- Tura Backcountry
- Cursuri Splitboard in Poiana Brasov
- Cursuri Snowboard in Poiana Brasov
- Cursuri Ski in Poiana Brasov
Team Building On A Mountain Bike Tour In Brasov
How about instead of taking your team out for drinks one night, you give them an awesome mountain biking experience?
This is what happened with this team from Campagnolo, based somewhere in the south side of Romania.
These guys build road bike equipment and parts, so for them, riding mountain bikes was a great escape, especially because they got to visit a different part of Romania.
Let’s dive deeper and see why you’ll love doing a team building on mountain bikes.
So, Why Teambuilding On E-Bikes?
Not only it’s a lot more fun than a lot of other activities, but it really brings the team together.
Whether it’s the first time on a bike or you’re already a pro, E-bikes make it easy for everyone to keep up. No one will be left behind hating the trip, and you’ll all discover your true selves – the coworkers you don’t get to see very often.
For our clients from Campagnolo, this is their 4th team building with us. Every year, we take them to a different part of the country to ride bikes, laugh, eat outdoors, and really connect with each other.
All in all, they go back to work feeling a sense of belonging, but also more relaxed after a few days of riding.
How Do We Organize Everything
Look, if you’re a team manager in charge of organizing the team building this year, we feel sorry for you.
We organize tours on a daily and we know how difficult it can be to get everyone together, prepared, fully equipped, and also take care of everybody. Let’s not mention the pressure we feel because we want people to have fun and enjoy their time with us.
It’s the same with organizing a team building, you want it to be perfect.
So, here’s how we make sure it turns out great:
- First of all, we get everyone's information. We're interested in food preferences, allergies, special needs, and everything else that can ruin your experience if we don't know about it.
- Then, we'll send you several options for restaurants, hotels, guest houses, camping spots, touristic objectives, trails, extra activities, and more.
- When you decide on the location you want to see, we'll look into transportation (we offer transport with a van and bike shuttle as well).
- We'll also need to know your budget so there's no surprises down the road. We're pretty good at estimating costs, so there shouldn't be any problem.
- Once we get there, we'll want to learn about everyone on the team so we can attend to everyone's needs. Let us know if you've never been on a bike, if you're scared, if you're not familiar with E-bikes, or if you're not feeling comfortable.
- And, of course, we'll try to seep everyone entertained as best we can. It's our goal to help you enjoy this experience to the max, and we'll find various ways to do it. We can read the mood and vibe of the group, and we'll know when people are hungry, tired, bored, or when it's time to crack open a cold one.
What Do We Offer Here At Massif Experience?
In short, everything you need to have fun riding an E-bike.
You’ll get a high-performance E-bike, quality equipment (helmets and knee/elbow protections), a van with a bike rack for easy transportation, drinks, snacks, and more!
We can determine the best place for your team building so everyone can get there safely and without too much hassle. We know Romania like the back of our hands, and we can make the most out of every area you want to visit.
You’ll also get at least 2 guides, both certified, licensed, friendly, polite, and eager to meet your team and mountain bike with you.
Ready For A Memorable Team Building Experience?
We’re a team as well, and we know how important it is to have a strong bond between each other.
And as much as we love having fun in the big city, nothing ever compared with being outdoors, connecting with nature, and having as fewer distractions as possible surrounding us.
We know for a fact that team buildings around an activity like this hit different. They truly bring the team together and offer everyone a unique experience that they can be proud of. It’ll bring them closer to the company and create a level of loyalty and commitment that few other things can.
If you’re interested in organizing a team building on E-bikes, we’ve got you covered from start to finish. We’ll take care of everything, and you’ll get to enjoy the experience as much as your team.
Top 4 Mountain Bike Trails In Brasov, Romania
There are between 35 and 45 mountain bike trails around Brasov, and all of them are worth riding at least once.
We can split them into:
- Natural trails (created naturally, by hikers or bikers)
- Man-made mix (a mix of natural trails with features created by people)
- Bike park trails (the trails in Postavarul Bike Park, for example)
- Bike park trails unshaped (trails in bike parks that are not yet shaped, but are rideable)
We can’t talk about all of them, but here are 4 of the most popular mountain bike trails in Brasov.
