Ski North Macedonia With Us
11 Days / 10 Nights | 7 Full Days of Cat Skiing | 3-Star Mountain Lodge
With an option to ski two additional half days in-bounds at an epic North Macedonia ski resort.
Upper Intermediate to Expert Skiers and Snowboarders
If steep and deep is your game, this is your playground.
Adventure, Culture & Connection
Explore a beautiful culture, rip some untouched powder, and build friendships in some of the most unique terrain in the world.
Steve Gallagher -
Rochester, NY
“My first trip with TAP was to North Macedonia. After intense build up for our trip excitement I can say that it did not disappoint. Our first night in Skopje and then we hit the road for the Shar. Our first day on snow was amazing. Our hosts Mihail and Borjan (BO BO) knew exactly what we were looking for. Untracked powder run after run and then providing phenomenal traditional Macedonian food out in the wilderness cat side. Needless to say the skiing was a bonus to the amazing food (and wine as well..after skiing of course). After our time exploring the Shar and all it had to offer we headed for the beautiful capital city of Skopje for a few cultural days. The bazaar, the 8 course meal and wine pairing at the winery and the tour of the old fort were all part of an fantastic experience. Matt and The Adventure Project have left nothing on the table for the guest experience. ”
Inclusions
Exclusions
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7 days of private cat skiing (options to ski 3,000m-6,000m vertical per day).
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1 full-day guided sightseeing tour in Skopje.
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Local guide for cat skiing and an additional guide from The Adventure Project.
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Complimentary rental of avalanche safety equipment (airbag, beacon, shovel, probe), Elan demo skis, and Nidecker snowboards.
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Traditional North Macedonian dinner at Driada restaurant during stay in Popova Sapka.
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Accommodation - 10 nights in 3 and 4-star boutique hotels.
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Transportation to/from Skopje to the accommodation in Popova Sapka mountains.
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Optional tour to the Matka Canyon on the day of departure back to Skopje (entrance fee not included).
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Visit to the Chateau Kamnik Winery for a 5-course wine pairing and dinner.
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Airfares, visas, comprehensive travel insurance, and any required COVID-19 testing.
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Ski touring equipment is not mandatory, but can be used to access some longer runs and the infamous first descent lines!
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Entrance fee to Matka Canyon (optional).
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Lunch and dinner on departure day from Popova Sapka to Skopje.
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Additional ski equipment rentals beyond what’s provided.
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Comprehensive travel insurance (must be valid for COVID travel, includes a high level of medical coverage AND coverage for trip cancellation or delay).
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Taxi to the airport from the hotel in Skopje, at the end of the trip.
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Extra beverages not included above.
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Gratuities for The Adventure Project guides.
Where is North Macedonia?
North Macedonia is in the heart of the Balkans, sharing borders with Albania, Greece, and several other European countries. Just a short flight from major hubs like Austria and Italy, the country is close to well-known European ski destinations but offers a unique mix of terrain, culture, and affordability that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Popova Sapka is Home to Some Of the World’s Best Powder
Every day of your trip, you’ll wake up to miles of powder in the Shar Planina Mountain Range, with a mix of challenging runs and open fields perfect for deep turns. Expect 7 days of cat skiing with no crowds—just you, your group, and 3,000m to 6,000m of vertical skiing daily.
Learn North Macedonian History and Culture
North Macedonians are known for their hospitality—you’ll meet friendly locals excited to share their stories, culture, and traditions with you and our goal is that you leave here feeling like you truly experienced a slice of the Balkan life.
Beyond the slopes, you’ll have a full day to explore North Macedonia’s capital, Skopje’s, rich history with a local, English-speaking guide. One of our favorite things you’ll experience is the city’s Old Bazaar where you’ll see Ottoman-era architecture and have a chance to shop the local markets.
Experience North Macedonian Food and Wine
Expect hearty meals after a day on the slopes. From a traditional North Macedonian dinner at Driada to lunch in Skopje’s Old Bazaar, the food here is an experience on its own. We’ll also enjoy a five-course wine-pairing dinner at one of North Macedonia’s local wineries.
Why Choose North Macedonia Over Other Ski Destinations?
North Macedonia is still flying comfortably under the radar. With some of the best ski conditions in Europe, it hasn’t quite broken into the global ski scene. Combine that with our back country cat skiing experience and you get full days of untracked powder, uncrowded slopes, and an unforgettable ski experience in a culturally-rich destination that remains refreshingly untouched by mass tourism.
Who is This Trip Suitable For?
Upper intermediate with some experience/confidence in powder, all the way to expert skiers and boarders are welcome to join this ski trip.
Touring equipment is not mandatory, but can be used to access some longer runs and the infamous first descent lines! Avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe, airbag) can be provided free of charge, from the cat skiing operation.
Demo skis from Elan and snowboards from Nidecker, can also be provided free of charge. Any other skis, boards, boots etc. can also be rented but at additional charge.
