2024 North Macedonia Cat Skiing Program
Join us in January or March 2024 for an exciting cat skiing trip to the Shar Mountains in North Macedonia! Experience untouched powder, amazing food, friendly locals and unique culture in this affordable, small group program.
This will be a 10-night, 11-day (airport to airport) trip. Guests will enjoy 7 full days of cat skiing, in the Shar mountains, with an option to ski two more half days in the resort on the 1st and 9th days of the trip. The trip will end with 2 nights and 1 full day exploring the major cultural sites of Skopje before returning to their home countries on the 11th day.
Nearly everything is included in this trip, there are very few exclusions for this trip and we feel that this is one of the most competitively priced, small group, private cat skiing options currently available. It is certainly our best value for money program on offer.
This trip will also feature a strong dose of Macedonian culture. You’ll get to eat a lot of the local food, meet the friendly locals and visit some of the culturally significant sights in Skopje (local tour guide included). You’ll enjoy a winery tour and meal and get to explore the Old Bazaar in Skopje (lunch included), before heading back to your home country.
Deposit
$1,000 USD per person, non-refundable. By sending in your deposit, then you agree to all terms written in the Terms and Conditions on our website. As soon as you have sent in your deposit, you must purchase your travel insurance. Travel insurance is mandatory for all guests.
Final Payment
The remaining balance for all sessions is due before November 1st, 2023.
Payment
Payment of the deposit/final balance can be made by check, money order, bank transfer, international wire, Venmo or Zelle. Payment instructions will be sent out prior to transfer of funds.
Availability
1 x groups for the January session and 2 x groups for the March session, with a minimum of 6 guests (maximum of 10) per session, with 2 x 11-day sessions on offer starting in January. Custom dates can be available on request, but prices might be higher.
Ability
Upper intermediate with some experience/confidence in powder, all the way to expert, skiers and boarders. 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.
Dates
There will be 2 sessions on offer in January and March 2024. Custom dates can be available to groups of 6 or more people, depending on availability (prices may differ though). Dates and bookings are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
1. Sunday 7th January – Wednesday 17th January 2024. (Skiing days 8th – 14th Jan)
2. Friday 15th March – Monday 25th March 2024. (Skiing days 16th – 22nd Mar)
Costs
Pricing* is based on the number of people in the group. The more people, the lower the price.
6 – 7 pax: Twin-share or double room - $4,865 USD per person, single room - $5,055 USD per person.
8 – 9 pax: Twin-share or double room - $4,335 USD per person, single room - $4,525 USD per person.
10 + pax: Twin-share or double room - $4,015 USD per person, single room - $4,205 USD per person.
*Pricing is not finalized until all members of the group have paid their final balances.
Early Bird Discount
Please take $100 USD per person off the above prices if you are able to book before June 30th 2023. The $1,000 deposit must be received before then to qualify for the discount.
Inclusions
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This is a 11 day/10-night trip with 7 days of private cat skiing and 1 full day guided sightseeing tour of Skopje.
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8 night’s accommodation at the 3-star Hotel Scardus or the Scardus Jnr lodge next door. Includes all breakfast, lunches (outside whilst skiing) and dinners.
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7 days private cat skiing with a minimum of 6 guests. The cat can hold 12 to 14 people normally. Runs are 500m to 800m vertical in length (1,640ft to 2,625ft). You can ski or ride between 3,000m to 6,000m vertical per day (9,840ft to 19,685ft). Longer runs can be attained for those wishing to hike and first descents are possible.
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1 x local guide for cat skiing operation plus 1 x guide from The Adventure Project.
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Complimentary rental of avalanche safety equipment for those that need it (airbag, beacon, shovel, probe). Complimentary use of Elan demo skis and Nidecker snowboards.
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Traditional Macedonian dinner at Driada restaurant during stay in Popova Sapka.
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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 (https://chateaukamnik.com/) for a 5-course wine pairing and dinner.
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2 nights’ accommodation in Skopje at 4-star hotel (Alexander Square Boutique Hotel), includes breakfast.
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English-speaking tour guide for a full-day tour around Skopje and the Old Bazaar.
Exclusions
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Airfares
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Visas
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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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Lunch on the day of departure from Popova Sapka to Skopje.
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Entrance fee to Matka Canyon.
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Lunch and dinner on last night of stay in Skopje.
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Other rental skis/boards/boots/poles (pricing is available on request).
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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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COVID-19 testing and any extra days of hotel accommodation extension.
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Gratuities for The Adventure Project guides.
For more detailed information, please contact us at matt@theadventureproject.net.....