About Arieșeni
Arieșeni is a commune in the Moți Country (Țara Moților), on the western edge of Alba county, on the border with Bihor, spread along the valley of the Arieșul Mare, at the river's source. Its farmsteads are scattered across the slopes along the DN75, and the centre of the commune lies at about 830 m. The commune is certified as a tourist resort of local interest, and on the north-facing slopes snow usually lies for four or five months a year.
The skiing is higher up, about 9 km from the centre, in the Vârtop holiday village, just below the Vârtop Pass, where the DN75 crosses into Bihor. The Vârtop I slope was the first to be laid out in Arieșeni, in the early 1990s, with a drag lift built with private capital, and it has been certified since 2003. It was later joined by Vârtop II, a short slope for beginners. In summer the holiday village is a starting point for walks along the ridges of the Bihor Mountains.
What you can see
Vârtop I is 1,000 m long and runs down from 1,400 to 1,160 m, a vertical drop of 240 m; it is served by a 780 m drag lift and is floodlit. Next to it is a sledging slope with free access. Vârtop II is 430 m long with a vertical drop of over 100 m, is lit in the evening and was the first slope in Arieșeni with snowmaking. From their base you can easily cross to the Piatra Grăitoare slope, with a chairlift, on the Bihor side.
From the top of the slopes you can see the holiday village in the saddle, with guesthouses and chalets among the spruces, and the wooded crests of the Bihor Mountains. Towards Arieșeni the road descends the valley of the Arieșul Mare, past mountain farmsteads, the Wooden Church in Arieșeni and the turning for the Vârciorog Waterfall. Waymarked trails lead from the area to Piatra Grăitoare Peak and Bihor Peak (Cucurbăta Mare, 1,849 m), the highest in the Apuseni.
Good to know
The drag lifts only run when there is enough snow. On Vârtop II, thanks to the snowmaking, you can ski even when the natural snow cover is thin, as long as it is cold.
Information verified on 3 November 2026.
- Skiing down Vârtop I, 1,000 m of slope between 1,400 and 1,160 m, with a drag lift and floodlights.
- First runs on Vârtop II, the beginners' slope with snowmaking and a ski school.
- The view from the slopes over the Vârtop holiday village and the wooded crests of the Bihor Mountains.
- The free-access sledging slope next to Vârtop I.
- The mountain farmsteads scattered over the slopes of the Arieșul Mare, on the way down to the centre of the commune.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the slopes are right next to the DN75, below the Vârtop Pass, ~9 km from the centre of Arieșeni (~11 minutes). From Alba Iulia (~127 km, ~2 hours 50 minutes) you drive via Abrud to Câmpeni, then along the DN75 up the Arieș valley, through Arieșeni (~48 km from Câmpeni, about an hour). From Cluj-Napoca it is ~117 km (~2 hours 35 minutes). From Oradea (~115 km, ~2 hours 15 minutes) you take the DN76 via Beiuș to Lunca, then climb the DN75 via Nucet to the pass. In winter the road is often covered in snow: drive on winter tyres and carry chains.
- Where to park
In winter the Arieșeni town hall sets up temporary public car parks along the DN75, near the slopes, with a daily charge: 20 lei for cars and 40 lei for minibuses and coaches; the charge may change from one season to the next. Do not park on the DN75 carriageway.
- Fees & discounts
Entry to the resort is free, as is the sledging slope next to Vârtop I. Rides on the drag lifts of Vârtop I and Vârtop II are paid separately, on a magnetic card; prices may change from one season to the next.
- Rules
On the slopes, keep to the markings and safety rules; sledges have their own slope and are not taken down the ski runs. In the mountains, stay on waymarked trails, with warm clothes and suitable footwear, as the weather changes quickly. Do not leave food or rubbish behind. In case of an accident, call 112 or Salvamont, the mountain rescue service (0SALVAMONT).
- Facilities
Accommodation, bars and restaurants at the foot of the slopes · ski, snowboard and sledge hire · ski schools · free sledging slope · Salvamont Alba and Bihor on the slope
Frequently asked questions about Arieșeni
How much is a ticket to Arieșeni?
Admission to Arieșeni is free (drag lifts paid separately). More under “Fees & discounts”
What are the opening hours of Arieșeni?
Opening hours at Arieșeni: daily open 24 hours. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Arieșeni take?
A visit to Arieșeni takes about 4½ – 5 hours (a day's skiing or walking).
Can you visit Arieșeni with kids?
Yes, Arieșeni is suitable for children (beginners' slope, sledging).
Where can I park at Arieșeni?
There is paid parking at Arieșeni (in winter, next to the DN75). More under “Where to park”
How do I get to Arieșeni?
Arieșeni is located at DN75, in the Vârtop holiday village, at the foot of the Vârtop I and Vârtop II slopes, below the Vârtop Pass, Arieșeni, Alba County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Arieșeni?
The best season for Arieșeni: All year round (skiing in winter, walking in summer).
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