There is no better time to go ski touring in Romania than those wonderful half-winter half-spring days of late March and April. You get a workout and a tan and do it all with the freedom of just 2 layers of clothes instead of 4 or 5 as in the dead of winter.  Mountain access is very easy from Bucharest (be it by train or car) and you can consider anything from a day trip to a one week extravaganza depending on your schedule. 

Ski touring in Romania: Closest to Bucharest 

First of all, the closest and most easily accessible trails are just one hour and a half away from Bucharest by train. Hop on any Brasov-bound train, get off in Sinaia and it’s a 15 minute walk to the cable car that takes you up to Bucegi plateau. Here, the entire view opens up and it’s all clear skies and fresh lines as far as the eye can see. 

Take the train 20 minutes past Sinaia and you can explore the leaner Baiului Mountains. 

Another great option is the Ciucaș Mountains. 2 hours by car and you park right at the beginning of the trail. Start going up and you have your choice of lines, all leading down to the same valley. 

Ski touring in Romania: Spectacular Făgăraș Mountains

Remember when Top Gear called the Transfăgărășan road the Best Driving Road in the world – how about skiing it down? Yes, during winter time the road is closed because of heavy snow and is one of the most famous free-ride runs in the country. Bonus: the starting point up at Bâlea Lake features a state of the art Ice Hotel that is also open to visitors, not just guests. 

Ski touring in Romania: Dracula’s Trails

If you are looking for touring as well as come culture and culinary experiences, head to Bran – Moieciu area. The hills around Dracula’s castle are easily accessible by car and boast incredible views of Bucegi Mountains and Piatra Craiului Mountains. Bonus: you get to visit the famous Bran Castle and try some of the traditional Transylvanian cuisine once you get off your skis.

Ski touring in Romania: Rodnei glacial landscapes

Lastly, if you want to go off the beaten path and full-on backcountry then try the Rodnei Mountains National Park. It is covers a huge area, with incredible terrain and one of the bets preserved glacial landscapes of the country. 

Be safe! 

Be it early winter or late spring, always make sure you are safe. The mountain can change I n a heartbeat even for those who know it well. Always always get a local guide before embarking on such adventures and make sure you have all the necessary gear with you:

• Skis and boots
• Climbing skins
• Velcro wrap for your skis in case you need to attach them to your backpack
• Rescue pack: transceiver, metal shovel, avalanche probe
• Softshell jacket
• Waterproof jacket and over trousers
• Thermal top (base layer, no cotton)
• Thermal leggings
• Thin inner gloves (great for sunny warm days)