“Iepure”, or ‘rabbit’ is a great mountain bike trail for beginner riders who want to dive right into the sport. It starts from “Saua Tampei” and continues to Valea Cetatii. It has a few roots and rocks and various other features that make this trail a great start for anyone.
This trail is mainly used by hikers, so keep an eye open for pedestrians. The other eye needs to remain open, especially during summer when the foliage is thick and visibility around the corners is limited – you never know what’s coming!
This trail is rather short, but packed with fun sections that you can ride time and again. Think of it as a quick warm-up.
- Distance: 2.5km
- Climb: 37m
- Descent: -173m
From this trail
- Valea cu apa - Iepure
- Bartolomeu - Postavarul - and back
- Solomon - Forestier - Cariera - Bradul - Cabana Postavarul - Crucur - Poiana Stehil - Saua Tampei - La Iepure - Sub Tampa
Putreda is a classic. It’s an old, man-made, mixed blue-line mountain bike trail where you don’t have to worry too much about bends but about speed.
The first section of this trail gets you right into it. It starts with a steep downhill with roots, a small rock garden, and also some trenches. There are also two drops that are pretty fun, although not in their best shape lately.
The access to Putreda is fairly easy, but steep. It starts from “La Bancuta” and it leads right to the head trail.
It’s a very beautiful mountain bike trail in Brasov, and the sunset you’ll get to see from it is breathtaking. Just keep your breaks in check.
- Distance: 1.4km
- Climb: 1m
- Descent: -172m
Trails close to this:
- Drumul Doamnelor
- Forestier Valea cu Apa
- Drumul Domnilor
- Bancuta - Valea Cetatii
Triunghiul Galben, or “Yellow Triangle,” is a blue-line mountain bike trail with a few red-line features. I’m talking about a challenging rock garden and a few steep downhill areas on dirt that can get tricky as well.
This trail mixes climbing and downhill riding, it is 100% natural, and most importantly, not very popular among hikers. It is a must-ride if you’re in Brasov and want to do some mountain biking.
It starts with a rock garden, some roots, a lot of dirt, and it ends with a beautiful pine forest and a spectacular viewpoint in Poiana Brasov. If you want to, you can go on Coasta Prundului and head back to Brasov city center.
- Distance: 2.6km
- Climb: 30m
- Descent: -172m
Trails close to this:
- Spinarea lunga
- Potecuta
Poteca Sasului is probably one of the toughest rides in Brasov. It’s a steep black trail with a lot of bends, several man-made drops, very loose when it’s dry and fun when wet, and a lot of off-camber.
This trail will push your limits and come after you with everything it’s got, so admittedly, you’ll need some great skills to get on it and finish it just as well. Regardless of its length, Poteca Sasului is bound to make you sweat a bit – which is why its one of locals’ favorites!
That being said, this trail can get quite crowded with a lot of downhill riders in Poiana Brasov, so be aware!
- Distance: 463m
- Climb: 2m
- Descent: -103m
How To Access These MTB Trails In Brasov
You can access pretty much all of the mountain bike trails here in Brasov on your bike, without needing a shuttle or anything else. Access to most trails starts from “Pietrele lui Solomon”.
But if you’re really not the type of rider who loves climbing, there are some solutions for you as well.
- There’s a bus that leaves from Brasov to Poiana Brasov that’s equipped with a bike rack. Attention! You can only bring your bike on the rack, and NOT inside the bus.
- You can also take the gondola or the chairlift, but there’s a fee you’ll have to take care of.
- If you’re looking for trails in Postavarul Bike Park, you can pedal (doable, but fairly difficult), or you can use the gondola as well, for a fee.
- You can ride with us as well, and we'll offer you a day of shuttling around the best mountainbike trails in and around Brasov.
Are MTB and Hiking Trails Around Brasov Safe?
As safe as a trail in the forest can be, yes.
Of course, it’s always recommended you have with you a quality bear spray because a meeting with a bear and its cubs can happen at any time. It even happens in the city, so why wouldn’t it happen on the trails?
Keep your eyes open, hike or bike in groups, be loud (but not obnoxiously loud), and you’ll be safe.
From an “I fell off my mountain bike” stand-point, the search and rescue are well-accustomed to the trails (they even ride them themselves), well-equipped, and understanding to all situations. We hope you won’t ever need them, but if you do, you’re in great hands and we can vouch for them.
