CAT SKI IN ZAPLLHUXHE VILLAGE REGION OF SHAR MOUNTAINS (NORTHERN SIDE), KOSOVO

The vast majority of the runs in Kosovo’s share of the Shar are North facing. They start from 2400m up to over 2700m. The cat-skiing freeriding terrains are enormous, and include tree runs for those whiteout days. One thing is guaranteed – you will NEVER run the same lines for the whole week.

Based just North of Zaplluxhe village, just an hour and 20 minutes from Prishtina International Airport. A modern mountain lodge stands, ready to serve as your a cat skiing base. A new lodge with stunning views, traditional local cuisine, and a snow cat at your doorstep.

Daily fresh lines and up to 6000 meters elevation gain are the norm during your stay in the Shar terrain. No matter the weather conditions, the feeling of freedom in this freeriding paradise is unmatched.

Overview

Kosovo

4 or 7 Nights

Difficulty: MODERATE

Suitability: AGE 20+

Base: MOUNTAIN LODGE

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Provided

Transfers included from Prishtina International Airport

CAT SKI The Key Information

KOSOVO

THIS PAGE IS CURRENTLY IN BETA, SOME DETAILS WILL BE MISSING

The Skarpa Lodge in the beautiful Shar Mountains of Kosovo. Is a hidden gem that offers an amazing blend of exploration, comfort, and adventure. Imagine this: a newly renovated lodge nestled amidst vast, untouched terrain. It’s an affordable option and hosts a small number of guests per cat, making it a great choice for those looking for an unforgettable experience for the first time, or those experienced powder hunters.

The cat ski terrain boasts runs up to 7km long and daily elevation gain of 3,500m+, but can increase depending on the group’s ability and weather conditions. Located near the charming mountain town of Zaplluxhe, the lodge serves as your accommodation and ski-in base at an altitude of 1,550m. The cat ski waits on the doorstep of the lodge.

The terrain is a skier and snowboarder’s paradise. The Sharr Mountains are known for their generous winter storms, resulting in terrain with excellent snow conditions. The terrain spans a massive rolling plateau of peaks and valleys, extending up to 2,600m+ elevation. The terrain covers over 3,500 hectares and boasts more than 40 named descents. Options include expansive open bowls, leisurely descents, steep powder lines, and couloirs. Runs extend up to 7km+, with a maximum skiable vertical of 700m at altitudes between 1,800 and 2,500m. Each day features at least seven or more runs on new, untouched slopes (weather permitting).

While the high alpine is largely treeless, some lower slopes, particularly near the lodge, feature light trees, allowing runs in poor visibility conditions. These ‘Forest Runs’ are a must-try for misty mountain days with limited visibility.

SNOMADS GUIDE TO CAT SKIING

ITINERARY

7 NIGHT STAY:

DAY 1 (SUNDAY)

Turn on your Out of Office and head to Prishtina International Airport, Kosovo.
There are two private buses from the airport to the lodge: 12 noon and 5pm.
After settling into the lodge there’ll a quick meeting to discuss plans and a safety. demonstration, before dinner with the team.
Settle in for a good nights sleep before hitting the powder tomorrow.

DAY 2 – DAY 7 (MONDAY-SATURDAY)

08:00 Breakfast
09:00 First freeride OH YEAH!
13:00 Mountain lunch, or later lunch at loge after skiing
15:30 End of skiing (depends on daylight and strength of group)
16:00 Late lunch at lodge, if no mountain lunch
19:00 Dinner

SATURDAY EVENING

Night out to Prizen city (about 30 mins drive) for some great bars, first round is on us!

DAY 8 (SUNDAY)

Sadly it’s time to head home. After breakfast you will be picked up around 11:00 for the ride back to Prishtina Airport

4 NIGHT STAY:

As above with Departure Wednesday

PRICES

Per person rates:

4 nights, 3 days cat skiing – £990
7 nights, 6 days cat skiing – £1720

This adventure runs on set dates, all stays start with Sunday arrival. Only suitable for those 20 years old or over. Solos to groups welcome.

BOOKING

To book your trip, simply click Book Now. Please include your preferred dates and party size in the booking form.

We’ll confirm your booking with the provider for the requested dates and availability. If your preferred dates aren’t available, we’ll offer you the closest available option.

