Poiana Brașov
12 km · 15 min
The place where Romanian skiing first came down
Poiana Brașov was not born as a resort, but as a meadow beneath Postăvarul where, as early as 1895, Romania's first descent on skis was recorded, followed in 1906 by the first competition. More than a century later, this pioneering ground has become the country's best-known mountain resort, set at around 1,020 metres altitude, just 12 kilometres from Brașov and a short distance from Râșnov, home to the MAX International hub.
At the foot of Postăvarul
The resort spreads across a broad meadow, at the base of the Postăvarul Massif, whose peak rises to around 1,799-1,803 metres. This difference in elevation gives the place its charm: above, rocky ridges and views over Țara Bârsei; below, a gentle meadow surrounded by coniferous forests. The link between these two worlds is made by the Postăvarul Express gondola, which climbs up in a few minutes, and by the Kanzel cable car, both sparing you the walk uphill.
A ski area for every level
The ski area counts several main slopes, totalling around 24 kilometres, from blue runs for beginners to black descents for the experienced. The star is the Drumul Roșu slope, which winds for over 5 kilometres from the station down to the meadow, one of the longest ski runs in Romania. Artificial snow systems often extend the season, and a few slopes are specially arranged for those taking their first steps on skis. Check the schedule and prices on the official source before your visit.
Beyond the white season
Poiana Brașov does not close once the snow melts. In summer, the meadow becomes a starting point for hikes on Postăvarul, and marked trails link the resort to Brașov and to Râșnov, over the saddle between the ridges. Among the sights loved by visitors is the little wooden church of Sfântul Ioan Botezătorul, built in the traditional style of the Maramureș churches, a corner of peace in the middle of the resort.
Good to plan ahead
Whether you come for skiing, for a gondola ride or for a summer hike, Poiana Brașov is easy to visit starting from Râșnov. Since the lift timetable and prices change from one season to another, check the schedule and prices on the official source before your visit, especially at weekends and during busy winter periods.