Freeride Kosovo Cat Skiing
Catski Tour Packages in the Accursed Mountains, Kosovo
Freeride Kosovo maintains the trend in Balkans of combining affordable cat skiing, big mountain freeride ski terrain & a boutique hotel with incredible food. Freeride Kosovo may be new, but it is run by industry & tourism professionals that pride themselves on delivering personalized service and attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of your catski adventure is taken care of.
From the moment you arrive in Prishtina or Skopje, you will be shown the best the region has to offer. Amazing terrain & snow in the Accursed Mountains of western Kosovo are the main menu. But the local culture, hospitality & cuisine are all an important part of a ski experience in this region. With accommodation at the boutique Belle Resort Hotel, you are guaranteed a comfortable rest to prepare for the next day's skiing.
Ski Terrain, Snow & Vertical
The Accursed Mountains in western Kosovo are an exciting destination for freeride skiing. The region offers a unique combination of natural beauty and rugged terrain that is perfect for those who enjoy off-piste powder skiing. The mountain range is relatively remote in winter, meaning that skiers can enjoy the peace and quiet of a natural environment without the crowds.
The tour specifically utilises a 'Freeride Zone' in the mountains near the border with Albania and Montenegro. The area offers three different locations, each offering the opportunity to ski for two to three days on different slopes. Some of the slopes can be up to 4 km long, while the average is 2.5 km. The entire zone is about 4 km wide and very diverse, with terrain features including mountain peaks, open bowls, couloirs & forest. The slopes in this area are mainly north and northeast aspect, ensuring cold, dry snow.
Due to its proximity to the Adriatic Sea, these mountains receive the highest snowfall in southeastern Europe. The snow quality is excellent, as the storms coming from the Atlantic Ocean collect further moisture in the Adriatic Sea before depositing it on the mountain peaks.
Average vertical on the 8-day program is a minimum 3,000m/day and maximum 4,500m for fit, capable groups. The longest run on the tour is approximately 8km. At the end of the day guests can ride in the cat to the valley or ski/snowboard down.
To view the full program and descriptions of the different ski zones visited on the tour, see the Itinerary tab.
Make a Booking Request -->
Guides
The tour operator is fairly new but has a team of experienced local guides and adventure tourism professionals passionate about the Balkans. Supported by top-of-the-line equipment, a new snowcat, snowmobiles, airbag backpacks, tracking anti-avalanche systems, PIIPs, plus satellite navigation and communication devices, you can trust them to provide a safe and unforgettable skiing experience.
Guide to guest ratio whilst skiing is 1:5 when on a weeklong package tour.
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation included on the tour is 7 nights with Freeride Kosovo's partners at Hotel Bele Resort - a family business, proud of its ancestry and its contribution to the development of the region. It is located at 1,100metres above sea level, 10km by road northwest of the town of Desan. The cat skiing terrain is a further 30 to 40-minute transfer each day into the mountains (included in the tariff).
Hotel Bele Resort offers boutique style lodgings and local cuisine served in a charming restaurant within the resort. The experience is embellished by the spectacular views from the resort of the surrounding mountains. The hotel is located in a village with a rich history and includes a small castle dating back to Roman times, and icons drawn in the caves around the village. It is a family business, , paying decent wages.
The accommodation is housed in several small wooden villas, each with a living room and two or three bedrooms (each with two beds). The living rooms are equipped with a fireplace, which provides a wonderful atmosphere for après-ski, games and conversations.
The hotel produces its own electricity, has its own farm and places great emphasis on quality and authenticity of service. The hotel has WiFi and is in the mobile phone coverage area of one of the Kosovar networks.
All meals are included in the tariff, with breakfast & dinner taken at the hotel, and lunch had in the mountains, picnic style. Drinks are available at the hotel for bar prices.
Ski Ability & Equipment
The tours are suitable for fit, strong intermediate or better skiers with previous off-piste powder & mixed snow conditions experience. Participants need to bring their own ski & snowboard gear but are provided with all avalanche safety gear (Airbag, shovel, shovel, probe & beacon).
Location, Flights & Transfers
The hotel & cat skiing zone are located in the Accursed Mountains of western Kosovo near the borders of Albania & Montenegro. The closest major town is Deçan (a.k.a. Desan or Decan). The hotel is 10km by road to the northwest of Deçan, with the skiing further west of the hotel. The closest major airports are at Prishtina, just 85km (1½hr drive) away, and Skopje, 200km (3hr drive) away in North Macedonia. All ground transport from/to Prishtina or Skopje airports & the lodge is included in the package. Prishtina Airport (PRN) & Skopje Airport (SKJ) can be reached via numerous major & minor airports in the UK, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy & Türkiye.
Cat Skiing Package, Single Day or Single Ride?
Whilst the best way to experience the region is on a full week -long tour, there are options for private groups of a single day of cat skiing, or even a single ride to access the incredible backcountry of the region. Full 8-day (i.e. Saturday to Saturday) cat skiing packages are available from late December to mid-April. Packages include all meals, accommodation, return airport transfers, all ground transport during the tour, plus avalanche safety equipment. Single day adventures for private groups include the guides & avalanche safety equipment, plus a ground transfer to the start of the cat skiing.
Make a Booking Request -->
