Shar
Cat-Ski
Freeride
Snowcat-assisted powder on the quiet north side of Popova Šapka, North Macedonia. Lead and tail guide, avalanche kit included, 4-star full board. On request.
- 3–6
- Cat-ski days to choose from
- 1,700m
- Popova Šapka base
- 3,000m+
- Vertical per cat-ski day
- 2
- Guides with every group
- On request
- Enquiry only
The north side of Popova Šapka, above Tetovo in North Macedonia, is one of the best-kept powder secrets in the Balkans. The resort sits at 1,700m in the Shar Mountains, and behind it opens a wide backcountry of open faces and forest that you reach by snowcat instead of on skins.
Meto and the Shar Outdoors guides lead every day, choosing between tree runs and high-mountain terrain depending on snow, weather and the group. A typical day adds up to 3,000 vertical metres or more, with lunch out in the forest and a 4-star hotel with spa and sauna waiting at the end of it.
Shar Cat-Ski Freeride runs on request: choose 3, 4, 5 or 6 cat-ski days and tell us your dates.
- 01
- Snowcat Uplift
- 02
- 3,000m+ Vertical a Day
- 03
- Guided by Meto
- 04
- Safety Kit Included
- 05
- 4-Star Full Board
- 06
- On Your Dates
The cat takes you up, you ride down. No skinning, just lap after lap of forest and high-mountain terrain.
A typical cat-ski day adds up to 3,000 vertical metres or more. Conditions and the group set the pace.
Local Shar Outdoors guide who knows every hidden stash on the mountain, with a second guide at the tail.
Airbag backpack, transceiver, shovel and probe for every rider, at no extra cost.
Hotel Scardus in Popova Šapka with spa, sauna and pools, plus local Macedonian cooking.
Choose 3, 4, 5 or 6 cat-ski days. We set the trip up around your group.
On Request
3 to 6 Cat-Ski Days, On Your Dates
Shar Cat-Ski Freeride runs on request. Pick a package of 3, 4, 5 or 6 cat-ski days, tell us your dates and group size, and we will set the trip up with Meto.
No upcoming dates or prices are currently published for this trip. Get in touch to ask about availability and pricing.
Ask about this trip →Trip Gallery
Black Rider, New to Freeride ← This Trip
You get down black slopes safely, but powder and off-piste are new. No need to be a pro: the guides keep it to mellower forest and open slopes.
Experienced Freerider ← This Trip
Comfortable off-piste and hungry for vertical. Steeper high-mountain faces when conditions and the group allow.
Not Yet a Black Rider?
Getting down a black slope safely is a must for cat-ski freeride. If you are not there yet, a technique camp first is the better choice.
Powder Riding
- Riding deep snow in the trees and on open faces
- Picking lines and reading terrain with the guides
- Lots of laps: up to 3,000m+ of vertical a day
- Riding as a group with a lead and a tail guide
Mountain Safety
- Daily briefing on snow and avalanche conditions
- How to use the airbag, transceiver, shovel and probe
- Spacing, regrouping and safe zones in avalanche terrain
- Short debrief and outlook for the next day
Check In, Gear Up
Arrive in Skopje and transfer up to Popova Šapka. Check in at Hotel Scardus, sort your rental and safety kit, and meet Meto over dinner.
First Laps in the Powder
After the safety briefing the cat takes the group up for the first runs. The guides start in friendlier terrain to see how everyone rides, then open it up.
Trees or Faces, Your Call
With the group dialled in, the guides go where the snow is best: deep forest lines on stormy days, high open faces when it is clear.
Best of the Shar
The last cat-ski day goes back to the terrain the group liked most and wherever the snow is best. Farewell dinner with local Macedonian food.
Head Home
Breakfast, check out and transfer back to Skopje for your flight.
Our Safety
Standards
Safety First
Every group rides with at least two guides, one leading and one at the tail. Meto and his team have years of guiding experience on the Shar and assess snow and weather every morning before choosing terrain.
Every rider gets an airbag backpack, avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe, included in the price. The morning briefing covers how to use them.
The guides can change or cancel the day's programme when conditions call for it. Safety comes first, then the level and wishes of the group.
Travel and medical insurance is not included. We recommend Austrian Alpine Club (Alpenverein) insurance, which includes mountain rescue cover.
Your Guides
Meet your guides
Guided by Meto from Shar Outdoors, with a second local guide at the tail of every group.
Accommodation & Logistics
Everything Sorted
Accommodation
You stay at the 4-star Hotel Scardus in Popova Šapka, or in villa apartments. The hotel has a restaurant, bar, ski room, laundry, Wi-Fi and a spa with two saunas, jacuzzi, pools, Turkish bath and gym; massages on request. Full board is included in the package.
Traditional Macedonian recipes at the hotel and lunch out in the forest on cat-ski days.
Getting There
Fly to Skopje (SKP). Budget airlines such as Wizz Air connect it with many European cities several times a week. From the airport it is a road transfer up to Popova Šapka above Tetovo. Transfers are included for groups of 6 or more; smaller groups can book them at cost.
- Skopje International Airport (SKP)
Kit & Included
What You Need
& What's Included
- 3, 4, 5 or 6 guided cat-ski days with snowcat uplift
- Lead and tail guide with every group
- Airbag backpack, transceiver, shovel and probe
- Full board at Hotel Scardus 4★ or villa apartments, with one extra night for arrival and departure
- Lunch out on the mountain
- Airport transfers for groups of 6 or more
Not included
- Flights to Skopje
- Ski or snowboard rental (available at extra cost)
- Airport transfers for groups under 6 (available at cost)
- Travel and medical insurance (always ride covered!)
Package lengths: 3 cat-ski days / 4 nights, 4 / 5, 5 / 6 and 6 / 7, all full board. Smaller groups can add airport transfers at cost.
Freeride skis or snowboard *
Bring your own or rent locally
Ski or snowboard boots *
Fitted properly
Poles
For skiers
Helmet *
Mandatory for all riders
Airbag backpack, transceiver, shovel & probe *
Provided at no extra cost
Waterproof jacket & trousers
Layers for cold cat rides
Goggles
With a low-light lens for the trees
Gloves
Warm and waterproof, plus a spare pair
Sun protection
Critical at altitude
Reserve Your Place
Ready to Ride
Shar
Powder?
Small groups, on dates that suit you. Tell us when you want to come and how many cat-ski days you want, or ask us anything first.