Some of the most developed and popular ski resorts of Romania are located along the Prahova Valley, a few hours north of Bucharest and an hour south of Brașov. The towns of Sinaia, Bușteni, Azuga and Predeal feature extensive slopes and facilities for winter sports, while the resort of Poiana Brașov just south of the city is an amazing skiing location. Further to the west, beyond the valley of Olt, the southern Carpathians offer several other excellent winter resorts, including the ski domains of Transalpina, Rânca, Păltiniș, Șureanu, Straja, Parâng, Râușor, Muntele Mic and Văliug, each one with its own charm and highlights. The scenery is usually breathtaking, like the superb views of Lake Vidra from the top of Transalpina Ski Resort, or the views of Retezat Mountains from the top of Straja Peak. The somewhat lower and gentler Western Carpathians (Apuseni Mountains) also feature a few skiing destinations, the best known being Arieșeni, Băișoara, Stâna de Vale and Mărișel. In the north of Romania, the historical regions of Maramureș and Bucovina feature a great choice of winter destinations, like the amazing resorts of Borșa, Cavnic and Vatra Dornei. The eastern part of the Carpathians and of Transylvania also has a few great places for winter sports enthusiasts, like the resorts of Sovata, Toplița, Mădăraș, Harghita-Băi and others…