Family Catski | Development Trip | North Macedonia
Explore an adventure with your family in North Macedonia! The Family Catski Development Trip is for those who want to experience powder snow together – with a focus on gentle off-piste terrain, cozy moments at the hotel, and unforgettable days in the mountains.
Book nowTake your first turns in powder snow or bring your off-piste skiing to the next level in North Macedonia. This time, it’s an adventure for the whole family! Off-piste skiing is a completely different discipline from traditional slopes, and here you get the chance to explore the easy and fun side of the off-piste on our new Family Development Trip.
We recommend that children be at least 12 years old and able to ski safely down all groomed slopes. The trip focuses on relaxed runs in gentle terrain and shared experiences both on the mountain and back at the hotel.
It was in North Macedonia that our adventure began almost 15 years ago. We were looking for a place where we could have the mountains to ourselves and make first tracks in untouched snow. There are no lift systems here. Instead, we move around in a “cat” – a piste machine with a specially built cabin that holds up to 16 people.
Catskiing in North Macedonia is significantly cheaper than in many other parts of the world, making it a great option for families who want to experience off-piste skiing in safe surroundings without breaking the budget. With a huge mountain area and only a few skiers, you get optimal conditions. A maximum of 4 cats operate in the terrain daily, meaning there are never more than 64 skiers in the entire area at once.
We stay in the small mountain village of Popova Šapka, where we work together with Eskimo Freeride. They provide experienced local mountain guides and ensure that safety is always a top priority – so you can confidently share the adventure as a family.
Read more…
Hotel
Full pension
Transfer to / from Skopje, all the time
Catski with mountain guide
Skiing in a completely deserted mountain area
Safety equipment (“beeper”, sond and showel)
> 2400 altitude meters on average every day
Teaching of a Danish instructor
Access to pool and sauna
Plenty of fun and relaxation with other families
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
Insurance
Extra fee single bedroom
Avalanche backpack rental (extra)
Day 1. Arrival day:
- Our driver will be waiting for you at Skopje Airport (SKP), ready to take you to Popova Šapka. The transfer takes approximately two hours by car, and you will be picked up according to the arrival and departure times you have provided us beforehand.
- When you arrive at the hotel, you can check in and take advantage of the spa area to unwind after your journey.
- Welcome meeting and safety briefing. In case of late arrival, it will be held the following morning.
- Dinner is served at 19.00, together with the other families.
The Ski Days:
- Breakfast is served between 07.00 and 09.00.
- Around 09.00–09.15, we head out with the cats.
- We spend the entire day skiing off-piste, including a picnic lunch on the mountain. If the weather is bad, we can take shelter in small huts scattered around the terrain. On the very first run of the trip, we also go through avalanche transceiver training.
- We return to the hotel somewhere between 16.00 and 17.00.
- The afternoon is for relaxing and enjoying time with the other families, whether it’s hanging out in the bar and common areas, or unwinding in the pool and sauna.
- Dinner is served at 19.00, followed by theory sessions and cozy evenings together.
Departure day from the mountains:
- Breakfast is served between 07.00 and 09.00.
- Around 09.00–09.15, we head out with the cats.
- We spend the entire day skiing off-piste, including a picnic lunch on the mountain. If the weather is bad, we can take shelter in small huts scattered around the terrain.
- We return to the hotel somewhere between 16.00 and 17.00. You’ll have time for a quick shower before departure.
- At around 18.00, you will be transferred to Skopje and checked in at a centrally located hotel in the city.
- After a quick check-in, we head out together to a local restaurant for a cozy farewell dinner with the group.
Departure Day from Skopje:
- Breakfast is served at the hotel.
- Airport transfer is arranged to match the flight times you have provided us with in advance.
- If you have some extra time, the hotel is located right in the heart of Skopje: just around the corner, you’ll find the river and the beautiful bridges the city is known for. A 10-minute walk takes you to the Turkish quarter and the lively bazaar – well worth a visit.
Thank you for joining us. We hope to see you again!
Shar Planina is North Macedonia’s ultimate off-piste playground. The mountain range stretches across an impressive 1,600 km², with the highest peak reaching 2,747 meters above sea level.
The treeline sits at around 1,700 meters, creating varied terrain. The first nearly 1,000 vertical meters are wide open and free of trees, offering plenty of space for big, safe turns. Lower down, the terrain becomes more forested, making for exciting skiing between the trees – a big advantage on foggy days, when the trees provide contrast and make navigation easier.
Shar Planina is an old mountain range compared to, for example, the Alps. Over time, wind and weather have shaped the peaks into smoother, more rounded forms. This means there are slopes for every level: from steep and challenging lines to gentler and more accessible runs. That makes the area especially well-suited for families with different skill levels.
Another benefit of Shar Planina is the lower avalanche risk compared to the Alps. This is due to both the shape of the mountains and the unique base – unlike the rocky Alps, the ground here is primarily grass, which helps the snow bond more easily and reduces the risk of slides.
No matter your level, Shar Planina is the perfect area for family off-piste adventures: a playground where both adults and young skiers can enjoy unforgettable experiences in the snow and share the adventure.
In North Macedonia, you’ll be staying in the small mountain village of Popova Šapka, about a two-hour drive from Skopje. Accommodation is at one of three hotels located next to each other. All are classified as 3-star hotels by local standards. Guests have free access to the pool and sauna at Hotel Arena Teteks, so don’t forget your swimwear!
– Hotel Arena Teteks – home to the spa area with pool and sauna
– Hotel Bora Bora
– Snow Patrol Lodge
All accommodations offer rooms for up to four people with single beds. As a rule, you will be accommodated together with the group/family you are traveling with. All rooms have a private bathroom and toilet.
It is also possible to choose a double bed or add a single room supplement if one of you prefers to stay alone.