When’s The Best Time To Ride These MTB Trails In Brasov?
There’s no right or wrong answer here, but generally, we advise riders to avoid trails that are very popular among hikers. After 17:00, during the weekends, and during national holidays, you’ll have to be extra careful for hikers, so the amount of fun will start decreasing.
If you’re curious as to when are these trails in their best shape, users on TrailForks, FATMAP, and other similar apps will keep the situation on the trails updated.
One of the best parts about mountain bike trails here in Brasov is the soil, which is great even when it’s wet. It doesn’t get too muddy, so it won’t stick to your tires.
Sure, the roots and rocks might get slippery, but that’s a skill issue, and I’m sure you can handle it.
There Are Dozens Of Other Hidden Trails That We’d Rather Keep Secret
Well, we don’t necessarily want to keep them secret, we just want to keep them special…
With Massif Experience, our goal was never to send you on the most popular mountain bike trails and let you figure stuff out on your own. What we want is to offer you a real outdoor experience, where mountain bikes happen to be our vehicle.
We want to take you deeper into the Carpathian Mountains and show you places that few others have seen. Ride trails that few others know about. And indulge in some sceneries that you simply can’t find elsewhere.
If you’re down for a mountain bike tour that’ll spice up your life and give you dozens of crazy stories to tell your friends, we have exactly that. Shoot us a message and let’s plan your adventure!
The Carpathian Mountains: A Ciucaş Powder Day – A Massif Experience
We’ve been waiting for snow and looking outside the window for the past month, something reminiscent of a scene from the movie Hachiko…
But now it’s over, winter officially bullied itself back into the mountains!
A good week of snow and normal temperatures and it was time for us to head out. The idea was to go out for a scouting mission in the beautiful Ciucaș mountains.
The way the guiding community works and interacts is such an important factor in building a good infrastructure.
We piled up a van full with fellow ski/split-bums (a.k.a guides) and off we went.
The Way Up The Ciucaș Mtn. Range
The Ciucaș mountain range is a real treat for anyone who’s into tree lines and flowy riding sessions. It’s why it’s one of our first choices for backcountry tours. Not to mention the beautiful and unique landscape, especially once you reach the alpine.
Since winter started off with what felt like spring, we were just hoping to get some good turns in some decent snow.
Right off the bat at the start of the trailhead there were over three feet of fresh light snow, so you could say we lucked out. Skinning our way up to our first checkpoint felt like a mountain workshop. Everyone was discussing about and trying out different techniques whilst sharing hard-earned knowledge.
It’s moments like these when you feel that Romania’s backcountry scene and tourism have a bright future.
The Break On Top
Skinning uphill through the forest was a real treat but we could definitely hear the wind howling up in the alpine. As soon as we reached the ridge, our suspicions were confirmed.
It wasn’t a problem though, since, as we said, one of the best traits these mountains have are their tree lines. Since there were over eight experienced riders / guides, there were an endless amount of suggestions for the way down.
We decided to find a nice hidden spot close to a cliff, so we could have a decent transition in the +40km/h winds. After a quick snack, a few dance jigs to get the blood pumping, we had 16 ready and willing feet.
Needless to say, the snow was absolutely beautiful. After the first few turns, we went down a pretty well-know line, through a very fun, and luckily, wind-sheltered valley.
The Climb Down
Yeehaaws were the norm and the entire group was just shredding like it was the first good day of the season… which it actually was.
After a good 30 minutes of riding, filming, reassessing the terrain, and the most fun forest lines you could imagine we reached our next transition spot. Since the conditions were heavenly, each one of us decided that, without a doubt, we should head back up again.
With a pretty different line in mind, linking up almost four separate suggestions from the group (another huge bonus of having so many experienced guides in one spot), we headed out to our new checkpoint.
The weather kept being friendly enough for us to travel and skin up, with only the occasion wind gusts and a bit of fog now and then. After the previous ride down, the enthusiasm was as palpable as the snow that kept coming down since we started early that morning.
The Highlight Of Our Tour
After a few more good photos, a couple of extra workshops on kick turns, and the never-ending chat about elusive social media algorithms, we finally reached our last transition of the day.