To secure your stay, the full balance is required upon confirmation of your dates.

GETTING THERE

The Sharpa Lodge can be easily reached from regional airports, principally Pristina or Skopje. Numerous airlines serve these airports from all corners of Europe including the UK. Based on experience Wizz Air offer some the most affordable fairs.

Transfers are included from Prishtina International airport. These will leave Prishtina at 12noon and 5pm. Non Prishtina transfers options are also available (see Optional Extras)

AIRPORT OPTIONS

Prishtina (Kosovo) 98km, 1h 20 mins
Skopje (North Macedonia) 127 km, 2h 30mins
Thessaloniki (Greece) 360km, 5h
Sofia (Bulgaria) 347km, 5h 30mins

UK and EU citizens are allowed into Kosovo without the need for a visa at time of writing.

DIFFICULTY RATING

This trip has been rated as MODERATE

You need to be confident skiing off piste without assistance. As well as having a good level of fitness.

You do not need to have tried cat skiing before, if you haven’t, don’t worry! You’ll be in the hands of experienced and qualified local guides who know the area intimately and will guide you safely each day, choosing routes based on conditions and their assessment of the groups ability.

Off piste skiing can be very tiring. If you feel ‘done’ before others you are welcome to ride in the snowcat instead of skiing at any point in the day. Alternatively if you decide to have a day off you are welcome to stay in the lodge.

The majority of the routes will be open mountainsides without any cover. If white out conditions occur there are also tree lined areas.

You’ll need to be ready for up to seven hours activity each day, and with up to 5000m elevation gain daily. You may even feel some small effects of the altitude with some of the peaks reaching over 2600m. However, weather conditions permitting, your guide will modify the routes to ensure they are appropriate and that you have the best experience in the mountains.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

CAT SKIING: up to 6 full days of guided cat skiing, with up to 6000m elevation gain each day, depending on weather conditions & group strength
ACCOMMODATION: up to 7 nights accommodation at Skarpa Lodge
MEALS: full board – breakfast, mountain or lodge lunch, 3-course dinner, and snacks in the snowcat (TBC), 1 free beer included with lunch and evening meals
AVALANCHE SAFETY GEAR: Including airbag backpack, shovel, probe & transceiver beacon. You are welcome to use your own if you have it
GUIDING: 2 guides per snowcat (max guide to guest ratio 1:7)
SMALL GROUPS: maximum 14 guests per snowcat

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

All below extras to be paid for on arrival
RENTAL EQUIPMENT: freeride skis, snowboards and ski touring equipment is available for rental if you don’t want to bring your own – €TBC per day
SERVICING: ski & snowboard equipment servicing available
DRINKS: alcoholic drinks available at bar prices (one beer available with lunch and evening meal)
AIRPORT TRANSFER: return transfers from Prishtina International are included.
- Skopje (North Macedonia) – €40 pp each way
- Thessaloniki (Greece) – € upon request
- Sofia (Bulgaria) – € upon request
SINGLE ROOMS: prices are per person, based on shared rooms 2-3 in each. For those wanting a solo room or those travelling alone a single room charge per night applies – (TBC)

NOT INCLUDED

FLIGHTS: Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel.
TRANSFERS: Free transfers from Pristina airport are included. For smaller groups or transfers from other airports transfers can be organised at competitive prices, see optional extras.
INSURANCE: Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
DRINKS: Alcoholic drinks are limited to one per lunch and one per evening dinner. Further drinks are available to purchase.
VISAS: Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice. UK & EU visitors do not need a visa for Kosovo at time of writing.

SAFETY

All riding will be done with at least two experienced guides. On the evening of arrival there will be a safety briefing on how to use the safety equipment and how the riding will run. The guides will base all runs around the groups ability and weather conditions.

SEASON & WEATHER

Cat skiing in Kosovo is possible December – April
Exact dates will be condition dependent
It goes without saying the mountains will be cold in winter, with snowfall common from December through to April. Daytime temperatures in the mountains will likely be around -10°C up to 0°C, but can drop lower at the higher elevations. You’ll need to bring adequate winter ski clothing and warm layers, but the lodge will keep you snug and warm during the evenings. The snowcat cabin also provides some shelter but is not heated.

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