| WINTER ON THE PRAHOVA VALLEY 11/02/2010 |
| Last updated: 2010-02-12 20:29 EET |
This is the most developed mountain area in Romania, with resorts having ski slopes with all degrees of difficulty, from slopes for beginners to competition ones. Sinaia is the Romanian mountain resort on the Prahova valley which offers the best high-altitude ski conditions at 2,000 metres. The offer is varied and suitable for all categories of skiers and snowboarders, totaling about 10.5 km of slopes. Here is Alexandra Marcu - tourist package expert with a tourist agency in Bucharest, with further details:
“Sinaia has got eight ski slopes of various difficulty levels. Beginners can enjoy a day in the Dorului Valley, the slope on the Sun Valley which is an easy to medium-difficulty slope. Advanced ski and snowboard lovers can use the slopes on the right and left side of the ski lift on the Dorului Valley, which are medium-difficulty slopes. The Scandurar slope is another slope of average difficulty degree they can use. All these slopes are located in the western part of the Bucegi massif, at an altitude of 1800 -2000 metres.”
On sunny days, Valea Dorului is the ideal place to enjoy both the snow and the sun. So irrespective of the season, sunscreen is a must. In Valea Dorului, there are chalets where you can chose to relax between ski rounds, or you can even go sunbathing. The eastern side of the Bucegi Massif nearby Sinaia offers the most difficult and spectacular ski slopes in Prahova Valley. The Prahova Valley was first documented as a tourist region in the second half of the 19th century, when the Peles Castle was built in Sinaia, and King Carol I used it as a summer residence. Ever since, there has been a growing interest in the mountain towns, which have gradually developed into mountain resorts. Alexandra Marcu invites you to visit this objective.
“It is not only its skiing facilities that make the resort famous. Here you will find the Peles Castle. It used to be the summer residence of the Romanian kings, and was commissioned by King Carol I of Romania (1866-1914). Peles has also a theatre hall, with a small stage and 60 seats, plus the Royal box. The castle’s facilities were state-of-the-art in the age it was built in. For instance the glass ceiling in the lobby is mobile, and can be operated through an electric engine, and as early as in 1883, the castle had central heating. It is a must-see tourist site.”
Bucegi is the next resort after Sinaia, lying between the Bucegi and Baiul Mountains, about 135 kilometers from Bucharest. Alexandra Marcu told us that skiers were invited to the Kalinderu ski slope, which has a modern gondola lift.
“The ski slope is located at the foot of the Caraiman massif, and is steeped into an exceptionally beautiful scenery. It is 1,300 meters long and located at 300 meters high. It has a very modern ski lift. Kalinderu is the ideal place for those who may want to polish their skiing or snowboarding skills. Also, Kalinderu has an artificial snow installation."
According to Alexandru Marcu, Prahova valley provides tourists with various price categories.
"A 3-night stay for two people at a 5-star hotel costs between 900 and 1300 euros, which includes dinner. To spend 3 nights in a 4-star hotel, you will have to pay between 700 and 1100 euros for two people, breakfast and a festive dinner included. The rooms are provided with canopy beds, huge flat screens, Jacuzzi and room service around the clock. For those who don’t want to delve deep in their pockets, there are 3-star cabins, with prices starting from 100 euros per person, breakfast included.’’
Our guest told us that Predeal, the last resort we will talk about today, has 5 ski slopes, running about 7.2 km.
“The slopes have a 4-seat cable car and a ski lift, which were bought in 2008. The Clabucet slope arrival area is also a ski school and is provided with a babylift. The area has artificial snow and a lighting system, due to which, the two ski lifts are always lit. The slope’s arrival area was designed to be a snowboard winter park. It is very important to remember that the Sinaia and Predeal resorts have a unique fee system, in which access cards can be used interchangeably.’’
These are some of the reasons you should not miss out on a holiday on the Prahova Valley, irrespective of the season. Take advantage of the recent heavy snowfalls which can turn a winter holiday into bliss.
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2010-09-06
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