{"id":11187,"date":"2025-08-18T14:07:45","date_gmt":"2025-08-18T14:07:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dbpadventures.com\/en\/?p=11187"},"modified":"2025-08-20T14:35:04","modified_gmt":"2025-08-20T14:35:04","slug":"off-piste-catski-trip-north-macedonia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dbpadventures.com\/en\/off-piste-catski-trip-north-macedonia\/","title":{"rendered":"My First Off-Piste Adventure: Catski Development Trip in North Macedonia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

My First Off-Piste Adventure: Catski Development Trip in North Macedonia<\/h1>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

By Emilie Holm <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

18 August 2025<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Updated 1<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

How does it feel to embark on your very first off-piste adventure far away from slopes, lifts, and restaurant lunch breaks?
\r\nJoin a personal journey to the mountains of North Macedonia, where Emilie took part in one of DBP Adventures\u2019 popular Catski Development Trips. This time, in a special Girls-Only edition with six amazing women. It became her very first real experience with both catskiing and off-piste \u2013 a trip that turned out to be so much more than she imagined.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
The group on the Girls Only Catski Development Trip, March 2025.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\t
\n \t
\n
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

New to the off-piste, but ready for adventure:<\/h2>\n

My name is Emilie, and I work with marketing at DBP Adventures. I\u2019ve 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<\/a>, I only had a few days of off-piste experience behind me \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

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 \u201ccatski\u201d really meant. But one thing was certain: I was ready to push my limits and take the next step in my skiing.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t

\n\t\t
\n \t\t
\n \t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n
\n\t
\n \t
\n
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

The Journey to Popova Sapka<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

In the arrivals hall, a driver was waiting with a sign saying \u201cEskimo Freeride \/ DBP.\u201d From there, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

You can arrive at any time of day or night, as long as you\u2019ve sent your flight details to DBP in advance.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n\t
\n \t
\n
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Welcome, briefing, and Balkan vibes<\/h2>\n

In the evening, we gathered for a welcome and safety briefing, including a run-through of the avalanche gear \u2013 led by our instructor S\u00f8ren Frandsen and local lead guide Kiril. There was no doubt about the focus of the trip: not perfection, but curiosity, safety, and community.<\/p>\n

We were in the Balkans, where things run a little more loose than what you might be used to at home. But that\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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 \u2013 ready for the first day on snow!<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n\t
\n \t
\n
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

First day in the off-piste \u2013 how does it unfold?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

07:30 \u2013 Breakfast & anticipation<\/strong>
We start the day with breakfast at the hotel. It\u2019s important to fuel up properly \u2013 this isn\u2019t your classic ski holiday where you pop in for a mid-morning coffee and croissant.<\/p>\n

08:45 \u2013 Loading the cat<\/strong>
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.<\/p>\n

09:00 \u2013 Heading for the off-piste<\/strong>
We jump into the cat, excitement building. The lead guide has planned the day\u2019s lines based on weather and snow conditions. With only six cats operating in the entire area, there\u2019s plenty of space and endless opportunities for fresh tracks.<\/p>\n

Morning runs \u2013 finding your flow<\/strong>
The first descents are all about getting comfortable, feeling the snow, and dialing in the technique. Along the way, our instructor S\u00f8ren talks with each of us about what we\u2019d like to work on during the trip \u2013 whether it\u2019s 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 S\u00f8ren to give personalized feedback.<\/p>\n

Snacks & water<\/strong>
There\u2019s a small box of snacks and water in the cat, but it\u2019s a good idea to bring your own energy bars and a water bottle from home. No snack shops in the mountains!<\/p>\n

Lunch \u2013 picnic style<\/strong>
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Afternoon \u2013 first \u201csolo run\u201d<\/strong>
Our lead guide shows the line and checks the snow, then we go one by one. S\u00f8ren observes and gives feedback. It\u2019s intense, it\u2019s a learning curve \u2013 and it makes you feel like a freerider!<\/p>\n

16:00 \u2013 Return with the cat<\/strong>
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.<\/p>\n

19:00 \u2013 Dinner & downtime<\/strong>
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 \u2013 and after a full day in the mountains, it\u2019s not unusual for people to head straight to bed after dinner.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t

\n\t\t
\n \t\t
\n \t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n
\n\t
\n \t
\n
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Safety, community & progression<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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, S\u00f8ren gave us individual feedback \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

One evening, S\u00f8ren hosted a session on \u201cthe complete freerider.\u201d<\/em> 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 \u2013 suddenly, I felt prepared on a whole new level.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n\t
\n \t
\n
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Wrapping Up the Adventure<\/h2>\n

After our fourth and final day on skis, most of us felt like true freeriders \u2013 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!<\/p>\n

Heading back to Skopje<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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\u2019s not possible, check-out is in the morning, but there\u2019s always a chance to shower before departure.<\/p>\n

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 \u2013 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\u2019s nightlife.<\/p>\n

Your departure time the next day depends on your flight. Drivers keep track of everyone\u2019s schedules and pick you up around two hours before departure. The airport is only about 15 minutes from the city center.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t

\n\t\t
\n \t\t
\n \t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n
\n\t
\n \t
\n
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

What do you take home from a Catski Development Trip in North Macedonia with DBP?<\/h2>\n

This trip gave me so much more than I could ever have imagined. I was positively surprised on all levels \u2013 from experiencing a different culture where things just flow, to trying catskiing for the very first time.<\/p>\n

“If I could, I\u2019d only go catskiing from now on! It\u2019s honestly the coolest thing I\u2019ve ever tried.”<\/em><\/p>\n

As a freerider, I feel like I\u2019ve 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!<\/p>\n

I honestly can\u2019t wait to go on another off-piste adventure \u2013 I\u2019m 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\u2019t stop hearing about this wild experience. From me, it\u2019s the highest possible recommendation!<\/p>\n

DBP currently offers the following development trips:<\/h2>\n