Freeride Albania Cat Skiing
Catskiing Adventure in the Remote Accursed Mountains of Albania
Escape the ordinary & join a true catski adventure in the Accursed Mountains based out of the isolated mountain hamlet of Doberdol. Set in mountains previously inaccessible during winter, Freeride Albania promises a thrilling and unique cat skiing experience, with unparalleled access to pristine snow & terrain with professional guidance ensuring both maximum safety and maximum enjoyment. Despite the secluded location a dedicated team of ski and adventure tourism enthusiasts has crafted something truly unique, blending modesty and wildness into a one-of-a-kind experience.
Only a limited number of cat skiing fixed date tour package places are being made available from late January & February. Each tour is only open to 12 guests/tour.
Highlights
- Exclusive & Remote: Being the only operation on the Albanian side of the range, skiers will enjoy a sense of exclusivity and adventure in a remote and peaceful setting.
- Varied Terrain: The diverse terrain caters to skiers of different skill levels, offering everything from gentle slopes to challenging descents.
- Breathtaking Scenery: You will be surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Accursed Mountains, with panoramic views from the ridges and peaks.
- Small Group: One group per tour with a maximum of 12 guests ensures no pressure and a convivial atmosphere.
- Delicious cuisine: The food experience in Albania, like the rest of the Balkans is magnificent, and with all meals included on the tour, be prepared to eat, and eat well.
Make a booking request for the tour date starting on 31st January 2026 ->
Make a booking request for the tour date starting on 31st January 2026 ->
Program
Whilst the cat skiing take place in the mountains of Albania, for ease of access guests will fly into either Pristina (Kosovo) or Skopje (North Macedonia). From the airport a night is spent in the town of Peja (Kosovo) before heading into the mountains for 5½hr days of cat skiing. After the final cat ski day the final night is held back in Peja.
To view the full program, see the Itinerary tab.
Terrain
Freeride Albania offers an exceptional cat skiing experience in Northern Albania amongst the highest peaks within the stunning Accursed Mountains. The base of operations is located in Doberdol, nestled within the picturesque Sublica plateau, right on the border with Kosovo. This unique setting provides an exciting opportunity for adventure seekers to explore a region that was previously inaccessible during the winter months. Terrain features include:
• The base of operations sits at an altitude of 1,800m, while the surrounding ridges range from 2,200 to 2,500m. This elevation provides ample vertical drop for exhilarating runs. For those interested in ski touring, the Gjeravica Peak (2,600m) is reachable from the base.
• The expansive skiing area covers approximately 7 square kilometres with a 14 kilometre wide perimeter. The furthest peak from the base is 4km away, ensuring that skiers can explore a vast and varied terrain each day.
• The primary skiing area around the base forms a horseshoe shape, encompassing a plateau that is surrounded by impressive mountain ridges. This terrain offers a diverse range of skiing opportunities, from gentle slopes on the plateau to more challenging runs on the surrounding ridges.
Since Doberdol has only recently been opened for winter activities, skiers can expect pristine, untouched snow. This offers a rare opportunity to ski in a virtually unexplored winter wonderland.
Snow
The proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and the region's topography contribute significantly to heavy precipitation in the Albanian Alps. In the central and western parts of the range, known as the Accursed Mountains, the average annual precipitation ranges from 2,500 to 3,300 mm. Approximately two-thirds of this amount falls during the colder half of the year, providing a consistent snowpack for at least five months. The elevation of the terrain at Doberdol above 1,800m ensures great conditions during the cat skiing season.
Lodging & Meals
The tour spends the first & last night in twin-share rooms at the highly rated Guesthouse Bora in the Kosovan town of Peja (or Peje). The middle five nights are spent in the mountains in quad-share guesthouse rooms at Guesthouse Leonard in Doberdol. Singel rooms in seperate cabins are also available. All meals from the first night's dinner to the final days breakfast are included in the tour tariff. For more info on food and accommodation, see the Lodging tab.
Location & Transfers
The cat skiing is based in Doberdol at 1,800m, set deep in the mountains of northern Albania near the border with Kosovo. Guests need to arrive at either Prìština (PRN) airport in Kosovo, or Skopje (SKP) airport in North Macedonia. All ground transport on the tour from the moment you are picked up at the airport is included in the package. Ground transport will include 4WDs, snowcats and depending on the road & snow conditions, perhaps some luggage carrying horse-packing plus snowmobiles to get you a little further up the mountain! The journey is all part of the adventure....
Snowcats & Guides
At least two snowcats will be on location for each tour, plus snowmobiles for emergencies and to get to more inaccessible locations.
Guides
The tours are led by certified ski guides who ensure safety and professional guidance while providing an unforgettable skiing & snowboarding experience. The guides are trained in avalanche safety and search techniques and will provide a quick refresher training flor all guests using the provided safety equipment including probes, shovels, transceivers, and avalanche airbags (ARVA).
Ski Ability & Equipment
The cat skiing tours with Freeride Albania are suitable for fit, strong intermediate or better skiers & snowboarders with previous off-piste powder & mixed snow conditions experience.
Participants should bring their own skis or splitboards. All avalanche safety gear (Airbag backpack, shovel, probe & beacon). Freeride skis & snowboards are available for rent, but your own boots are required. Confirm availability before arrival.
Booking & More Info
Make a Booking Request for the tour date starting on 31st January 2026 ->
Make a Booking Request for the tour date starting on 31st January 2026 ->
If you have questions, make a General Booking Enquiry ->