Ski Adventure Albania & Montenegro
Discover new Ski Areas, Cat Skiing, Culture, & Cuisine
A most adventurous ski trip in our (and soon to be your) favourite corner of Europe - Montenegro & Albania. Skiing & living is just a little different from what you’re used to. No Almdudler drinks, Anton aus Tirol singing, or overpriced, chewy spaghetti. Instead, get ready for rakija, snowmobiles, new ski resorts, and catskiing from a remote mountain hut in the most secluded mountain range of the Balkans.
Highlights
- An immersive & diverse tour with plenty of powder, culture, sights, tastes & nightlife.
- Two full days of guided cat skiing in Albania.
- Two full days of skiing & snowboarding in Montenegro's premium ski resort.
- International border crossing 'on foot' in remote mountains with the assistance of snowmobiles.
- Sightseeing & nightlife tour of Tirana
- Incredible Balkans cuisine and hospitality
- Fully hosted & guided tour with all the logistics, including transport, taken care of.
- A ski & travel adventure so different to a ‘usual’ ski trip in the Alps!
The Journey
The Ski Adventure Albania & Montenegro tour begins with a pickup from Tirana airport or the Tirana city centre in Albania. The tour ends 8-days later in the same spot, but after a night in the city with your new friends! Between that, everything is taken care of so you can just enjoy the adventure. See the day-to-day program via the Itinerary tab.
Tirana
Your journey begins in Tirana, the vibrant capital of Albania. On Sunday afternoon, the group head toward the Montenegrin border. En route to Montenegro’s most modern ski resort a new highway takes you swiftly up to 1,400m, where you arrive at your charming local guesthouse for the next 3 nights.
Kolašin
After a delicious dinner and a good night's rest, Monday morning is your first day on the slopes. The ski resort of Kolašin consists of two interconnected areas. The lifts are brand new and the pistes are freshly groomed. You’ll enjoy forested runs with gentle elevation drops - beautiful trails winding through dense trees. There's plenty to explore. Finish with a drink at the local après-ski before heading back for dinner at the guesthouse.
On Tuesday, we head to the higher pistes, and if the snow conditions are good, we’ll attempt some freeride descents. There are opportunities to hike short sections for better snow. We wrap up the day at Kolašin 1600, where multiple spots offer après-ski snacks and drinks.
Plav & The Border Crossing
From Wednesday, the real off-piste adventure begins. The group follows the Peaks of the Balkans route toward the Albanian border. First, you are driven to the Montenegrin mountain village of Plav, where our friends await with 4x4s to take us deeper into the Prokletije National Park, toward Babino Polje. When the snow is too deep, gear is unloaded and the way continues by foot and snowmobiles - you have to cross the Bogicevica Pass to reach Albania. With only essential gear, you will be guided through deep snow, supported by snowmobiles that carry some luggage. An elevation gain of 500 metres is required, but don’t worry, help is there if you're out of breath!
Doberdol & Cat Skiing
At the summit, you’re rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Dobërdol Valley, and it is possible to see Kosovo, Albania, and Montenegro all at once. Far below lies the remote Albanian mountain huts which will be your home for the next 3 nights. A challenging ski descent is ahead before you can rest. Upon arrival, the local Albanian family welcomes us warmly. Settle by the fire and enjoy a hearty, calorie-rich meal.
On Thursday & Friday it’s time for cat skiing. With a PistenBully, the group is guided to tackle the peaks around Dobërdol, skiing varied terrain between 1,600 and 2,400m altitude. After each descent, you’re picked up again. The cozy cabin of the PistenBully shelters the group as it pushes through deep snow. Your guide ensures safe descents. Cat Ski Albania means two full days of private, untouched runs. These are set to be unforgettable days.
Return to Tirana
On Saturday, the long journey back to Tirana is undertaken: first by PistenBully, followed by a long road transfer with scenic stops along the way. In the evening, we arrive back where we started: Tirana. The die-hards may explore the nightlife; the rest can enjoy some well-earned rest and reflect on another unique Balkan adventure. On Sunday you will be dropped off at the Tirana by lunchtime.
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodations during the tour are usually twin-share in locally owned and run guesthouses, cabins and a hotel in Kolasin, Doberdol & Tirana. Single rooms are possible on some nights - please enquire. In the mountain hut the rooms are shared with most of the group. Half-board is included for the entire tour, always taken at the accommodations. Lunches are eaten whilst underway! There is plenty of time for après ski drinks, wine tasting & sampling the often-abundant nightlife and after-dark activities.
Guides
Your experienced tour host will be with you for the entire tour. Certified guides with extensive knowledge of avalanche safety, mountaineering, first aid and snowpack will lead you on the cat ski days. The tour operator predominantly works with local staff and believes it is important to use local knowledge and to support the local community.
Ski & Snowboard Ability & Gear
This Ski Adventure Albania Montenegro tour is for intermediate to advanced riders preferably with some off-piste experience riding powder.
Bring your all of your own ski & snowboard gear. Ski touring equipment is not required but can be advantageous on day 4.
Transport - Getting There & Away
The tour starts and finishes at Tirana (TIA) Airport in Albania (or city centre) on the first day at 1pm. A pick-up can also be arranged for Podgorica in Montenegro too. The tour includes all transport from the pick-up at Tirana. Tirana (TIA) airport is easily accessible from flight origins throughout Europe, the UK, Türkiye & the Middle-east. At the end of the tour you will be returned to the Tirana city centre or airport for departure.
Ski Adventure Albania & Montenegro Tour Bookings
Solos and small groups are welcome to join one of the fixed-date trips. Make a booking request for the fixed date tour starting Feb 28, 2027 ->
If you have a minimum group size of 5, you can make a booking request for a private, customised ski adventure tour.
About the Tour Operator
Out tour partner Ryce Travel is a foundation dedicated to supporting Community Based Tourism (CBT) and they work predominantly with local partners and guides. As a non-profit tour agency, Ryce supports tourism in developing countries, providing you with an authentic local experience while ensuring that locals earn a decent income. Additionally, Ryce helps to foster local initiatives to grow winter tourism.