Eskimo Cat Skiing Packages Overview
Eskimo Freeride is Europe's longest established cat skiing operation. Located in the Sar Mountain Range in North Macedonia, the generally high annual snowfall combine with great terrain to create a powder skiing & snowboarding nirvana the envy of any Eskimo!
Operating out of Macedonia's largest ski resort, Popova Sapka, Eskimo Freeride has up to 7 snowcats to prowl the expansive terrain and enough seats to ensure groups are well matched to ability and terrain. Whilst in no way a 5-star luxury experience, cat skiing in North Macedonia is best for those with an open mind & provides an adventure you are unlikely to forget in a hurry.
Cat ski packages are fully customisable - you can choose how many days and dates. Powderhounds recommend a 4-day package to make the most of the journey between January & the start of March. ‘Last minute‘ bookings are possible to guarantee premium snow conditions!
When you cat ski with Eskimo Freeride, once away from the ski resort, you are in one of the last European wildernesses – no mountain huts with disco tunes serving beer here. The land still has bears (they are seen in early Spring!), wolves, and the ghosts of the forest, lynx. Despite this, you can expect great culinary and local cultural experiences.
Snow & Terrain
The Eskimo Freeride terrain is mainly high alpine meadows with few base obstructions, meaning even in poor snow seasons (or poor snow weeks!) (let’s face it, happens everywhere in the world!) the skiing can be great. But with the region’s highest annual snowfall, chances are conditions will be awesome. We found the snow varied greatly over a 6-day period. From the most perfect powder day ever (& we have seen a few!) to the worst wind-stripped nastiness imaginable. A few days later it was perfect powder again. Such is the nature of freeride in the backcountry.
The terrain includes beautiful mellow terrain for intermediates through to steeps and chutes for experts, plus tree skiing in the lower reaches. There's a whole spectrum of options available - wide open terrains, tree riding, couloirs, cliffs, banks, natural pipe canyons placed on total of 32 square kilometres. From adrenaline rides down the 50° bowls, or chilling in a safe fluffy 30° slope, there is terrain for everyone.
Locally called Shar-planina or Shar (Sar) mountain, the cat ski area spreads for an amazing 1600 square km, raising up to 2747 m at Tito's peak. Pine wood forest extents to about 1700 m, and above that lie approximately 550 square km of high pastures. This is the largest compact area covered with pasture on the European continent, making it a perfect playground for backcountry addicts! Shar Mountain is by evolution considered "old mountain" as opposed to the European Alps which are "young mountains". Because of this, Shar Mountain is the perfect shape for safe, fun and unlimited freeriding.
Eskimo Freeride's operation extends onto the best part of the mountain range from Tito's Peak (2747m) to Jelak and Popova Sapka base at 1687 m. The average daily vertical covered is 4000m per day, which can be dependent on conditions, daylight hours, and the speed and ability of the group.
Skiers and snowboarders must be at least an intermediate level skier or snowboarder. Lower intermediates can be catered for, if part of a larger family group.
Safety
Eskimo Freeride cat skiing puts some emphasis on safety. As an associated member of HeliCat Canada, one of the world's finest associations of mechanized freeride operations, Eskimo follow their standards & procedures. The guides are experts in the local terrain and snow conditions. Terrain options exist for every type of snow and avalanche risk condition. Packages include full avalanche gear (with airbag).
Cat Ski Camping & Night Riding
During Spring, if snow conditions allow, a unique adventure at Eskimo Freeride is to experience cat ski camping. Far from your hotel, you get to ride new terrain and camp where the night sky can be seen in its true brilliance, unlike anywhere in western Europe or the big cities of the world. Cat ski camping also includes night riding sessions with illumination from the snow-cats and powerful headlamps.