Introduction to ski touring | North Macedonia
Skiing, fresh air, physical activity and untouched powder – Join us for an introduction to ski touring / randonnée in North Macedonia!
Book nowSki touring is a unique form of off-piste skiing where the ascent becomes part of the overall experience. Using specialized equipment and climbing skins under our skis, we make our way up the mountain at our own pace, taking in the tranquility and untouched landscapes. Along the way, our experienced guides will share their knowledge of ski touring and randonnée, giving you not just an incredible adventure but also a deeper understanding of the sport.
This trip is designed as an introduction to ski touring and is suitable for all levels, though we recommend having some prior off-piste experience. We typically ascend between 600 and 1,000 vertical meters per day, using climbing skins where needed or carrying our skis or snowboard on our backs. For the longer and less exciting stretches, we have a snowcat to assist with transportation.
We’ll be based in the small mountain village of Popova Šapka, offering an authentic experience of North Macedonian culture. Our hotel is simple but full of charm and with a warm atmosphere that makes every stay special. And in 2020, a spa area with a pool, sauna and massage services was added – perfect for unwinding after a day in the mountains!
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Full pension
5 nights at hotel
4 days guided ski touring incl. mountain guide
All transport on the trip
Safety equipment (transceiver, probe & shovel)
Access to pool and sauna
Farewell dinner in Skopje
10€ per day for the preservation of their national park
Member of The Travel Guarantee Fund (Rejsegarantifonden)
Best price guarantee
Airline tickets
Avalanche backpack rental
Extra fee for single bedroom
Insurance
Ski Touring-gear
Arrival Day:
- Our driver will be waiting for you att Skopje Airport (SKP), ready to take you to Popova Šapka. Look for the sign that says De Brede Planker or Eskimo Freeride. The transfer takes approximately two hours by car, and you will be picked up according to the arrival and departure times you have emailed us beforehand.
- Upon arrival at the hotel, you can check in and take advantage of the spa area to unwind after your journey.
- Safety briefing – in case of late arrival it will be held in the following morning.
- Dinner is served at 19.00
Days in the Mountain
- Breakfast is served between 07.00 and 09.00
- First Day After Arrival: Preparations for your first day in the mountains – warm-up and a brief introduction to the equipment and the area you’ll be exploring.
- We spend the entire day Ski Touring, including a mountain lunch. If the weather is bad we can take shelter in cabins scattered around the mountain.
- We return to the hotel in the afternoon.
- The bar will be open, and there’s always a great atmosphere before dinner. Of course, you can also relax in the pool and sauna.
- Dinner is served at 19.00
Day 5. Departure Day from the Mountain
- Breakfast is served between 07.00 and 09.00
- Between 09.00 and 09.15 we head out with our cat.
- We spend the entire day in the mountain, including a mountain lunch. If the weather is bad we can take shelter in cabins scattered around the mountain.
- We return to the hotel somewhere between 16.00 and 17.00. You will have the opportunity to shower before departure.
- 18.00 our transfer will pick you up and take you to a comfortable hotel in the heart of Skopje.
- After a quick check-in the transfer will continue to a restaurant where you’ll enjoy a goodbye-dinner together.
- Of course, you’ll be driven back to the hotel after the dinner.
The mountain range we find ourselves in is called Shar Planina. It stretches over an area of a whopping 1,600 square kilometers, with the highest peak standing at 2,747 meters above sea level. The treeline sits at 1,700 meters in elevation, creating diverse conditions. At the summit, there’s a vast open area, and gradually, more trees appear as you descend. The first nearly 1,000 meters are completely treeless. The area below the treeline offers excellent opportunities for skiing between the trees, which is also advantageous in foggy weather. The benefit of this is that the trees provide contrast, allowing you to navigate by them.
The Shar Planina mountain range is considered old compared to the Alps, for example. The combination of time, weather, and wind has “worn down” the mountain range, making the peaks more oval than many other mountain ranges. This means there are many different descents for all levels. In other words, no matter which peak you stand on, you will always be able to choose between a steep and challenging descent or a flatter and easier one.
Regardless of your skill level, Shar Planina in North Macedonia will be the right playground for off-piste skiing.
In North Macedonia, you’ll stay in the small town of Popova Sapka, located about a two-hour drive from Skopje. Your accommodation will be at one of the hotels listed below, all conveniently situated next to each other.
These hotels are classified as three-star hotels in North Macedonia. Guests have free access to the spa/sauna, so don’t forget to pack your swimwear!
– Hotel Arena Tekets: This is where the spa facilities are located, but you’re welcome to use them even if you stay at one of the other hotels.
– Hotel Bora Bora
– Hotel Patrol Lodge
All accommodations offer shared rooms with single beds, accommodating up to four people per room. You’ll typically be grouped with the people you’re traveling with. Each room has its own bathroom and shower.
If you prefer, you can upgrade to a room with a double bed or opt for a private room at an additional cost.
4 April 2022
Ski touring in North Macedonia is magical! You don’t have to go far into the terrain before you get the feeling that you and your group are alone in the magnificent and beautiful mountain landscape. The large area is perfect for an introduction to ski touring, where the many options make it easy to adjust the tour to the group’s level. Our local guides took us on both ascents and descents that were perfectly challenging and decidedly unforgettable. You can’t expect everything to be super organised, but if you’ve just packed a bit of holiday patience in your suitcase, everything should be fine – that’s part of the charm. The local guides and the staff at the hotels are, on the other hand, the most welcoming and helpful people! All in all, the trip leaves you with an even bigger appetite for ski touring and a desire to get back to the fantastic mountains. PS Remember the sunscreen if the weather forecast says sunshine!
(Translated)