Db Journey x DBP Adventures | Catski | North Macedonia
In January 2026, we’re teaming up for a one-of-a-kind off-piste catski experience in North Macedonia. Rooted in Db’s philosophy “Pack Heavy, Chase Light”, DBP’s spirit of “Adventures beyond the ordinary” and guided by the expertise of Danish freeride expert Nikolaj Vang, we’re heading back to the roots in Popova Šapka. Here, it’s all about chasing powder, finding fresh lines, and sharing the mountain together.
Book nowThis off-piste trip is created in collaboration between Db Journey, DBP Adventures, and Danish freeride expert Nikolaj Vang – three forces united by a passion for adventure, community, and the hunt for the best snow. In Popova Šapka, four full days of catskiing await. Endless mountain faces, untouched first tracks, and unique freeride lines, far away from crowded resorts, with all the space you need to progress.
Here we combine world-class freeride skiing with Db’s philosophy “Pack Heavy, Chase Light”, DBP’s spirit of “Adventures beyond the ordinary”, and Nikolaj Vang’s extensive freeride expertise. The result? An experience where powder, gear, and community are at the core.
All participants receive an exclusive Db discount code and the chance to win premium Db gear.
North Macedonia is where it all began almost 15 years ago. We were searching for a place with no lift lines, where first tracks were ours to claim. Instead of a traditional ski resort, you’ll be transported around in a snowcat, a grooming machine that accommodates 16 people in the back. Catskiing here is far more affordable than in most other destinations worldwide, making it accessible without compromising on the grandeur of big mountains and wide-open terrain.
We stay in Popova Šapka, partnering with the highly skilled Eskimo Freeride crew who provide local mountain guides and ensure safety throughout the trip. Together, we’ve built the program (see under Program) to maximize your time in the mountains.
Accommodation is at a simple, local hotel where the atmosphere is authentic and gives you a true taste of Macedonian culture. In 2020, a spa area with pool and sauna was added, along with the option to book massages, the perfect way to recover sore muscles after a long day in the powder.
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Introduction to Db’s award-winning snow gear
Ride-along with Danish freeride expert Nikolaj Vang
Exclusive Db discount code
Entry into a giveaway of premium Db gear
Hotel accommodation in Popova Šapka and Skopje
Transfers to/from Skopje Airport
Full board (breakfast, mountain lunch and dinner)
4 days of catskiing with local mountain guides and experienced cat drivers
Safety equipment (beacon, probe & shovel)
Minimum 2,400 vertical meters on average per day
Access to pool & sauna
Farewell dinner in Skopje
Good times and a strong community vibe in the mountains
€10 per day for the preservation of the national park
Member of the Danish Travel Guarantee Fund
Price guarantee
Flights
Travel insurance
Single room (optional add-on)
Avalanche backpack (optional add-on)
Day 1 – Arrival day:
- Our driver will be waiting for you at 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 the following morning.
- Dinner is served at 19.00
Day 2 – 4:
- 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 skiing off-piste, including a mountain lunch. If the weather is bad, we can take shelter in cabins scattered around the mountain. During the first run, we also go through an avalanche transceiver training session.
- We return to the hotel somewhere between 16.00 and 17.00
- 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 skiing off-piste, 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.
- At 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 dinner.
Day 6 – Departure day from Skopje:
- Breakfast is served between 07.00 and 10.00 at the hotel.
- Your transfer is schedule to ensure you have plenty of time at the airport (based on the departure time you have provided).
- If you have some extra time, you’re in the heart of the city, with the river just around the corner and some of Skopje’s famous bridges nearby. A 10-minutes walk will also take you to the Turkish Quarter and its bazaar.
We say goodbye and thank you for an amazing trip!
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.
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.
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