Do you want a unique skiing adventure that does not involve a day’s travel to get there? Macedonia is a well kept secret amongst powder hunters. Renowned for its locally brewed beers and long history of wine making.
We will be based in the small resort of Popova Sapka based at 1750m, in the stunning Shar mountains national park, North Macedonia, and just a short 1.5 hour transfer from Skopje airport. We will be skiing approximately 2500 vertical metres each day in both forest and high mountain terrains ranging from 2400 – 2650m. There are more than 30 different drop points higher than 2400m and there is a massive ridge that gives us between 700 – 800 vertical metre runs. The majority of the terrain is located mostly on the north side, giving cold weather and very good snow quality.
Expect to have between 10 – 14 pick ups each day, it is a vast area with a massive amount of skiing varying from mellow terrain of 20 – 25 degrees right up to steeper terrain, couloirs, and back bowls. In poor visibility we head for the trees – great skiing with 6 different drop zones.
No night clubs, noisy bars or skiers trashing your tracks. Just pure off piste skiing with access each day using a snowcat.
If you are an adventure skier this has to be one of the places at the top of your bucket list.
Minimum requirements for this course:
Check your ski level here.
Helmet. Off piste safety equipment (transceiver, shovel & probe). Avalanche air bag. (all safety equipment is provided in the price if you do not have your own).
Touring skis are not required for this adventure, we advise off piste skis of 95mm or wider under foot. Please note the provider we are working with has ski rental available if you don’t want to take your own skis (these must be pre booked)
Part of the Balkan mountain range that covers a huge area of southern Europe, home to bears, wolves and lynx, North Macedonia is relatively undiscovered by British skiers. The local people are hospitable and welcoming and the local food is incredible.
Accommodation:
We will be based in the hotel Scardus, facilities include a wellness centre and spa including a swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and turkish bath. It has a bar, ski room, and free WiFi throughout the hotel. The restaurant serves both local and international dishes with cocktails beforehand on the terrace after a long day’s skiing.
All meals are included during our stay at hotel Scardus, including either packed or cooked lunches on the mountain.
Travel Suggestions:
Fly from the UK into Skopje airport. Please do not book flights until advised by the office.
If your flights are outside of the designated transfer times a supplement of €80 per person will be charged.
Depart from UK to Skopje. Transfer times to be confirmed
6 days’ backcountry off piste skiing with snowcats. Depart for Skopje hotel after skiing on 5 February for overnight.
Transfer to Skopje airport using hotel shuttle bus and fly back to UK.
Great trip. Lots of powder. We were extremely well looked after by the local guides and Snoworks. Great combination.
My first Snowcat trip was very good! The hotel was excellent, really comfortable and clean. The food was ok and the staff were very good. The skiing is extensive and varied from wide open big bowls and huge faces to really nice tree skiing. But the vast majority of terrain is above the tree line so reasonable weather is essential. Lee and Dave as always were excellent hosts
Just returned from the Snoworks Macedonia Cat Skiing trip in the Popova Shapka resort. Fun adventure skiing with some great powder, empty mountains and surprisingly good Macedonian wine. Did between 3,000-4,000 vertical each day with front and rear guides, snowworks coaching, appropriate safety drills and a good quality of fellow skiers – off piste and off the mountain.