My First Off-Piste Adventure: Catski Development Trip in North Macedonia

New to the off-piste, but ready for adventure:

My name is Emilie, and I work with marketing at DBP Adventures. I’ve been skiing my whole life, mostly on the slopes and in the park, but the off-piste was still a new chapter for me. When I joined this Catski Development Trip, I only had a few days of off-piste experience behind me – but the desire for more was strong. It was my very first time trying catskiing, and the first time I truly threw myself into the powder.

The butterflies were there. Not only because of the new terrain, but also because I was traveling alone and had no idea what the concept of “catski” really meant. But one thing was certain: I was ready to push my limits and take the next step in my skiing.

The Journey to Popova Sapka

Getting to North Macedonia is easier than you might think. Skopje is well-connected and relatively affordable to reach from most major cities in Europe. I flew from Copenhagen with Lufthansa via Frankfurt and landed in Skopje after about 5 hours.

In the arrivals hall, a driver was waiting with a sign saying “Eskimo Freeride / DBP.” From there, it’s just under a two-hour drive to Popova Sapka. If you ask nicely, you can make a quick stop at a gas station to grab some snacks, since the options in the town are limited.

You can arrive at any time of day or night, as long as you’ve sent your flight details to DBP in advance.

Welcome, briefing, and Balkan vibes

In the evening, we gathered for a welcome and safety briefing, including a run-through of the avalanche gear – led by our instructor Søren Frandsen and local lead guide Kiril. There was no doubt about the focus of the trip: not perfection, but curiosity, safety, and community.

We were in the Balkans, where things run a little more loose than what you might be used to at home. But that’s exactly what creates a sense of calm, presence, and space to be new at all of this. A good tip is to leave your inner perfectionist behind and lean into the experience instead.

We were handed our freeride skis and avalanche backpacks, and I met the other participants on the Girls Only trip, along with the other development group we were paired with. After the briefing and gear check, it was straight to bed – ready for the first day on snow!

First day in the off-piste – how does it unfold?

07:30 – Breakfast & anticipation
We start the day with breakfast at the hotel. It’s important to fuel up properly – this isn’t your classic ski holiday where you pop in for a mid-morning coffee and croissant.

08:45 – Loading the cat
Gear check, a short briefing, and then we pack up the snowcat. Sometimes it departs straight from the hotel, other times we get a short transfer to the pickup point.

09:00 – Heading for the off-piste
We jump into the cat, excitement building. The lead guide has planned the day’s lines based on weather and snow conditions. With only six cats operating in the entire area, there’s plenty of space and endless opportunities for fresh tracks.

Morning runs – finding your flow
The first descents are all about getting comfortable, feeling the snow, and dialing in the technique. Along the way, our instructor Søren talks with each of us about what we’d like to work on during the trip – whether it’s technique, confidence, line choice, or simply feeling more at home in the terrain. Setting those goals early creates clear expectations and makes it easier for Søren to give personalized feedback.

Snacks & water
There’s a small box of snacks and water in the cat, but it’s a good idea to bring your own energy bars and a water bottle from home. No snack shops in the mountains!

Lunch – picnic style
When hunger kicks in, the guide and cat driver pick a good spot. On clear, calm days, we enjoy lunch with panoramic mountain views; if it’s snowing or windy, we head down to a small rustic hut for shelter. Lunch is simple but tasty and locally inspired: fresh bread, a variety of cold cuts, and drinks like apple juice.

Afternoon – first “solo run”
Our lead guide shows the line and checks the snow, then we go one by one. Søren observes and gives feedback. It’s intense, it’s a learning curve – and it makes you feel like a freerider!

16:00 – Return with the cat
We head back to the hotel. Some hit the spa, others grab a beer or coffee in the sun. Hotel Bora offers an outdoor hot tub and sauna, while Hotel Arena has a pool and sauna.

19:00 – Dinner & downtime
The day ends with a delicious four-course dinner of local specialties: a warm soup, salad, a hearty main with meat and vegetables, and finally dessert. The atmosphere is relaxed and cozy – and after a full day in the mountains, it’s not unusual for people to head straight to bed after dinner.

Safety, community & progression

The days flew by, following more or less the same rhythm as the first: starting in the cat and ending with debrief, spa, dinner, and relaxed conversations. On day two, Søren gave us individual feedback – and from there, we built on it. When the snow turned heavy or tricky, we shifted the focus to technique and adapting to the conditions we had.

One evening, Søren hosted a session on “the complete freerider.” An honest and inspiring talk about avalanches, safety, mountain awareness, group responsibility, and the mental side of moving in the backcountry. For me, it was a turning point – suddenly, I felt prepared on a whole new level.

Wrapping Up the Adventure

After our fourth and final day on skis, most of us felt like true freeriders – not only having pushed our skiing to a new level, but also deepening our understanding of snow conditions and the importance of shared responsibility in the mountains. I know I did!

Heading back to Skopje

On this trip, we kept our hotel rooms until departure, which meant we could shower, pack, and get ready in peace before leaving for Skopje around 6 PM. If that’s not possible, check-out is in the morning, but there’s always a chance to shower before departure.

After a two-hour drive, we arrived in Skopje and checked into a central hotel. In the evening, we gathered for a group dinner at a local restaurant – included in the trip price. Of course, you can also choose to explore the city and dine on your own if you prefer. For those who wanted, the night continued with a taste of Skopje’s nightlife.

Your departure time the next day depends on your flight. Drivers keep track of everyone’s schedules and pick you up around two hours before departure. The airport is only about 15 minutes from the city center.

Since my flight was later in the day, I spent the morning exploring Skopje. The city truly surprised me: on one side of the river, you find grand squares and towering statues; on the other, lively markets and cozy stalls.

What do you take home from a Catski Development Trip in North Macedonia with DBP?

This trip gave me so much more than I could ever have imagined. I was positively surprised on all levels – from experiencing a different culture where things just flow, to trying catskiing for the very first time.

“If I could, I’d only go catskiing from now on! It’s honestly the coolest thing I’ve ever tried.”

As a freerider, I feel like I’ve made huge progress. I got my technique under control, gained a much deeper understanding of the mountains, and learned a lot more about equipment, rescue, and safety. But most importantly, I built massive confidence and trust in myself. By the end, the off-piste felt like a pure playground!

I honestly can’t wait to go on another off-piste adventure – I’m hooked! My browser is now overflowing with tabs full of freeride skis, bindings, and off-piste articles. And my friends, colleagues, and family? They can’t stop hearing about this wild experience. From me, it’s the highest possible recommendation!

DBP currently offers the following development trips:

• Catski | Development Trip | North Macedonia
• Girls Only | Catski Development Trip | North Macedonia
• Catski | Snowboard Development Trip | North Macedonia
• 50+ | Catski Development Trip | North Macedonia

Insider tips – practical packing list

• Snacks for the days in the cat (energy bars, chocolate, etc.)
• Bring your own water bottle
• Electrolytes – we had a box of “Good Day” from Good Habit Co., which I can highly recommend!
• Sunscreen
• Curiosity and a go-get-it attitude

This blog post is based on the Girls Only Development Trip to North Macedonia, week 11, March 2025.
The program and experience may vary, but community, safety, and personal growth will always be at the heart of it.