Balkans Cat Ski Safari Package
Overview
The Balkans Cat Ski Safari is one of the most awesome snow adventures in Europe. Combining awesome cat-skiing with the classic road trip, the all-inclusive Balkans Cat Ski Safari takes in three snowcat operations; two in North Macedonia & one in Kosovo. The safari is fully hosted from start to finish by a wonderful local team that will ensure a great time for all. The region is known for its magnificent food & hospitality which is the perfect accompaniment to the powder-laden mountain freeride experience.
After flying into the North Macedonian capital of Skopje (see how to get to Skopje here) (or alternatively Pristina, Sofia or Thessaloniki airports), you will head north to Kosovo & the Brezovica ski resort for 2 days with Dane Freeride. From there you will go to Popova Shapka in the Shar Mountains National Park, where you will ride in Shar Outdoors own cat skiing backyard, based in the 4-star Hotel Scardus. For the finale, journey further south to the border with Greece at Pelister National Park, where the SF Freeride crew will show you magnificent alpine playground (& perhaps a few rakija shots as well!).
All guiding, accommodation, meals, are included in the Balkans cat ski safari, allowing the group to simply switch off & enjoy the ride through this intriguing part of the world. For many, the trip will be a unique voyage of discovery into places that most skiers & snowboarders will never have dreamed of.
For details on the full program, see the Itinerary tab.
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Snow & Terrain
The 3 cat ski operations on the safari are in the snowiest parts of the Balkans. Terrain is generally between 1,800m & 2,600m, guaranteeing snow cover. As with mountains everywhere, the wind can play a massive part in the prevailing snow conditions, but all the ski locations have options to make the most of the conditions.
The terrain is predominantly north-aspect at Brezovica & Pelister, with multiple aspects (east, north, and west facing) in the Shar Mountains at Popova Shapka. Whilst the skiable vertical at each location can be as much as 1,600m on a valley descent in Brezovica, each run is generally 500-800m vertical. At above 1,800m, the terrain is predominantly high alpine peaks, ridges, chutes, meadows & bowls. At Pelister & Brezovica, the high alpine gives way to light & then heavy trees, allowing for fun skiing & riding even in poor visibility.
Accommodation & Food
Accommodation utilised on the tour ranges from 4-star hotels to cosy mountain huts, depending on the groups wants and needs. Food is a highlight of the tour and something you will not forget ....ever! For more details on accommodation & food, see the Lodging tab.
Snowcats
Each of the cat ski operations visited on the Balkans Cat-ski Safari has at least 3 modern & comfortable snowcats capable of seating 14 people. One snowcat is held in reserve to cover any unforeseen issues (cat-skiing is tough on these machines!). Most (but not all) snowcats have safe side entry doors & side mounted ski storage.