Everybody stood in line trying to figure out the best excuse to use to go first, and, obviously whoever got the first line had to film everyone shredding – a fair bargain. After some beautiful powder turns through a really alluring meadow, we found a very good looking potential forest run. This turned out to be the highlight of the day.
Decently steep and not too crowded, with nice, lush pines – with just enough to keep you nimble on your skis/board. Once more, yeehaaws filled the surrounding forest, not to mention some serious pow sprays – the first ones of the season, if I might add.
In just one day, we enjoyed the perfect blend of riding and scouting, all while tightening the guiding community.
Oh, and did we mention it’s kept snowing since?
Want To Create Your Own Backcountry Story?
We get it, not everyone is an ace on skis or snowboards… But you don’t have to be!
We organize backcountry tours and ski/snowboard lessons for everyone, regardless of experience, age, or equipment.
We find the best lines for your particular skill set and ensure you’ll have as much fun as humanly possible, even if it’s your first time off-piste.
Massif Experience offers guided backcountry tours and ski or snowboard lessons in the Carpathian Mountains in Brașov, Romania. We have a lifetime of experience in guided tours, so you can rest assured you’ll be safe and well taken care of during our tour!
If you’re ready to get a taste of what a real adventure feels like, give us a ring at +40 758 439 709 or message us by clicking the button below!
Andreea Hertanu | Ghid Montan and Ski Instructor at Massif Experience
What You Need To Know To Backcountry In Romania
The Carpathian Mountains have long been one of Romania’s most famous tourist destinations because of their various landscapes, natural parks, wildlife, and medieval castles.
Luckily for you, the Carpathians are still an underdog when it comes to backcountry, which means remote places and few people.
Say what you want, but these two combined make a one-of-a-kind backcountry experience.
But before you pack your stuff, wouldn’t you rather know what you’re up against?
Why Backcountry In Romania?
Here’s why…
You’ve probably already tried backcountry in most of Europe, and you’re looking for something different. Something more exotic.
While the Transilvanian Alps barely reach 2500m (8202 feet), they spread over 250 km (155 miles). Because backcountry is less about climbing and more about going from point A to point B in unconventional ways, they’re ideal for any backcountry trip, no matter your skill set.
But there’s more:
- Romania is an affordable and accessible destination,
- Traveling across the country and on the mountain is fairly safe (we'll talk about this in a second),
- Winters are relatively long, considering our elevation,
- You can find big mountain ski or snowboard opportunities in Făgăraș or Bucegi Mountains, steep valleys in Bucegi Mountains, or a lot of forest lines in the north of the country or Ciucaș Mountains.
And let’s make a strong point out of the following argument.
Romania is less crowded than other countries! You can find fresh pow, and you won’t have to worry about snowmobiles or crowds of people ruining all your fun. In short, you’ll get a much more authentic backcountry experience!
Safety
From a safety standpoint, you have nothing to worry about if you want to backcountry in Romania. According to Numbeo, the crime index in Romania is 32.11 out of 100.
Travel Safety
If you’re flying to Bucharest, catching a train, bus, or private shuttle to one of our mountain resorts near Brașov should be easy.
If you’re flying to Cluj or Sibiu, getting to the best places to start your backcountry trip is a bit more difficult but doable.
Public transport is relatively safe and reliable, but you’re better off renting a car.
Traveling from your accommodation to the base of the mountain is also more difficult, which is why we always recommend our customers to look for AirBnB’s or hotels close to the mountain.
Talking about mountain resorts, we recommend Poiana Brașov, Postăvaru, and Sinaia if you want to backcountry in Romania and enjoy the experience to the max.
Mountain Safety
Compared to Bulgaria or Georgia, which are hotspots for backcountry tours, all the mountain ranges in Romania are protected and supervised by Mountain Rescue.
No matter where you are, you can call our national emergency number – 112 – and ask for help.
Indeed, avalanche risk is high, just like in any other place. These are natural events, and you always need to be prepared.
Accommodation
The Carpathian Mountains get twice as many tourists as the Romanian seaside, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise the fact that there are over 2.000 hotels and AirBnBs spread across all mountain ranges.
Besides being accessible, you’ll enjoy competitive and reasonable prices.
