CATSKI FREERIDE TOURING IN MACEDONIA

Experience the ultimate powder adventure in North Macedonia's untamed Shar Mountains. Six adrenaline-fueled days of catski and freeride touring await, combining expert-guided backcountry exploration with personalized coaching in avalanche safety and big mountain techniques. From the peaks of Popova Shapka to hidden powder fields only locals know, this isn't just skiing—it's the perfect fusion of wilderness freedom and powder perfection that will redefine your mountain experience.

Catski & Freeride Touring in North Macedonia’s Shar Mountains

 

Imagine carving through pristine powder, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Shar Mountains in North Macedonia. Now, picture doing this for six full days, accessing the best lines with the perfect blend of cat skiing mobility and freeride touring freedom. Welcome to the ultimate adventure: Catski & freeride touring in the Shar Mountains, North Macedonia.

 

The Perfect Fusion: Cat Skiing Meets Freeride Touring. This isn’t your average ski trip. We’ve combined the best of both worlds to create an unparalleled experience for expert skiers. Cat skiing offers the mobility to explore vast areas of the mountains, while ski touring allows us to reach those hidden gems - the best lines that most skiers only dream about.

 

6 Days of Unadulterated Freeride Bliss. Over six action-packed days, you’ll:

 

  • Explore the best freeride lines in North Macedonia: Our expert guides know every nook and cranny of these mountains.
  • Enhance your skills: Receive off-piste technique coaching and an introduction to big mountain riding.
  • Learn crucial mountain skills: Gain invaluable knowledge in avalanche awareness and tour planning.
  • Test top-notch gear: Try out the latest DOWN SKIS during demo sessions.


The Shar Mountains: A Freeride Paradise. The Shar Mountains offer a backdrop that’s nothing short of spectacular. Jagged peaks, deep valleys, and endless powder fields await. Each day brings a new adventure, a new line to conquer, and views that will leave you breathless. “I’ve skied all over the world, but there’s something truly special about the Shar Mountains. The terrain is challenging, the snow is incredible, and the scenery is out of this world.” - Professional freerider


More than just skiing: While skiing is undoubtedly the star of the show, this trip offers so much more

 

  • Camaraderie: Spend six days with like-minded powder hounds, forging friendships that last a lifetime.
  • Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in the rich culture and hospitality of North Macedonia.
  • Personal Growth: Push your limits, expand your skills, and gain confidence in big mountain environments.

 


Physical & technical requirements

 

  • Confident black slope skiers/snowboarders, although no previous touring/freeride experience is needed, it is highly recommended. This trip is designed for expert skiers with experience in freeride and ski touring. This is your playground if you live for the thrill of untouched powder and challenging terrain.
  • Suitable for adults and children from 15 years old
  • The course/trip can be purchased by individuals, couples, or groups of friends
  • Physical intensity: high

 


Minimum of 10 / maximum 12 participants. In the case there are not enough people, you can use the price of your booking towards another trip, or we can fully refund you for your purchase.

 

Catski & Freeride Touring in North Macedonia Content:


All necessary skills and knowledge to be able to shred and ride powder, including:

 

  • Avalanche safety skills
  • First aid theory and skills
  • Group behavior in an avalanche zone
  • Basic understanding of outdoor risks (so you can make it home safely every day)
  • Big mountain riding safety
  • Day planning (avalanche risks, group skills, level, …)
  • Descent & ascent line selection
  • Ski & snowboard technique coaching
  • Skinning & climbing technique
  • Equipment introduction and treatment

 


Are you ready for the ultimate adventure in freeride touring? Look no further than North Macedonia, the hidden gem of the Balkans. This breathtaking country offers a unique experience that combines the thrill of ski touring with the convenience of cat skiing. Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey through untouched powder and majestic peaks, as you explore the stunning backcountry of the Shar Mountains and Popova Shapka.

Freeride touring in North Macedonia is a dream come true for adrenaline junkies and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re an experienced skier or a passionate splitboarder, this destination has something for everyone. With its diverse terrain and varied snow conditions, you’ll never get bored of exploring the endless possibilities that await you in this winter wonderland.

Imagine gliding through untouched slopes, surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas. With ski touring, you have the freedom to go wherever your heart desires, allowing you to discover hidden spots and secret powder stashes that are inaccessible by traditional means. And when you feel like taking a break from climbing up the slopes, cat skiing is there to whisk you away to untouched areas, ensuring that you make the most of your time on the mountain.

North Macedonia and the Popova Shapka area are the perfect destination for freeride enthusiasts looking to escape the crowds and experience something truly extraordinary. The combination of ski touring and cat skiing allows you to maximize your time on the mountain, ensuring that every moment is filled with excitement and adventure. So pack your bags, grab your skis or splitboard, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of the Shar Mountains. This is freeride touring at its finest, and it’s waiting for you to explore its hidden treasures.

 

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What you need to know

  1. Designed as a poor and only freeride touring experience without any compromises.
  2. Make sure you are fit, confident steep runs skier. No previous free ride / ski touring experience. Get in touch with us if you have any doubts.
  3. This is a skiing trip and our number one goal is to maximize your time spent on the slope learning. Of course there is always time for après-ski beer.
  4. We want you to worry as less as possible so we are fully available to assist you in all ways possible.

Typical day

Coffee, tea, breakfast, morning yoga, jogging, ... or what ever morning routine you are use to.

6 - 8 am
8.30 am

Heading off to the adventure of the day.

Time to tour up and ride it deep and steep.

8.30 am - 4 pm
5 pm

Après-ski beer / vine. We sort out the plan for next day.

Planning the next day (avalanche forecast, route planning, ...)

6 pm
7 - 8 pm

Possibly meeting for communal dinner.

Drinks, bit of party, sleep. But it is only a suggestion ;)

8 - 10 pm

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Accommodation

Mountain Lodge Popova Shapka, located at 1,780 meters above sea level. A 20- to 30-minute transfer to the slopes is included in the package. The hotel complies with national regulations by not building in protected areas.

The Mountain Lodge offers excellent conditions and local Macedonian cuisine served in the charming ambiance of a hut surrounded by the high-altitude pine forest of the Shar Mountains. The lodge is located in the heart of Popova Shapka, one of North Macedonia’s premier ski resorts, close to the border with Kosovo. Mountain Lodge Popova Shapka is perfectly positioned to access the best terrain in the region.

The whole range will be ours for a week-long stay. The cherry on top will be the last day, when you will visit one of the most popular mountain tourist cities in North Macedonia, Tetovo. Our tour is planned to include visits to the city’s historic heritage sites and tasting traditional food.

FOOD

Traditional Macedonian cuisine, full board.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

Personal ski or snowboard freeride touring equipment such as:

  • avalanche set - beacon, probe & shovel
  • skis with touring bindings or splitboard
  • skins,
  • telescopic poles
  • helmet
  • goggles & sunglasses
  • ski or snowboard clothing

This is required gear to attend this course. If you do not own this equipment you are responsible for renting it. If you need help finding rentals please let us know and we can help you locate them.

What’s included

  • 6 days of backcountry ski & snowboard guiding
  • Off-piste ski/snowboard technique tips
  • Avalanche safety theory
  • Mountain riding safety
  • Tour planning
  • Video analysis of your technique
  • Individualized coaching based on your needs and level

EXCLUDED

  • Ski / snowboard rentals (Can be purchased upon arrival)
  • Travel expenses
  • Skiing/snowboarding insurance (Can be purchased here)
  • Food and drinks
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