My prayers and that of the Thomas Cook Holiday makers were not unanswered. On arrival it was clear that snow at Poiana Brasov was non existent on the ground and the nursery slope near to the hotel resembled an ice rink coated with sugar as the snow cannons fought hard against the Romanian heat.

However, I was surprised to find that on top of the mountain it was not as bad as I had feared. It could at least be compared to a good day day in a Scottish resort e.g cold, icy, but enough snow to go around.

It was obvious, however, that the slopes had seen better days, with many runs being closed etc.

On Thursday the snow came with a purpose and kept going until I left with a heavy heart on Sat morning. I measured at least 25 inches of snow at the bottom and up to 3 feet at the top. This gave me the chance to ride my new Yukon 172 snowboard on powder through wooded runs and up the rooftops of chalets. I have never experienced powder this good in Andorra or Austria.

All runs were open when I left Poiana Brasov, including all the resort runs with only the long blue run being a little rocky.

I would recommend Brasov (Poiana Brasov) to anyone in the future and remember, even if there is no snow there is always Romanian women who are incredibly beautiful.

A single bus fair to Brasov, if bought in advance, is 3.5 Lei.

Don’t pay more than 30 Lei for a taxi after midnight from Brasov to Poiana Brasov. Some taxis will ask for 50 Lei.

Visit the nightlife such as Tequila bowling or Kasho.