Vârtop is the upper end of the Arieșeni ski area, on the DN75 road, at about 1150 m. Both of the resort's slopes are within walking distance of Piatra Grăitoare Guesthouse, which also has parking in its courtyard.
The Vârtop slope, 300 m away
The nearest slope is right next to the guesthouse: 300 m, about five minutes' walk in ski boots. It is served by a T-bar lift of about 800 m.
The Piatra Grăitoare slope, 800 m away
The second, longer slope starts 800 m from the guesthouse, a 10–12 minute walk. Here you go up on a four-seater chairlift, 1108 m long, which runs from 1189 m to 1445 m above sea level. The slope is 1880 m long, with intermediate and difficult sections marked red and black, so it suits experienced skiers.
At weekends and during school holidays, the Piatra Grăitoare slope is also open in the evening, from 17:00 to 20:00.
At a glance
Vârtop slope
- Distance from the guesthouse: 300 m, ~5 min on foot
- Lift: T-bar, ~800 m
Piatra Grăitoare slope
- Distance from the guesthouse: 800 m, 10–12 min on foot
- Lift: four-seater chairlift, 1108 m
- Altitude (bottom – top): 1189 m – 1445 m
- Slope length: 1880 m
- Difficulty: red and black
- Night skiing: weekends and school holidays, 17:00–20:00
The season
The ski season usually runs from December to April, depending on how early the snow arrives and how long it lasts. In summer, from June to September, the chairlift also carries hikers.
Lift hours and ski pass prices are announced each season by the slope operators; we recommend checking them before you set off.
Safety
Both Salvamont Alba and Salvamont Bihor, the mountain rescue services of the two counties, cover the Vârtop – Arieșeni area. In a mountain emergency, call 112 or the national Salvamont dispatch, 0SALVAMONT, available around the clock.
After skiing
After a day on the slopes, the guesthouse restaurant is waiting without another car journey: breakfast before the first lift, and, if you chose half board, dinner as the evening comes in. See the Restaurant page.
When there is no snow
When the slopes are closed, the area has plenty more to offer: caves, waterfalls, gorges and monasteries. You will find them, with travel times, in our guide to the area.