Today we invite you on a tour of the Prahova Valley resorts
A two hours' drive from Bucharest, the Prahova Valley boasts a wide variety of ski slopes and a rich tourist offer. It is one of the most developed mountain areas in Romania, with winter resorts providing excellent skiing facilities for all categories of skiers, from amateurs to professionals. Prahova Valley is not only famous among winter sports lovers, as the area is also rich in cultural and leisure opportunities. It's easier to travel to Prahova Valley in December, as the Rail Passenger Transport Society has introduced the Snow Trains taking people to ski resorts on Prahova Valley. On weekends price discounts go up to 56%.
In Busteni, average ski lovers can benefit from the Kalinderu slope. The slope is at the foot of the Caraiman massif, is 1300 m long, with a level difference of 300 m, and boasts an exceptional natural environment. It is equipped with a modern 4-seat express chair. Kalinderu is the ideal place for those who want to improve their skiing or snowboarding skills. Also, the slope is equipped with artificial snow cannons, just like all the Prahova Valley slopes.
Mihai Colesi from the Busteni Tourist Information Centre told us:
"There are 14 ski tracks for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers. All of these ski pistes are equipped at European standards. There is transport provided for each track, including ski chairs, gondola lifts and ski lifts. There's also a fun park at the foot of the ski slope in Busteni. The ski passes can be used for all resorts on Prahova Valley. They can be purchased from the ski slope managers of the three resorts, but there's also a cashier's desk at the foot of each slope where skiers can buy ski passes valid for several days. Prices vary. The more days the pass covers, the cheaper it will be, and the pass varies from 1 to 6 days. At the foot of the ski slope skiers can also find several sports equipment rental centers, where they can find ski boots, skis, sticks, helmets and snowboards. They will find here all the necessary equipment."
Tourists, both Romanian and foreign, are impressed with the landscape and the tourist offer. Moreover, according to Mihai Colesi, the hosts do everything in their power to make tourists spend an unforgettable holiday here:
"The members of the mountain rescue teams know very well the mountain tracks and the surrounding areas. There are guides in every resort and they all speak at least English, if not other foreign languages as well. There are also private ski schools that organize camps. Guides are available for foreign tourists who are not familiar with the resorts."
Anda Popa, head of the Prahova Tourism Promotion and Development Association says that tourists should visit the area at least for its wine route. Anda Popa:
"In the Dealu Mare area tourists can taste Feteasca Neagra, known as the ambassador of Romanian wines. They can also taste four to six types of wine, depending on the wine cellar they choose. Tourists are explained the winemaking process by experts. Also, let's not forget the Peles Castle, the castle of Romania's kings, one of the country's most important tourist sites. Particularly worth visiting are Iulia Hasdeu's castle, the Clock Museum, The Petroleum Museum in Ploiesti and the Caraiman Cross, the largest Summit cross at high altitude according to the Guinness Book of Records. Winter holiday packages have already been booked. Some tourists choose to come here for our cuisine, others for winter sports. Spending the New Year's Eve on a ski slope is always an adventure. Sinaia, Azuga and Busteni boast most ski slopes. The Cantacuzino Palace is also a unique venue for spending New Year's Eve, in a fairytale atmosphere. Spa centers are another inspired choice for winter holidays."
Anda Popa says she has been permanently in touch with the foreign tourists who arrive in Prahova Valley:
"I've spoken to various categories of tourists, tourists who stayed with us a longer as well as tourists who only had time for a visit to Peles Castle. A visit to the palace is included in the schedule of those who visit Bucharest, Brasov or Cluj. They like it that Romanians are hospitable and they also like traditional food. Even if they have to face the hubbub here, they are not bothered much, since the experience they have is exceptional. Prices are affordable for every pocket. There are things to be done for everybody, there are lots of things to do and I invite them all to access visitprahova.ro. There they can find complete information. "
Sinaia is the perfect place for business tourism, said the president of Prahova County's Tourism Promotion and Development Association, Adrian Voican. International medical conferences are organized here on a regular basis, with up to 5,000 professionals participating. With details on that, here is Adrian Voican himself.
"A lot has been invested, both in the private area of getting hotels modernized, and in the public area. Cable car transportation to the Bucegi plateau was modernized as early as last year. Since early this year, the second section of the gondola lift has been operational. After two years of investment, the modernization works in the centre of the resort were completed, and right now it looks like a mountain resort in the West. But we need not limit ourselves to Sinaia. In Busteni you must visit the Cantacuzino Castle, which is an architectural gem and which has been put to good use very well. Many times, we have guest artists from Moscow's Bolshoy Theatre. Also not far from here, in Azuga, there is a five-star hotel, standing very close to the ski slope. We also have two or three-star hotels in this resort, also known as a skiing destination for children. Prices for accommodation and skiing facilities are quite low."
We should also note that of the approximately 15,000 accommodation places on the Prahova Valley, ninety per cent have already been booked, for the Christmas and the New Year's Eve parties.
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