Postavaru Mountain

Postavaru Mountain rises above Poiana Brasov in Romania's Carpathians, launching from 1,768 m with four distinct takeoff options depending on wind direction. The standout for cross-country is the south-facing launch next to the top station of the Capra cable car — steep, and only workable in southeast, south or southwest wind. On the north side, options include a launch right at the summit between the two cable-car lines, near the large ring of antennas, plus an easier slope just off the ski run by the top station of the Postavaru Express gondola; a fourth option off the Lupului ski slope opens up when the wind is northwest. Getting to any of the launches involves riding up to three cable cars from Poiana Brasov, itself reached by following signs from the city of Brasov. Landing depends on which side you fly: the north-side LZ sits at about 1,150 m ASL in the Poiana Brasov ski resort, though it has grown narrower over time and is now boxed in by tall trees, so it's worth scouting before committing; the south-side LZ, considered the more convenient of the two, lies west of takeoff in Valea Rasnoavei.

Launch & conditions

Four takeoffs serve different winds: a steep south-facing launch by the Capra cable-car top station (best for XC, SE–S–SW wind only), two north-side options near the summit and by the Postavaru Express gondola, and a fourth off the Lupului ski slope for northwest wind.

Getting there & local rules

Reach Poiana Brasov by following signs from the city of Brasov, then ride up to three cable cars to get to the launch area.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Postavaru Mountain, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Postavaru Mountain with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.