North Macedonia
North Macedonia
CATSKI IN NORTH MACEDONIA
If you are already familiar with Catski, either with us in Dragobrat or somewhere else in the world, you certainly not need any further introduction to this concept If you are new to Catski, this could be a good time to try out. Catski is all about taking you to those untouched places in a convenient way, so you get as much untracked terrain as possible during a week and much more than you can imagine compared to a resort stay. The Cat is stable and can take you out in all kinds of snow.
North Macedonia is part of the Balkan region and the Catskiing activity here is not totally unknown.. If you are not yet ready for this, the Catskiing is still a great experience at an affordable price compared to many operators around the world.
We will be located in Popova Shapka, a convenient 1hr+ drive from Skopje Airport. Popova Shapka is located in 1700m at the Sharr Mountains. Here you will, accompanied with Cat, have access to a big vaste area with some of the highest peaks in North Macedonia bordering up to Kosovo & Albania.
Our latest guests arrive very early on Sunday and then we drive directly to the hotel in Popova Shapka, where we arrive after 1.5 hours of transportation. Due to the late arrival, we will start the safety briefing at 10:00 am the next day and start cat skiing around 10:30 am.
After the last day of skiing on Friday, we will drive to Skopje around 17:30 and spend the last night at Alexandar Square Boutique Hotel. Around 20:00 we will go out for a farewell dinner and for those of you who want to, we will go out for a drink in Skopje on Friday night.
On Saturday morning from 10:00 to 12:30 we offer a free and optional guided city tour of Skopje.
There will be shared or individual transfers to the airport on Saturday from Skopje, depending on your departure time.
Macedonia is part of the Balkan region and the Catskiing activity here is established. We are having access to a greater area of the Sharr mountains in the Carpathians. The terrain is varied with high alpine above treeline, with open bowls to smaller chutes and the down to the pine trees with good space between to do your treeskiing.
Catskiing is a great experience at an affordable price compared to many operators around the world.
We will be located in Popova Shapka, a convenient 1hr+ drive from Skopje Airport. Popova Shapka is located in 1700m at the Sharr Mountains. With use of Catski we have access to a vast area of terrain with some of the highest peaks in Macedonia bordering right up to Kosovo & Albania.
There are 6-day cat skiing included in the price. If cat skiing is not possible, we make alternatives such as touring. We have limited access to touring/splitboard equipment, so please let us know in advance if you wish to rent touring/splitboard equipment. That said, it is very rare that we must cancel the catski here, because the logistic aloud us to just stay lower in the trees in case of bad weather.
The ski season typically starts in early December and ends in mid-April.
Skiing/boarding typically takes place at an altitude of 1,700 – 2,500 meters. We plan for weather and wind conditions, where we get the best snow and visibility, as well as safety.
North Macedonia
ABOUT THE TRIP
Departure
There are many flights departing from European cities to Skopje (SKP). Be aware of extra charges for bringing ski equipment. Also note that there are special rules that only allow traveling with a certain type of cartridge for avalanche airbags (ABS). It is a good idea to contact the airline and provide a statement about the type of cartridge you plan to bring. Eastern Snow is happy to help with advice on the optimal flight connection.
Transfer
You will be picked up in by a shuttle with the other guests in Skopje Airport. Estimated 1-1,5 hours transfer time.
Stay
We stay at the Scardus Hotel, which is a 4 star hotel. There is a private bathroom and toilet in the rooms, as well as a Spa/sauna & Pool facilities in the basement. Additional there is a cafe and restaurant
We can use ski & board facilities to wax and fix ski & snowboard
The catski area is basically right outside the door. It is within walking distance to other restaurants and bars.
You can ski right to the door when on your way home. We have double rooms with toilet and shower.
It is possible to book single rooms for and additional fee.
Accommodation
Breakfast, lunch and a 2-course dinner are included in the price.
We may eat lunch in the terrain and sometimes at the hotel depending on how far we are from the hotel at lunchtime.
Skiing ability
The terrain in North Macedonia fits well for those who want to learn to master the off-piste and for those who just want to run powder all week. It is a mixture of forest skiing and open terrain.
SAFETY
Safety is of course always a priority on all of our trips. GMGA guides with knowledge of the local area will guide you all the way. They are there to ensure your safety, and in the event of an accident they know what to do and how to get you directly off the mountain to a safe zone or Hospital if required.
Avalanche equipment including air bags will be available if you do not have them. On arrival we will conduct a security briefing and ensure or refresh knowledge on use of the safety equipment.
You will have to make sure that you have the relevant insurances, so that you’re covered in the off-piste in North Macedonia You can read more about it here.
Trips to North Macedonia
It's safe to travel in Macedonia. People in Macedonia are friendly. If your travel logistics allow, take an afternoon/night in Skopje to see the old town and do some interesting shopping.
Special packages
It's safe to travel in Macedonia. People in Macedonia are friendly. If your travel logistics allow, take an afternoon/night in Skopje to see the old town and do some interesting shopping.
Passport and visa
It is very important that the information in your passport matches what is on your ticket. No visa is required to enter the country.
Extra info
The power plugs are 220v and of the same type as in most Northern European countries (not UK).
North Macedonia
PRICES AND WEEKS
€1.950
FROM
- 2023-2024
- ONLY 15 SEATS
Calculate price!
FULL WEEKS
2023
- WEEK 5
27 Jan. – 03. Feb. 2024
- WEEK 7
Feb. 10. – Feb 17, 2024
- WEEK 8
Feb. 17. – Feb 24, 2024
FULL WEEKS
Included:
- English speaking guide during the whole trip
- 6 days of skiing
- Transfer between the airport and the destination both ways
- Full board accommodation
- Stay at hotel
- Logistics and safety
- Borrow safety equipment for free (beacon, probe and shovel)
- Skiing at the local lift system in bad weather conditions
- Free and voluntary guided city tour of Skopje last Saturday before departure
Furthermore, you can:
- Order drinks according to needs
- Rent ski/board equipment
- Purchase massage in spa area
Not included:
- Plane tickets
- Alcoholic beverages
- Transportation of equipment
- Ski rental
Same as above, except:
- Changes:
- 3 days skiing
North Macedonia
GALLERY
