Vulcan Pass
About Vulcan Pass
Pasul Vâlcan (the Vulcan Pass) is a small mountain resort within the municipality of Vulcan, in the Jiu Valley, on the northern side of the Vâlcan Mountains. It takes its name from the 1,621 m pass above it, the old crossing between the Jiu Valley and Oltenia, on the border between Hunedoara and Gorj counties. The first chalets appeared here in the 1970s, and between 2009 and 2012 the gondola that climbs from the edge of town up to the slopes was built with funding from the Ministry of Tourism.
In winter it is a ski area for beginners and families, with short, easy slopes and sledging on the mountain road closed to traffic. In summer, the resort is a starting point for the pass and the waymarked trails in the surrounding forests, and the road to the pass draws cyclists for its gradient.
What you can see
The gondola leaves from the south of Vulcan and climbs about 3 km above the forest to just beside the slopes. The ski area is small: slopes a few hundred metres long, of the lowest difficulty, between about 1,256 and 1,317 m, served by drag lifts. Above the top station, the county road climbs towards the resort's chalets; in winter, the closed section between the gondola and the chalets becomes a sledging run through the forest.
About 4 km further up is the pass itself, with the monument to Michael the Brave, raised on the initiative of the “Cultul Eroilor” (Cult of Heroes) Society: an eagle on a plinth, with the prince's face in relief. Tradition has it that Michael the Brave crossed here on his way to Vienna. Lower down, from the spot known as “Trecătoarea lupilor” (the Wolves' Passage), a short path leads to the Wolves' Waterfall (Cascada lupilor), about 10 m high.
Good to know
The county road to the resort is closed to cars in winter, from mid-November, so the way up is by gondola; when the gondola is stopped for repairs, the only way up is on foot. The slopes only run in winters with enough snow. Beyond the pass, towards Gorj, the road is unsurfaced and not passable by car.
Information verified on 3 November 2026.
- The gondola ride from Vulcan, about 3 km above the forest, up to the slopes.
- The short, easy slopes with a drag lift, suited to first steps on skis.
- Sledging on the mountain road closed in winter, running down through the forest towards the gondola.
- The monument to Michael the Brave at the pass, at 1,621 m, about 4 km above the slopes.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: Vulcan is on the DN66A. From Petroșani, take the DN66 to Livezeni, then the DN66A into Vulcan, ~15 km (~25 minutes) to the gondola's bottom station, in the south of the town, on the DJ664. From Târgu Jiu it is ~62 km (~1 hour 50 minutes), on the DN66 through the Jiu Gorge, then the DN66A. From Vulcan, the DJ664 climbs ~5 km to the slopes and continues to the pass; in winter it is closed to cars and the way up is by gondola.
By gondola: the bottom station is on the edge of Vulcan and the top station right beside the slopes.
- Fees & discounts
Entry to the resort is free. The gondola and the drag lifts have separate tickets, with prices that may change from one season to the next.
- Rules
On the slopes, keep to the markings and safety rules; sledge only on the section of road set aside for it. In the mountains, stay on waymarked trails, with warm clothes and suitable footwear, as the weather changes quickly. Bears live in the surrounding forests: do not leave food or rubbish behind and do not feed the animals.
- Facilities
Gondola from the town · drag lifts · accommodation in chalets at the resort and guesthouses in Vulcan
Frequently asked questions about Vulcan Pass
How much is a ticket to Vulcan Pass?
Admission to Vulcan Pass is free (separate lift tickets). More under “Fees & discounts”
What are the opening hours of Vulcan Pass?
Opening hours at Vulcan Pass: daily open 24 hours. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Vulcan Pass take?
A visit to Vulcan Pass takes about 3½ – 4 hours (a day's skiing or a stroll).
Can you visit Vulcan Pass with kids?
Yes, Vulcan Pass is suitable for children (easy slopes and sledging).
How do I get to Vulcan Pass?
Vulcan Pass is located at DJ664, at the top station of the Vulcan gondola, Vulcan, Hunedoara County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Vulcan Pass?
The best season for Vulcan Pass: All year round (skiing in winter, hiking in summer).
Reviews
Other attractions nearby
The closest attractions to Vulcan Pass, sorted by distance.
6 km from Vulcan Pass
14 km from Vulcan Pass
Top 10014 km from Vulcan Pass
