Though not as high as the Alps, the Carpathians are just as beautiful
and equally spectacular. The pure air and the breathtaking landscape attract thousands of
tourists every year for skiing and hiking. The mountains resorts along the mountain chain
that crosses Romania from north to south, offer their guests excellent facilities for recreation
in the summer and winter alike. There are opportunities for hiking, caving, observing nature, or
skiing on well-marked slopes.
POIANA BRASOV
Poiana Brasov, a well-known winter sports center, is located just 13km
from Brasov where lies at the foot of Mount Postavarul, at an altitude of 1030m. It is one of
the most frequented mountain resorts in Romania, largely because of its modern sports infrastructure,
including artificial skating ring, riding center, two 80m high ski-jumps, and 12 down-hill and
slalom courses - one of them with artificial snow. Chair lifts and drags offer a fast, efficient
connection between the resort and Postavaru Chalet (1602m), situated amidst magnificent natural
surrounding.
PREDEAL
Predeal, which boasts the highest altitude of any resort in Romania (1160m), nestles between
the Bucegi and the Baiu Mountains, on the watershed of the Prahova and Timis valleys. Snow remains about 100 days
a year, ensuring the slopes are popular with skiers from all over Europe. Predeal is a starting point for hiking
along marked trails to chalets scattered throughout the Bucegi Mountains: Trei Brazi, Diham, Susai and Garbova.
SINAIA
Sinaia, also dubbed "Pearl of the Carpathians" on account of its magnificent
mountain scenery, lies at the foot of Mount Furnica (800-1000m). Well known since the 17th century for the
therapeutic qualities of its highly ionized, ozone-rich air, the resort was chosen by King Carol I as the
Summer residence of the royal family. He built the famous Peles castle here between 1875 and 1883. The
climate is favorable for winter sports with a blanket of snow remaining until March, and fifteen made-up
slopes, situated at an altitude of 850 to 2000 meters, served by cable transport.
