EUR 1.8 million ski slope near Făgăraş

This year, the Făgăraş area will have its first ski slope, which is currently in construction in the "Moţul Drăguşului" area, near Fântâni a. The project has a rather unusual history: a native of Drăguş, who lived in Germany and Nigeria for 21 years, returned to his home commune of Drăguş and designed this project together with the mayoralty of his home town.

"This investor has several businesses in Romania but he also wanted to set up a project in his native village. He was delighted to invest in Drăguş", the mayor said. A joint venture was created, in which the mayoralty holds a 25% stake, and the investor holds 75%. The mayoralty of Drăguş will contribute the plot of land (which was formerly used for grazing), the necessary land developments and the utilities. "It is a good thing that the land was used for grazing, meaning there was no need to clear any trees and we also faced no difficulties in changing its legal status. Our partner will help build the slopes and the ski tows", the mayor of the commune Drăguş, Gheorghe Sucaciu said.

The joint venture was concluded on June 1st, 2009. The slopes of this resort will be the first of the county of Braşov to be located in the Făgăraş mountains. The resort will feature two slopes, one that will be 500 m long and will initially start at an altitude of 1,000 meters, to be extended later, whereas the second slope will have a length of 250 meters and is intended to be used by children and beginners. "Our partner will bring the money needed for such an investment. We would have been unable to find a funding source for such a project. Two ski tows will be installed", mayor Gheorghe Sucaciu added.

According to the project, the resort will feature an artificial snow installation, a center for ski rentals, a small restaurant and an installation for lighting the slopes at night. The investors hope to complete the project by the beginning of this year"s winter season. The mayor of the commune said that the 9 kilometers of road that connect the location of the slopes and the commune will be asphalted to allow for easier access. The commune of Drăguş is located 25 kilometers away from the town of Făgăraş and just 7 kilometers away from the town of Victoria.

The mayor of Drăguş said that they made several studies to see if this investment will be profitable. "Since there are no other ski resorts in the area, the investment will definitely be profitable. And what"s even more important is that it will help stimulate tourism in the area". Already, rural tourism boarding houses are beginning to appear in the Drăguş - Sâmbăta de Sus area, so everything seems set to put the area on the map for winter sports lovers.