North Macedonia skiing adventure: Road trip and ski-touring in FYROM

Jan 09, 2020 BY Luke Rees

Fancy joining a ski expedition to a less well known corner of Europe? Then check out this North Macedonia skiing adventure by Snowbusters. It is a combination of road trip and ski-touring in FYROM.

North Macedonia skiing adventure at titovvrv image from snowbusters

This is the first group trip to Macedonia by Snowbusters. As such they are offering 25% off the cost for anyone joining them. This first trip will be a proper adventure and expedition into the unknown. So why not grab yourself a bargain and a really good time?

A quick geography lesson! FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) was formed after the breakup of the old Yugoslavia. Macedonia is also a region in Greece who objected to the new country having the same name. The naming dispute with Greece was only recently settled and from 2019 FYROM became North Macedonia.

North Macedonia skiing adventure: Why?

Macedonia is not the first place you would consider for a backcountry ski touring or splitboarding trip. But the Macedonian mountains have an enviable snow record and plenty of opportunity for epic descents in powder.

North Macedonia skiing adventure at popovasapka Macedonia image from Snowbusters

A lack of local freeriders and limited ski tourism means the mountains are almost an untouched playground. And when you combine the ski-touring opportunities with everything else North Macedonia has to offer you are in for a real treat.

Macedonia’s varied cuisine is stunning, locals are very friendly and you can expect low prices. A North Macedonia skiing adventure gives you the chance to visit this less well known country and to explore its mountains before word gets out.

Road trip and ski-touring in FYROM

This two week SnowBusters ski expedition in North Macedonia will show you the best skiing, and backcountry adventures the country has to offer. There will be some time in ski resorts and exploring lift-accessed backcountry. But the bulk of the time will be skinning in remote locations.

ski touring in Macedonia Image provided by Snowbusters

During this road trip and ski-touring in FYROM you’ll visit four different Macedonian destinations. You will get to know this interesting country and its melting pot of different cultures.

Ski-touring in Macedonia is not easy. You should be experienced and be in good fitness. Tiredness will play a role so rest days or some resort skiing will be planned to give your legs a break.

As this is the first Snowbusters trip to North Macedonia the exact itinerary will be developed as we go. So this trip is part exploration! Of course every plan is subject to the snow conditions, weather and the group’s ability and fitness level.

Arriving and departing from Skopje – which is worth visiting for a day or two – all your transport on this road trip while ski-touring in FYROM is included. A local fully qualified mountain guide will be with you the whole time along with one of the Snowbusters team.

Road trip and ski-touring in FYROM in popovasapka Macedonia image courtesy of Snowbusters

North Macedonia ski-touring expedition

This North Macedonia skiing adventure visits four destinations spread around the country:

Popova Shapka

First stop is the Šar (or Sharr) Mountains in the north of the country. Based in a rustic mountain hut on the slopes of Popova Sapka ski resort it’s a great place to get your ski legs going. The ski area only has 20 km of pistes, but it’s nine lifts will help you access the surrounding backcountry.

There is excellent touring in the area with plenty of options depending on the groups experience and conditions. Tours of 6 to 10 hours gaining around 1000m are possible with exciting descents to enjoy.

North Macedonia skiing adventure at popovasapka Macedonia image courtesy of Snowbusters

Mavrovo

Another ski resort in Northern North Macedonia, with 25 km of slopes and 14 lifts. You will stay in a basic but comfortable ski hut with great access to Mavrovo National Park. The terrain is easier for touring, with steady approaches to some moderately steep couloirs and interesting features.

A full day touring on Mount Korab – a short drive away – is part of the plan. Here you will find possibly the best line in Macedonia. The descent includes a 5 km long gully with a vertical difference of 860m and an average steepness of 25 to 30 degrees.

Mount Pelister

Next up in the south of the country is Macedonia’s third highest peak – Mount Pelister (aka Baba Mountain). The 2601m peak has a prominence of over 1500m making it a stunning and hugely rewarding climb.

ski touring in popovasapka Macedonia Image provided by Snowbusters

There are a range of tours here to enjoy during this North Macedonia skiing adventure. The descents from Mount Pelister are long and varied, often with lots of powder. On the lower slopes there is excellent skiing through the forest. In bad weather Kopanki ski resort is nearby.

Jablanica Mountains

The final destination on this road trip ski-touring in FYROM is an undiscovered gem. The Jablanica Mountains on the border with Albania reach up to 2,257m. This area is still below the ski radar even by the low key Macedonian standards – so you can be one of the pioneers!

Based in a small village at the foot of the mountains there are some exceptional areas to tour with options for all conditions. The Jablanica Mountains have challenging couloirs and steep faces, there is also moderately steep slopes and plenty of tree skiing.

Road trip and ski-touring in FYROM in popovasapka Macedonia image from Snowbusters

Road trip and ski-touring in North Macedonia: Logistics

Snowbusters will cover all of your transport and accommodation (unless you choose to stay in Skopje). They will pick you up from the airport and drop you back at the end of the trip.

Food is not included on this North Macedonia skiing adventure. You can cook for yourself or communally as part of the group. Alternatively there are many cheap restaurants serving delicious Macedonian food.

A road trip and ski-touring in FYROM with Snowbusters will be a proper adventure. Why not join them on their first expedition to Macedonia and help to blaze the trail for future tours?

This North Macedonia skiing adventure with Snowbusters usually costs €1990. But as the first trip they will be charging just €1490. So grab yourself a bargain using the discount code MACEDONIA25 plus an adventure and join this ski-touring expedition in Macedonia. Visit: www.snowbusters.eu/macedonia

 
Jablanica Mountains, Kopanki, Mavrovo, Mount Korab, Mount Pelister, North Macedonia, Popova Shapka, Sar Mountains, Skopje
Skiing
Backcountry, Freeride, Off Piste, Road Trip, ski touring
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