CAT SKI IN ZAPLLHUXHE VILLAGE REGION OF SHAR MOUNTAINS (NORTHERN SIDE)
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: 4 STAR HOTEL
Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Provided
Transfers included for groups 4 + from Skopje
CAT SKI The Key Information
KOSOVO
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 tour, 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 skiable verticals exceeding 3,500m+. Located near the charming mountain town of Zaplluxhe, the lodge serves as the accommodation and ski-in base at an altitude of 1,550m.
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 from 2,600m+ elevation to the North Macedonia border at 1,550m.
The cat-skiing 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 a new, untouched slope (weather permitting). Daily skiable vertical averages 3,500m, but can increase depending on the group’s ability and weather conditions.
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.
ITINERARY
DAY 1
- Turn on your Out of Office and head to North Macedonia. After settling into your hotel, there’ll be a quick meeting to discuss the next day and a safety demonstration before dinner with the team. Then, settle in for a good night’s sleep before hitting the powder tomorrow.
DAY 2 – DAY 7
- 07:30 Breakfast and daily briefing
- 08:30 Load snowcat and depart
- 09:00 First freeride OH YEAH!
- 12:00 Mountain Lunch
- 16:00 End of skiing, (depends on daylight and strength of group)
- 16:30 Short debrief and make a plan for next days riding
- 19:00 Dinner
DAY 5 – DAY 8
- Sadly it’s time to head home, or a visit to the city of Skopje or other local places of interest (not included).
PRICES
Per person rates:
- 4 nights, 3 days cat skiing – £940
- 5 nights, 4 days cat skiing – £1175
- 6 nights, 5 days cat skiing – £1410
- 7 nights, 6 days cat skiing – £1645
There are no set dates for this adventure, you can choose these. Only suitable for those 13 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 ski resort of Popova Sapka can be easily reached from several surrounding airports. 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 for groups of 4 or more from Skopje airport. For smaller groups or non Skopje transfers options are available (see Optional Extras)
AIRPORT OPTIONS
- Skopje (North Macedonia) 93 km, 1h 20mins
- Ohrid (North Macedonia) 140km, 2h 30mins
- Prestina (Kosovo) 150km, 2h
- Thessaloniki (Greece) 320km, 4h
- Sofia (Bulgaria) 300km, 4h 30mins
UK and EU citizens are allowed into Macedonia without the need for a visa at time of writing.
FOOD & ACOMMODATION
Base camp for your cat ski ride 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, and gym. There is table tennis and even an onsite masseuse to work your tired muscles. Plus WiFi throughout the hotel for those who need to remote work in between skiing.
DAY 1 (arrival)
- 3-course evening meal
DAY 2 – DAY 7
- Breakfast
- Mountain lunch
- Cat ski snacks & drinks to help yourself to during the day
- 3-course evening meal
DAY 5 – DAY 8 (departure)
- Breakfast
The portions are generous, all the food is freshly made on site and any dietary requirements can be met – just tell us any preferences when you arrive.
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 hotel.
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 6000m elevation gain daily. You may even feel some small effects of the altitude with some of the peaks reaching over 2700m. 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 4* hotel in Popova Sapka
- MEALS: full board – breakfast, mountain lunch, 3-course dinner and snacks in the snowcat
- 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 in hotel
- RENTAL EQUIPMENT: we have freeride skis, snowboards and ski touring equipment for rental if you don’t want to bring your own – €25 per day
- SERVICING: ski & snowboard equipment servicing available
- DRINKS: alcoholic drinks available at bar prices (not included with meals)
- AIRPORT TRANSFER: return transfer from Skopje for groups of 4 + are included.
- Skopje (North Macedonia). Up to 3 – €100 each way
- Ohrid (North Macedonia). Up to 3, return – €TBC
- Prestina (Kosovo). Up to 3, return – €TBC
- Thessaloniki (Greece). Up to 3, return – €TBC
- Sofia (Bulgaria). Up to 3, return – €TBC
- EXTRA NIGHTS: hotel only without cat skiing – €65 pp/night
- MASSAGES: available in the hotel
- 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 – €30
NOT INCLUDED
- FLIGHTS: Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel.
- TRANSFERS: For groups of 4 or more free transfers from Skopje 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 including with meals are not included, there is a bar where these can be purchased.
- 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 North Macedonia 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 North Macedonia 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 hotel will keep you snug and warm during the evenings. The snowcat cabin also provides some shelter but is not heated.