If you feel a bit more adventurous and want to get out of your comfort zone and spend the night in the mountains, you can choose to spend the night in a mountain shelter. These are equipped with firewood and a fireplace to warm up most of the time. We often use these with customers that want a truly remote backcountry experience.
As we mentioned above, public transport is decent and available in most places, but we have to admit catching an Uber or a private shuttle is much more convenient.
How To Prepare For A Backcountry Trip In Romania
First things first, check the National Meteorological Administration website for stats like weather, wind, avalanche risks, snow depth, and more.
For weather, we’re also using Meteo Plus, Windy.com, and other similar apps to fully understand the weather before we start any trip.
What Do You Need In Terms Of Equipment
No matter if you want to snowboard or ski in Romania, finding rental backcountry equipment is relatively difficult, so we recommend having your own. Having your own boots is advised as you’re more accustomed to them.
Here at Massif Experience, we offer an avalanche kit for free, and you can rent from us skis or splitboards for your backcountry tour. Here’s everything you can rent from us in the winter.
Some shuttle agencies carry ski equipment free of charge, while others do it for a small fee.
You shouldn’t have any problem with an airbag like a Pieps JetForce, even as a carry-on. Worst case scenario, you’ll be asked to take it as a checked-in bag.
Get the clothes you’re using for skiing or snowboarding, a helmet, and a sleeping bag (especially if you sleep in a cabin). This is not just to keep you warm but because some cabins may not always be spotless.
A headlight (or head torch) is great for tours that end later than expected.
Other Things
Medical insurance is, without a doubt, mandatory. Although Romania offers medical assistance in emergencies, you’ll want medical insurance if you want to be taken care of in a private medical institute.
You can pay cash and card in most places in Romania, but as you climb higher on the mountain, you’d rather have more cash.
Most mountain resorts will have cable cars, but they’re not always working. One way to make sure they do is to check various Facebook groups where people share this kind of information.
Ski passes are indeed pricy, especially in popular resorts like Sinaia. There are places where the price is more reasonable, but the snow and the slopes simply aren’t that good.
Getting A Backcountry Tour With A Guide
If you’ve decided to go backcountry in Romania with a guide, make sure they have a license. More than that, you’ll want to check the other courses and events they have organized.
Steer clear from guides that don’t work with any paperwork. No paperwork means they’re not responsible for anything and won’t be held accountable if things take an unfortunate turn.
On the other hand, working with licensed and legitimate guides ensures that the insurance company will pay for everything in the worst-case scenario.
Check reviews and do some research before you choose a guide or a tour company. You can even ask locals if they know a certified and licensed guide.
Think of it as going to the dentist. Would you rather go to someone that’s been studying and practicing this all his life or to someone that’s doing it as a hobby?
How Massif Experience Can Help You Get The Best Backcountry Tour
Let’s be real, taking a backcountry trip alone in a country you’ve never been to is a terrible idea. And, as we just said, working with a sketchy guide can turn out even worse.
At Massif Experience, we have a lifetime of experience up on the mountains. We’re not just familiar with our sweet Transilvanian Alps, but we know them by heart.
We’re certified and licensed guides that are all in to give you a personalized backcountry trip that you’ll remember. We take your skill set and experience into account and come up with a great plan that’ll test your limits and fill your photo gallery!
So, Are You Coming?
Backcountry is rapidly gaining popularity among adventure enthusiasts.
But when skiing in the resorts is expanding to the off-piste areas, and tourists start populating even what was considered remote, finding a worthy destination for your backcountry trip will be challenging.
Romania is still one of those places that doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
Use that to your advantage!
If you want to backcountry in Romania or find out more, get in touch with us! We’ll answer any of your questions and give you all the insights you need to make your backcountry trip truly memorable!
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve come to the conclusion that for every 4 people you need one guide. This ensures everyone is enjoying the experience to the max and no one is left behind. Safety on the mountain remains a top priority. The maximum number of people in a group is 4.
Of course! We’re doing individual backcountry tours and in groups no larger than 4.
We’ll take you in the backcountry, where very few people get. Our headquarters is in Brașov, close to every highlight of the Transilvanian Alps. We’ll plan the trip together, according to your skill set and endurance level. Expect to see Bucegi Mountains, Făgăraș Mountains, Bălea Lac, and more!
