| Duration: | 8 Day(s) - 7 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Ski Touring |
Day 1: WELCOME TO MACEDONIA
As you land at Skopje Airport, a group transfer will be provided to Popova Shapka Ski Resort in the Sharr Mountains. This range forms the southern section of the Via Dinarica mountain trail connecting all Western Balkan countries from Slovenia to North Macedonia — in other words, all former Yugoslav countries plus Albania.
It is the most popular mountaineering and skiing destination in the southern Balkans, with 43 peaks above 2,500 m. The resort where we will stay on the first night lies at an altitude of 1,717 m. (D)
Total drive: 95 km / 1 h 20 min
Day 2: SHAR MOUNTAIN HEIGHTS
In the past, legendary Macedonian mountaineers referred to this range as the “Macedonian Himalayas.” During the Yugoslav era, it was often used for expedition training because of its exposed terrain, seracs, strong winds, altitude variations, and harsh conditions.
Today, we experience this impressive mountain range on a ski-mountaineering adventure high in the clouds.
We start at 1,800 m and take the cable lift to 2,450 m. From here, we attach our climbing skins and head southwest toward Crn Vrv (2,550 m), the summit of Ceripashina Peak.
We continue toward Kazani and Karabunar (2,600 m), then south to Bakardan Peak (2,704 m), where we will stop for lunch and scout our descent lines. Bakardan is a stunning peak, particularly from a ski-mountaineering perspective.
We ski down to the Vakaf flats, then continue another 3 km, pushing across the hopefully sunny plateau to our mountain hut.
In the evening, we transfer to the ski resort of Mavrovo on Bistra Mountain, located in Mavrovo National Park. Dinner will be served by the fireplace in our guesthouse, where we stay overnight.
Total drive: 72 km / 1 h 30 min
Day 3: CHASING SNOW ON MT. BISTRA – MAVROVO NATIONAL PARK
The Mavrovo mountains offer excellent ski touring opportunities. While ski-lift infrastructure is available and useful for gaining elevation, Mount Bistra provides an entire world of ski touring to explore.
Located on the southeastern flank of Mavrovo National Park, with elevations ranging from 1,300 m to 2,169 m, this mountain features high plateaus with around 21 peaks and outstanding backcountry terrain.
Today, we follow the “Chasing Snow” approach: we use the chairlift to gain elevation, attach skins, and explore the highlands searching for the best snow and lines. Depending on conditions, we roam 3–7 km across surrounding peaks, couloirs, north faces, and slopes.
After returning to Mavrovo, we drive southwest to the village of Vevchani at the foothills of Mount Jablanica. Our guesthouse here is one of the best places in the country to enjoy traditional village cuisine along with homemade rakija and wine. Overnight in Vevchani.
Total drive: 96 km / 2 h
Day 4: THE SLOPES OF MOUNT JABLANICA
Mount Jablanica forms a natural border between Macedonia and Albania, linking the western Macedonian mountain massif with Ohrid Lake. It is a paradise for hiking and ski touring, especially when covered in fresh powder.
Today’s starting point will be either Vevchani village (950 m) or Gorna Belica (1,200 m), depending on snow conditions on the access roads.
The route follows forest terrain, gradually rising above the tree line. Good visibility is essential, as the upper mountain can resemble a vast snowfield in foggy weather.
The highest peak, Crn Kamen (2,257 m), has a rocky base and is not ideal without sufficient snow, but nearby peaks offer excellent ski runs, often with good snow until mid-April.
Walking time: 2.5–3 hours from Gorna Belica or about 4 hours from Vevchani.
A short 30-minute drive brings us to the historic lakeside town of Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dinner and overnight in a hotel in Ohrid.
Total drive: 96 km / 2 h
Day 5: OHRID
A relaxing day around Ohrid. In the morning, we take a guided tour of the old town, visiting significant Orthodox churches, the Roman amphitheatre, Tsar Samoil’s medieval fortress, and the icon gallery with masterpieces dating back to the 11th century.
In the afternoon, we drive along the lake to the Bay of Bones archaeological site and the Monastery of St. Naum, associated with the spread of Slavic literacy and the Cyrillic script.
Lunch will be in a small fishing village where we will taste traditional fish broth made with trout and roe. The evening is free to wander the cobbled streets of the old town. Overnight in Ohrid.
Day 6: LAKEVIEW SKIING – GALICICA MOUNTAIN
Today’s ski tour offers remarkable scenery: snowy slopes above the deep blue waters of Ohrid Lake.
We begin around 1,650 m, reached by vehicle (road conditions permitting). The route passes through a beech forest on moderately steep terrain. After about 40 minutes, we reach an opening with views over the lake, which become increasingly spectacular as we climb.
The tour continues through a narrow gorge toward the summit on steeper slopes. Snow conditions vary here due to the lake’s influence, but remain enjoyable for ski touring, telemark skiing, freeriding, or even snowshoeing.
Descent options depend on the weather and snow:
A long meadow descent facing west–southwest toward the lake
Short, steeper north-facing couloirs for advanced riders
In the late afternoon, we drive to Bitola, known for its long urban history and elegant architecture. Enjoy a walk along Širok Sokak street and dinner in one of its restaurants. Overnight in a hotel in Pelister National Park.
Total drive: to mountain 2 × 32 km / 50 min each way + Ohrid–Bitola 73 km / 1 h 40 min
Day 7: PELISTER SKI TOURING / FREERIDE
A short 15-minute drive takes us to the Pelister National Park information center at 1,360 m. From here, we hike through dense Moloka'i pine forest — a unique five-needle pine species typical of this park.
After about 2.5 hours, we reach 2,000 m and continue another 2.5–3 hours across Baba Mountain’s slopes with sweeping views.
From the summit of Pelister (2,601 m), we select our best descent lines toward the villages below.
Optional: For those who prefer more skiing and less climbing, a snowcat ascent can be arranged.
In the late afternoon, we transfer to Skopje, the capital, known for its lively nightlife. Dinner and celebration in a beerhouse in the old town. Overnight in Skopje.
Total drive: to mountain 2 × 6 km / 15 min each way + Bitola–Skopje 175 km / 2 h 20 min
Day 8: LAST DAY
After breakfast, free time until the group transfers to Skopje Airport.
Please note that routes and activities may change depending on weather conditions and participant fitness.
