About Rânca
Rânca is a mountain resort in Gorj county, set at about 1,600 m, at the foot of Păpușa Peak, in the Novaci Mountains of the Parâng massif, on the Transalpina road (DN67C), about 20 km from the town of Novaci. Development began in 1930, when the “Gilortul” People's Bank of Novaci built the first chalets here; the central chalet was opened in 1937. Since then Rânca has grown from a few chalets into a resort of guesthouses, hotels and a ski area, and in 2025 the Government declared the town of Novaci, together with the Rânca area, a tourist resort of national interest.
Administratively, the resort spreads over the territory of the town of Novaci and the commune of Baia de Fier, without being a component locality of either. In winter Rânca is a ski destination for families and beginners, with plenty of snow and high-altitude slopes; in summer it is a place of fresh air and a starting point for the alpine pastures and ridges around.
What you can see
The resort's houses and guesthouses are scattered across an open plateau, with spruce forest below and bare alpine ground above; from them you can see the crests of the Parâng. The ski area, run by Domeniul Schiabil Rânca, has over 6 km of slopes between 1,600 and 1,900 m, served by 3 chairlifts and 3 drag lifts, plus an equipment rental centre.
The resort is also the southern gateway to the Transalpina ridge road: from here the hairpins leave the forest and climb towards the Urdele Pass, at over 2,000 m. On the road from Novaci, the last kilometres climb in hairpins through the forest up to the plateau.
Good to know
The section of the Transalpina that starts at Rânca towards Obârșia Lotrului is closed in winter, in 2025 from 20 October; the road from Novaci up to the resort stays open, but in winter conditions, and in heavy snowfall it may be closed temporarily. The ski lifts run depending on snow and weather, and one day a week is set aside for technical maintenance.
Information verified on 29 October 2026.
- Skiing the slopes at 1,600–1,900 m, served by chairlifts and drag lifts.
- The view of the Parâng crests from in front of the guesthouses, at 1,600 m.
- The hairpins of the Transalpina emerging from the forest above the resort.
- Summer walks on the alpine pastures at the foot of Păpușa Peak.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: from Novaci, climb the DN67C (Transalpina), ~20 km (~45 minutes), in hairpins through the forest to the resort. From Târgu Jiu it is ~62 km (~1 hour 40 minutes), via Novaci. In winter the road is sometimes covered in snow: carry chains or winter tyres and check the road conditions before you set off. Towards Obârșia Lotrului, the ridge section is closed in winter.
- Where to park
Parking for the slopes is in specially marked areas. On snowy winter weekends the resort gets crowded and the road from Novaci gets busy; parking charges are not published by an official source.
- Fees & discounts
Entry to the resort is free. A ski pass valid for 1 day costs 160 lei, 2 days 290 lei, 3 days 420 lei, 4 days 540 lei (consecutive days). Points cards valid for a single season are also sold: 2 points 30 lei, 10 points 90 lei, 20 points 150 lei, with a 10 lei card deposit refunded at the end; the chairlift costs 2 points, the drag lift 1 point. Prices are for the 2025–2026 season and may change from one season to the next.
- Rules
On the slopes, keep to the markings and safety rules. In the mountains, stay on waymarked trails, with warm clothes and suitable footwear, as the weather changes quickly above 1,600 m. Bears live in the surrounding mountains: do not leave food or rubbish behind and do not feed the animals. On the Transalpina, on the way to the resort, drive slowly and watch for flocks of sheep.
- Facilities
Accommodation and restaurants at the foot of the slope · equipment hire · ski and snowboard school · après-ski · live webcams on the slopes
Frequently asked questions about Rânca
How much is a ticket to Rânca?
Admission to Rânca is free (1-day ski pass: 160 lei). More under “Fees & discounts”
What are the opening hours of Rânca?
Opening hours at Rânca: daily open 24 hours. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Rânca take?
A visit to Rânca takes about 4½ – 5 hours (a day's skiing or a stroll).
Can you visit Rânca with kids?
Yes, Rânca is suitable for children (slopes for beginners).
How do I get to Rânca?
Rânca is located at DN67C (Transalpina), at the entrance to the resort, Strada Gheorghe Tătărăscu, Novaci, Gorj County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Rânca?
The best season for Rânca: All year round (skiing in winter, walking in summer).
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