Păltiniș

A traditional shepherd's dish made of polenta, cheese, and often bacon, baked in the oven. Look for it in the mountain restaurants ('cabane') or traditional inns.

A hearty pork stew in a rich tomato sauce, served with polenta, a fried egg, and salty cheese. Excellent after a day on the slopes.

Try these homemade liqueurs made from blueberries (Afinată) or sour cherries (Vișinată). They are offered in almost any restaurant as a digestive.

Look for homemade blueberry or forest fruit jam ('dulceață de afine') and mountain honey, often sold by locals at small stands.

The region has a long shepherding tradition. Look for hand-knitted socks, hats, or blankets made from local wool, especially in the markets of nearby Sibiu.

Take one of the lesser-used trails that lead into the spruce forests. The silence, broken only by the wind, is deeply relaxing.

The small wooden hermitage and church are a place of tranquility. The area around the monastery is great for quiet contemplation.

Find a spot on the western slopes of the resort, away from the main runs, to watch the sun set over the mountains.