SNOMADS 2023 CATSKI CAMPS, north MACEDONIA
Snowcat skiing in North Macedonia has grown in popularity in the last few years. The natural make up of the Shar mountain plateau allows easy, high point access across a huge 150 sq km playground.
While well known ski resorts across Europe can be overcrowded, freeriding in Macedonia is a totally different experience. Jump in the back of the snowcat and there’s a feeling that anything is possible.
Daily fresh lines up to 850 vertical meters are the norm during your stay. From wide open faces and steep couloirs to natural pipes and delicious pine forests, the Shar terrain is the gift that keeps giving whatever the weather.
All guides have a minimum of six years guiding experience and are avid freeriders. Two guides are always provided for each Snowcat group (one front and one tail guide for optimal safety).
Additionally, we provide you with all necessary safety equipment such as an avalanche transceiver beacon and ABS avalanche bag included in the price.
For more information on Snowcat skiing in North Macedonia, check out our magazine.
ITINERARY
- 07:30 Breakfast and daily briefing
- 08:30 Meet at the Snow cat and Go
- 09:00 First freeride (OH YEAH!)
- 12:00 Mountain Lunch
- 16:00 End of skiing, also depends on daylight and strength of group
- 16:30 Short debrief and make a plan for next days riding
- 19:00 Dinner
JANUARY CAMP & RIDE WITH A PRO
- 2023 CAMP DATES: 15th – 20th/22nd JANUARY
- 4 PLACES LEFT
Tyler Chorlton is a 34 year old pro snowboarder, originally from the UK, recently living in Andorra. He has travelled the world as a professional snowboarder and has always been known for his supreme backcountry technique. Tyler will join you in the cat all week, a one off opportunity to ride with the best!
- An evening talk and Q&A with Tyler
- Tips in the Cab, Tyler will be on hand during the whole trip with tips and tricks
- Building the perfect backcountry Kicker. A lunchtime mountain activity will show you how to build a great backcountry booter!
- Movie Night, Snomads Pop up cinema showing our favourite Winter films
- Solo and small group friendly
- Places are limited so get in fast!
FEBRUARY CAMP & EQUIPMENT TEST
- 2023 CAMP DATES: 5th – 10th/12th FEBRUARY
- 8 PLACES LEFT
Test out the newest freeride equipment by Elan and Nidecker while cat skiing and exploring the wilderness of North Macedonia. Bring your friends over and enjoy an unforgettable Winter adventure, or come solo and join a group of like minded adventurers!
- Trip includes a test and try day; the newest freeride skis from Elan and snowboards from Nidecker for a days cat skiing
- More exciting equipment to come, stay updated on our social channels
- Solo and small group friendly
- Places are limited so get in fast!
MaRCH CAMP & EQUIPMENT TEST
- 2023 CAMP DATES: 19th – 24th/26th MARCH
- 13 PLACES LEFT
Test out the newest freeride equipment by Elan and Nidecker while cat skiing and exploring the wilderness of North Macedonia. Bring your friends over and enjoy an unforgettable Winter adventure, or come solo and join a group of like minded adventurers!
- Trip includes a test and try day; the newest freeride skis from Elan and snowboards from Nidecker for a days cat skiing
- More exciting equipment to come, stay updated on our social channels
- Solo and small group friendly
- Places are limited so get in fast!
MARCH WOMEN'S CAMP
- 2023 CAMP DATES: 26th – 31st MARCH
- 8 PLACES LEFT
The first ever cat assisted freeride camp exclusively aimed at Women. Some aspects of backcountry skiing & snowboarding are super male dominated, and that needs to change! Our aim is to be at the forefront of inclusion within the freeride community.
- Daily wind down yoga and meditation will be the norm
- Tips from some of the best guides around
- Movie Night, Snomads Pop up cinema showing our favourite Winter films
- Solo and small group friendly
- Places are limited so get in fast!
PRICES
- 4 days of cat skiing (5 night camp) full-board – £999 pp
- 6 days of cat skiing (7 night camp) full-board – £1420 pp
SEASON
- Camps in January, February & March
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Full board accommodation (breakfast, mountain lunch & dinner) excluding alcoholic drinks
- Certified and experienced guides
- Safety equipment: ABS avalanche bag, transceiver beacon, probe & shovel
- Return airport transfers to *Skopje*Pristina*Ohrid*Thessaloniki*Sofia minimum 8 people. For smaller groups there is an additional cost
- 3000plus vertical meters per day (depending on weather conditions & group strength, up to 6000m is possible
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
- Rental equipment, we have freeride skis, snowboards and ski touring equipment for rental if you don’t want to bring your own
- Ski & Board equipment servicing on request
additional information
Accommodation, Travel & Safety
WHERE YOU STAY
Base camp for your cat ski freeride adventure is the 4* hotel in the resort Popova Sapka at the top of the Shar mountains.
The hotel has a well stocked bar, restaurant, ski room, laundry service and Spa centre which includes two saunas, swimming pool, gym and table tennis. There is even an onsite masseuse to work your tired muscles and high speed WiFi throughout the hotel for those who need to remote work in between skiing.
GETTING THERE
Popova Shapka can be easily reached from many surrounding airports, Skopje & Ohrid in North Macedonia, Pristina in Kosovo, Thessaloniki in Greece and Sofia in Bulgaria. Several airlines serve the airport from all major destinations in Europe and the U.K. From experience Wizz Air provide some the most affordable fairs. Transfers are included for groups of 8 or more from the listed airports. UK and EU citizens are allowed into Macedonia without the need for a visa.
SAFETY
All riding will be done with at least two experienced freeride guides. On the evening of arrival there will be a safety presentation on how to use the safety equipment and how the riding will run. You need to be a confident on off piste terrain and of a good fitness level. The guides will base all runs around the groups ability.