Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SURVIVAL TIPS IN THE CARPATHIANS
Eco specialists Carpathian Nature Tours (
www.cntours.eu
), who operate trips to a bear hide, share a few common-
sense tips to keep you safe:
»Stay on marked trails - especially in national parks.
»Have a decent map with you, and don't end up trekking in the dark (most decent
maps detail walk durations on their reverse).
»Always wear sturdy shoes and make sure you're carrying enough water.
»Carry the telephone number of Salvamont (p), the emergency rescue service, and
check the weather forecast before setting out.
»Never attempt a difficult trail alone.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Romania is finally on the winter adrenalin map, with boarders and skiers fed up with
remortgaging to pay for a vodka-Red Bull heading out here for bargain accommodation,
powder snow and uncluttered slopes. Recent investments have also seen many of the
country's resorts getting state-of-the-art gondolas and new pistes added. Beginner, inter-
mediate and expert slopes are marked as blue, red and black, respectively. The ski season
runs generally from December to March, with some slopes opening by mid-November
and staying open into April.
WHERE TO SKI
The most popular places are reached as day trips from Braşov. Meanwhile, Sinaia in the
Prahova Valley offers scope to the experienced skier with wide bowls at its summit that
funnel to gullies and half-pipes. Poiana Braşov - recently voted one of Europe's best-
value resorts - is more of a beginner/intermediate option and is a 20-minute bus ride west
of Braşov. Also nearby is the ski resort Predeal. And south of Sibiu, you can find smaller
lifts at pretty Păltinis.
Outside Transylvania, there are some fun
smaller ski hills in Maramureş, at Izvoare and
Borsa, though the latter has no rentals. The
south side of the Apuseni Mountains has a
couple of ski hills at Stâna de Vale and Gârda
de Sus. In Moldavia, you can ski at Vatra
Check out
www.mountainguide.ro
for tips on
lesser-known ski locations.
Dornei.
