Backcountry Skiing in Macedonia: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Macedonia is a country in Southern Europe, bordering Greece to the south, Bulgaria to the east, Albania to the west, and Kosovo and Serbia to the north. The capital, Skopje, is home to a quarter of the country’s total population (around two million) and is located near its northern border with Kosovo. The rugged landscape is defined by mountains, rivers, and lakes, including Lake Ohrid at the southeastern edge of the country. The Sar Mountains along the border with Kosovo serve as a steep and exciting playground for backcountry skiers. Other skiing destinations include the nearby Popova Sapka and the western Mavrovo. The high peaks, picturesque valleys, and meandering rivers all benefit from their remote locations, ensuring untouched snow and long, thrilling runs.

Popova Sapka!

Tetovo is within 50 kilometers of the capital, so getting to the most popular ski resort is as easy as a bunny hill. The wilderness terrain of the Sar Mountains defines the off-piste runs, with ridges and gullies for the most grizzled veterans. Ski Championships from across Europe have been hosted here, and they welcome backcountry skiers: groups and tours are often established to explore the surrounding area.

Road Less Traveled!

While resorts like Popova Sapka and Mavrovo dominate Macedonian skiing, not many people make their way to this relentlessly beautiful country. The best locations know this, and take pride in creating tours in the remote and untracked snow of the region. You will find yourself on a personal journey loaded with lakes, rivers, and snow-blanketed meadows that have rarely been seen. This stretches far beyond your typical ski trip.

Efficiency!

Because of the landscape, Macedonia has learned how to host a true wilderness adventure. From the Kosovo border of the Sar all the way down to Pelister Peak, you will find a way to get to the best snow and terrain in the mountains. Catskiing is available to find those tough-to-reach places, and a rope-railway provides a 35-minute ride to the top of Popova Sapka. Take in the scenery, from the ancient mountains surrounding you to the pristine glacial lakes.

The transitional climate from Mediterranean to continental makes for cold, snowy winters in the mountains. Summers tend to be short cold at high altitudes as well. The rest of the country has hot, dry summers and moderate winters.

Macedonian

Macedonian denar (MKD)

Skopje International Airport connects Macedonia not just to other regional cities like Instanbul, Zagreb, and Rome, but also to London, Munich, and Malmo. A train also runs between Ljubljana and Thessalonika with stops across the country. Roads are reliable to neighboring Bulgaria and Albania, so regional bus transportation is cheap and efficient.

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The snow reaches prime conditions in the heart of winter, so January, February, and March are the best times to visit.