Poiana Brașov, perfect for skiing and relaxation
Located at the foot of the Postăvaru Massif, in central Romania, Poiana Brașov is the standard of excellence in Romanian mountain tourism, being officially recognized as the most modern ski resort in the country.
Daniel Onea, 19.02.2026, 14:00
Located at the foot of the Postăvaru Massif, in central Romania, Poiana Brașov is the standard of excellence in Romanian mountain tourism, being officially recognized as the most modern ski resort in the country. Here you will discover a ski area of over 24 kilometers, where European infrastructure meets wild natural landscapes. Beyond winter sports, we explore the hiking trails and attractions in the surroundings.
First, however, we take a quick look at the fascinating history of our destination, together with Florin Balaș, with the National Center for Tourist Information and Promotion: “Poiana Brașov is the most famous mountain resort in Romania. Located at the foot of the Postăvaru Massif, approximately 12 kilometers from the historic center of Brașov, the resort, also known as “Poiana Soarelui”, is the benchmark destination for winter sports in Romania. The history of the place begins a long time ago, being attested by documents in 1427 under the name “Polian”, initially a grazing area for the large flocks of sheep in Brasov. The beginnings of tourism date back to 1895, when the area began to be used for recreation. The competitive tradition is also long: the first ski competition took place here in 1906. Since 1909, the resort has hosted the first national competition in the field. A copy of the poster for that event can be found today at the Tourist Information Center.”
The resort’s major modernization took place in the 1950s and 1960s, with the World University Winter Games being an important milestone, followed by the construction of the modern access road from Brașov in the 1960s. In 2026, Poiana Brașov attracts all mountain sports enthusiasts, as we learn from Florin Balaș: “Currently, Poiana Brașov combines modern accommodation and SPA facilities with spectacular mountain trails, accessible all year round. The tourist infrastructure is extensive, including hotels, cable cars and facilities for mass tourism. Tourists can also visit the “Saint John the Baptist” Monastery, the only place of worship in the resort built in the Maramures style. The resort is famous primarily for winter sports, offering a complete ski area for all levels of experience. It includes 12 slopes served by modern facilities: cable cars, gondolas, chair lifts, ski lifts and an artificial snow production system. We have the longest slope in Romania, “Drumul Roșu / The Red Trail”, of approximately 4.7 kilometers. The difference in level between the Postăvaru Peak and the base of the slopes is almost 800 meters. There is also the possibility of night skiing on two of the slopes, Lupului Inferior and Stadion, as well as dedicated areas for sledding and tubing.”
Related services are very well developed, including ski schools, equipment rental centers and a mountain rescue service with qualified personnel. Access to the slopes is based on Ski Pass cards, available in flexible versions, from a few hours to several days or based on points, which can also be recharged online. On the other hand, the Tourist Information Center offers visitors maps of the ski area and the resort, both directly and through cable car operators or accommodation units.
Beyond skiing, the leisure offer is varied: après-ski parties, both at the base and at the mountain chalets, paragliding, ATV journeys, horse riding or activities for children. And, if time allows, there are many attractions in the surrounding area: “For extended stay, the surroundings offer numerous attractions. Just 15 minutes by car, there is the historic center of Brașov, with the Council Square, the Black Church, the largest Gothic building in southeastern Europe, the White and Black Towers, the Fortress, the Rope Street, the First Romanian School and numerous museums. In the county, approximately 12 kilometers away, tourists can visit Râșnov or the famous Bran Castle. Also, near Zărnești, there is the largest brown bear reserve in the world. The list can go on with the Rupea and Feldioara fortresses, the fortified Saxon churches, including those from the UNESCO heritage of Prejmer and Viscri, the Brașov Zoo and so on. Hiking enthusiasts have trails of varying degrees of difficulty available in the Postăvaru, Piatra Mare, Piatra Craiului or Bucegi mountains. Tours can be organized, as well as guided wildlife-watching trips or adrenaline-filled experiences, such as ziplining at the Seven Stairs Canyon.”
Statistically, about one in three tourists who cross the threshold of the Tourist Information and Promotion Center in Poiana Brașov is foreign, says Florin Balaș: “They particularly appreciate the beauty of nature and the unique contrast between the mountain and medieval experience, as well as the safety of the city or the hospitality of the English-speaking locals. Preferences vary depending on origin: German tourists are attracted to hiking, those from the Republic of Moldova prefer the winter holidays, and those from Israel provide predominantly positive feedback. Bran Castle and Peleș Castle also remain major attractions for international visitors.”
The calendar of events is rich. In winter, the resort hosts the Massif festival, recently expanded under the name of Massif Week, and Brașov organizes a popular Christmas fair: ”Spring is marked by the celebration of the Brașov Youth, and summer brings festivals such as Rockstadt Extreme Fest, which moves to Ghimbav, to a much larger location. Brașov is also preparing to host the European Youth Olympic Festival (YOF) again, and the new Multipurpose Hall will allow the organization of major events. Local authorities and operators aim to maintain the attractiveness of the resort throughout the year, with projects planned such as the expansion of the bike park, a new adventure park and an alpine coaster. We invite you to Poiana Brașov, a reference destination where the ski area meets the elegance of wellness centers, and medieval history is just a few steps away. Poiana Brașov truly represents excellence in mountain tourism.”
These are some of the highlights of a successful vacation in one of the most famous mountain resorts in Romania. Last but not least, for a spectacular panorama, you can take the gondola to the top of the mountain, at 1799 meters. From the top, you will have a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
