the largest and most modern resort in Romania.
What can I do with kids in Poiana Brașov?
Poiana Brașov has plenty of activities for families with children. In winter there's skiing, sledding, snow tubing, and ice skating, while in the other seasons there are adventure parks, swimming pools, and hiking.
What tourist attractions can you visit in Poiana Brașov?
Besides the slopes, two attractions worth visiting in Poiana Brașov are Valea Cetății Cave and Solomon's Rocks.
Conclusion
Poiana Brașov offers a unique mix of winter and summer activities, with excellent slopes, scenic mountain trails, and top-notch facilities for all ages.
Set in a dreamlike mountain landscape, the resort offers an unforgettable vacation experience. Poiana Brașov is the ideal place to relax, have fun, and explore the beauty of the mountains. Don't miss the chance to discover it!
Also visit the other Prahova Valley resorts: Sinaia, Bușteni, Azuga, and Predeal
