Ski holidays for families with kids in school are quite a tricky business. For the last 5 winters, there was little snow at the end of December and at spring break, snow is far from ideal. That literally leaves 1 perfect opportunity window to all of us: February half term. Prices triple at 3 Vallees, Val d’Isere or Chamonix versus January and good places get sold out a year before. So how about Romania ski holidays? Sinaia Romania ski resort and/ or Poiana Brasov ski are two fabulous options.
And a good alternative destination to your classic slopes of France, Italy, Switzerland or Austria! My native Romania is not on the advanced skiers list but what lacks in number of slopes, perhaps can be compensated in local charm, authenticity as well as some reasonable prices.
The flight to Bucharest takes little over 3 hours and the transfer to ski resorts like Sinaia Romania ski resort is about 2- 3 hours traffic dependent or 3.5 – 5 hours for Poiana. You may even be in for a treat and spot on Romanian roads the good old way of travelling – carriages pulled by horses! 😉 Since 2023 also Wizzair flying to Brasov directly, grab your tickets and enjoy Transylvania at its best!
As base for Sinaia Romania ski resort we recommend Ioana hotel, we’ve been less than a year ago and wrote about in here. For Poiana Brasov ski, few good options and for parents with kids like ours in need of a kidsclub, Ana hotel or Hotel Teleferic. Both have ski schools attached as well as spa facilities and restaurants – no need to go out for breakfast or dinner. If you are after a flat or self catering, check Hotel Alpin or Rizzo Boutique hotel. We stayed with Rizzo Boutique a couple of years ago and we wrote about in here.
For kids skiing: 5 half days on 1 green slope of Bradu and 1 red slope of Postavaru is a good option. Here is a short video for Poiana Brasov ski & 3.5 years old cheeky monkey on Bradu slope. For well versed young mountain lovers, skiing in Romania has also some good options, Lupului and Teleferic our favourites, some more videos, 7 years old on black slopes in here.
For adults about 3 full days I’d say are enough: 2 blacks – Lupului and Sub-teleferic, 2 reds – Sulinaru & Rosu. As long as you manage expectations – this is not Italy, France or Austria afterall in terms of variety and numbers of slopes; you are relatively fine.
So why do we suggest Romania ski holidays ?
1. Great value for money boutique accommodation.
2. Friendly prices for ski classes, equipment and passes.
3. Rich mountain gastronomy and treats.
4. Fun options to skiing: iceskating or snowmobile. Or perhaps just licking icicles? 😉
5. Majestic Carpathians with stunning landscapes – horse riding in the forest or just trekking.
6.Tickle your imagination and see that touristy Dracula castle (a 30min drive from Poiana) or the Peles Castle at Sinaia (a stop on your way to or from Otopeni airport).
7. More urban fun – 13km away from Poiana, there’s Brasov: the Black Church, colourful houses on pedestrian cobbled streets and lively bars and restaurants waiting to be discovered.
In need of more insider tips to enjoy Romania ski holidays like a local? Here are my further tips:
Avoid the weekend on slopes, in the traffic or Bran – it will be packed. Best you spend Saturday and Sunday après skiing and at restaurants – all becomes happy and lively. Spa, pool and massage eventually thereafter for a quicker recovery!
Travelling to Romania during the pandemic (February 2021 & August 2021). Being fully vaccinated and travelling from UK to Romania was easy, just a couple of extra forms and tests. The travelling guidance now all good (thank you universe!) & the latest UK Foreign travel advice here just in case. For more inspiration on winter fun, head to our Best ski resorts in Europe with kids or without. For a road trip to Romania with kids or without, head here to our suggested 10 days itinerary.