North-Macedonia cat skiing and ski touring combo
Skiing in the area of two national parks!
North Macedonia is a small country in the Balkans. The village of Popova is about a two-hour drive from the capital, Skopje, located at the base of the Šar Mountains. The highest point of the Šar Mountains, Titov Vrv (Tito's Peak), rises to 2,748 meters, and many peaks accessible by snowcats exceed 2,400 meters.
Mavrovo National Park is about a 1.5-hour drive from Popova. It offers excellent opportunities for skiing, such as on Korab Mountain or for lift-assisted ascents from the Mavrovo ski resort.
Skiing areas are selected daily based on weather and snow conditions, either in the open mountainous areas higher up or in the forests lower down. The slopes range from relatively steep upper areas to gentler, 20-25 degree enjoyable slopes. The terrain features nice shapes, allowing you to choose your own line over a wide area.
Over the past two seasons, the snow conditions in North Macedonia, as well as in other parts of the Balkans, have been quite poor. However, as eternal optimists, we believe this season will be significantly snowier!
Your guides
Vesa Rouvila
Your guide for this trip is Vesa Rouvila, along with local mountain guides.
Vesa Rouvila
Your guide for this trip is Vesa Rouvila, along with local mountain guides.
North-Macedonia cat skiing and ski touring combo
Program of the week
This trip includes five skiing days. The first two days are cat skiing days, and the third day is a cat-assisted ski touring or skinning day. These days will be spent skiing in the Šar Mountains near the village of Popova. The order of these days may be adjusted based on conditions. During these days, there is also the possibility of tent accommodation in the Šar Mountains, if weather conditions and the itinerary allow.
Skiing areas will be selected daily based on weather and snow conditions, either in the open mountainous areas higher up or in the forests lower down. The slopes range from relatively steep upper areas to gentler, enjoyable slopes with a 20-25 degree incline.
For the last two days, we will move to skinning in Mavrovo National Park and stay in a hotel again.
At the end of the final skiing day, we will transfer to the city of Skopje, where we will spend the next two nights. Saturday is a tourist day, where we can join a city tour, shop in the old bazaar, or hike up to the nearby Vodno Mountain. We will agree on the day's program with the group during the week.
Flights and ground transport
Flights from Finland to North Macedonia and Skopje are via one layover. From Skopje, it’s about a two-hour drive to the village of Popova. Travel time may be extended if weather and snow conditions are challenging.
The transfer to the Mavrovo area is by minibus, with a travel time of about two hours.
Trips are currently sold without flights.
Passport and visa
A visa is not required for Finnish citizens to enter Kosovo. Check your country's visa requirements.
Difficulty level
You can ski in varying snow and terrain conditions, including deep snow outside of groomed slopes. You are able to do a few skinning sessions per day, each lasting about an hour, and on two days, a longer backcountry tour of approximately five to six hours. On tour days, you'll cover about 1000 meters of ascent.
Equipment
Equipment that allows for ascents using muscle power (skis with touring bindings, skins, snowshoes, or a splitboard). If needed, you can rent these on-site, ask for more details!
Ski crampons, if you own them (crampons that can be attached to boots are available on-site if needed)
Avalanche safety equipment if you prefer to use your own, though the package includes all necessary gear
Off-pist/freeride insurance
Other
Trips are currently sold without flights, as airlines have not yet announced all their winter destinations. As of this writing (June 1, 2024), for example, Lufthansa flights from Helsinki to Skopje for the corresponding week cost around €240. Please note that ski transportation is not free in the lowest travel class, and you will need to book ski transportation when making your flight reservation.
Price
Price includes
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Airport transfers
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Accommodations in the village of Popova at Scardus Hotel and in Mavrovo at Korab Trnica Hotel, with full board (breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner)
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Possible overnight stay in a tent
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Final nights at Alexander Hotel in Skopje
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Two cat skiing days, one cat-assisted skinning day, and two skinning days with local and Finnish guides
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Avalanche safety equipment, airbag backpack, beacon, and probe
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All-inclusive: breakfasts are enjoyed at the hotel, lunch is provided by the hotel to be eaten in the field, and dinner is served back at the hotel. On the potential camping day, breakfast and dinner will be provided by the hotel and enjoyed at the campsite. Drinks with meals are at your own expense.
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Carbon footprint compensation.
Price excludes
- Flights
- Alcohol beverages
Accommodation
Three nights will be spent at the mid-range but cozy Scardus Hotel/Lodge in the village of Popova, located at an elevation of over 1,700 meters above sea level. The hotel has a sauna and a swimming pool. The next two nights will be spent in Mavrovo at the slightly more modest Korab Trnica Hotel. The final two nights will be in the center of Skopje at the Alexander Hotel, right next to Alexander the Great Square.