Why The Adventure Project?
Untracked Powder in Unique Locations
We take you to powder-rich destinations that few people know about.
We Handle the Details
From airport pickup to guiding and lodging, we take care of all the logistics.
Small Groups, Real Connections
With a maximum of six guests per guide, you’ll get quality time with our experts and build real connections with others in your group.
Not Sure This is the Trip For You?
Check out some of our other guided ski experiences around the world
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What are the snow conditions typically like in the Tohoku region for skiing?Tohoku gets plenty of snow, thanks to its cold winters and heavy snowfall from both the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean. Expect light, dry powder that's perfect for skiing and snowboarding throughout the season.
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What should I know about backcountry skiing in Tohoku?Backcountry skiing in Tohoku offers beautiful powder-filled slopes and fewer crowds. You should come prepared with full avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe) and complete our avalanche safety training at the start. Our experienced guides lead small groups, but you need to be able to self-rescue if needed.
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What currency is accepted in Tohoku?The local currency is Japanese Yen (JPY). Major cities like Morioka and Aomori have ATMs that accept international cards, but it's a good idea to have some cash for smaller towns and local shops.
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What is the best time of year to ski in Tohoku?Our trips are scheduled in February when Tohoku gets some of its best snowfall and powder conditions. We plan around the peak ski season to make sure you have the best experience.
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What level of skier should I be for this trip?This trip is ideal for intermediate to expert skiers and snowboarders. You should be comfortable with powder and off-piste terrain and ready to tackle varied and sometimes challenging slopes.
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What language is spoken in Tohoku?The main languages are Japanese and local dialects. While English isn’t widely spoken, our guides are fluent in English and will help you throughout the trip.
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Is Tohoku safe for travelers?Yes, Tohoku is generally very safe. It’s a peaceful region with friendly locals. Always follow safety guidelines, especially when skiing in backcountry areas, and stay aware of your surroundings.
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Do I need to rent equipment or bring my own?You can bring your own skis or snowboard, but we also offer equipment rentals at the resorts if you prefer not to travel with your gear. Let us know in advance if you need rentals.
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Are meals included in the trip?Yes, buffet breakfasts are included at all accommodations. Dinners at selected local restaurants, lunches on the mountain, and other meals are not included.
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How do I get to the ski resorts from Tokyo?You'll take the shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo Station to Shin-Aomori Station, then transfer to our private van for pickup and transportation to the resorts.
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Can I join a group if I’m solo?Yes, you can join as a solo traveler. We keep groups small to maintain a personalized experience and help you connect with other skiers and snowboarders.
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What is cat skiing?Cat skiing is a backcountry skiing experience where a snowcat vehicle transports skiers up the mountain which gains you access to fresh powder without the need for ski lifts or hiking. It’s a great way to explore untracked terrain in small groups.
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What should I know about Backcountry Skiing North Macedonia?Backcountry skiing in the Shar Mountains is all about consistent powder, minimal crowds, and diverse terrain. From open fields to steep couloirs and tree runs, this area has it all, without the high-altitude challenges you’ll find in bigger mountain ranges. With fewer skiers and untouched snow, the Shar Mountains are perfect for those looking for a backcountry adventure that feels both secluded and authentic.
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What currency is accepted in North Macedonia?The official currency in North Macedonia is the Macedonian Denar (MKD). Credit cards are accepted in many places, but we recommend having cash for smaller shops, local markets, and rural areas.
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How easy is it to get to Popova Sapka?Popova Sapka is located in the Shar Mountains and is accessible by road from Skopje. We provide transportation from Skopje International Airport to Popova Sapka at the beginning of the trip.
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What to expect from your cat skiing holiday?Expect an adventure-filled week with 7 full days of cat skiing in untracked powder, small group sizes, personalized guiding, and the chance to really experience North Macedonian culture. The trip includes local meals, lodging, and guided sightseeing in Skopje.
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What is the best time of year to ski in North Macedonia?Peak ski season in North Macedonia is January through March, when the Shar Mountains receive consistent snowfall and offer excellent powder conditions. For all our trips, we carefully plan around the best possible snow conditions to make sure our guests experience the best powder and terrain North Macedonia has to offer.
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What level of skier should I be for this trip?This trip is designed for upper intermediate to expert skiers and snowboarders. You should feel confident handling steep, ungroomed terrain and powder conditions.
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Do I need to bring my own gear?You’re welcome to bring your own gear, but we also offer complimentary demo equipment (Elan skis and Nidecker snowboards) and avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe). Additional rentals are available if needed.
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What language is spoken in North Macedonia?The primary language is Macedonian, but many people, especially in tourist areas, speak English. Our guides are fluent in English and can assist with any language needs.
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Is North Macedonia safe for travelers?Yes, North Macedonia is generally safe for travelers. Locals are friendly and welcoming, and our guides are familiar with the region, ensuring a smooth and secure experience.