Popova Shapka

THE SHAR MOUNTAIN SHIFT: MACEDONIAN CAT-SKI EXPEDITION


Backcountry Skiing

Category

8 days

Duration

Advanced

Experience

Intense

Fitness

From 1 to 12

Participants


What you'll do

Trade the crowded resorts for the raw, silent beauty of the Shar Mountains, one of Europe’s last great wilderness frontiers. In the heart of North Macedonia, this expedition is a love letter to deep powder and the spirit of exploration.

We’ve designed the perfect hybrid adventure: two days of pure cat-skiing adrenaline to find the deepest stashes, followed by four days of cat-assisted touring to reach the most remote, untouched ridges in the Balkans. Based out of Popova Shapka, you’ll spend your days chasing 3,000 vertical meters of descent across a playground of limestone peaks, open bowls, and perfectly spaced glades. With the snowcat acting as your high-altitude elevator, you’ll save your legs for the most rewarding backcountry lines, guided by experts who know every secret couloir in the range. Beyond the descent, this is a journey into the soul of Macedonian mountain culture. When the sun sets over the peaks, you’ll retreat to a 4-star mountain lodge to soothe tired muscles in the spa and sauna. Evenings are spent sharing stories over hearty local cuisine and Rakija, surrounded by the warmth of authentic Balkan hospitality.

Whether you are looking to sharpen your technical skills with our expert guides or simply want to escape the noise and ride the line of a lifetime, the Shar Mountains offer a sense of freedom that is becoming increasingly rare. This isn't just a ski trip; it’s a deep dive into the wild, steep, and spectacular.


Itinerary

  • Backcountry skiingSafety Briefing
  • AccommodationsHotel
  • TransferAround 90 mins
  • Backcountry skiingWide-open bowls off the groomers
  • AccommodationsHotel
  • Backcountry skiingHigh-ridge traverse beyond Piribreg
  • AccommodationsHotel
  • Backcountry skiingGuri i Zi: powder turns
  • AccommodationsHotel
  • Backcountry skiingDovedenica: Into the Wild
  • AccommodationsHotel
  • Backcountry skiingBig & Technical Steeps
  • AccommodationsHotel
  • Backcountry skiingLongest Approach, Biggest Descent
  • AccommodationsHotel
  • TransferAround 90 mins

Important stuff

From the highest peaks to the hidden trails, we've got your back

Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.

Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.

Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

see more on How it works

What's included

Medical and luggage insurance
Accident insurance
Travel cancellation insurance
7 breakfasts
7 lunches
7 Dinners
Transfer from/to the airport
Accomodations
2 full days of cat-skiing on untouched powder terrain
4 days of assisted cat-ski touring with cat transport to and from the national park freeride touring area
UIAGM guide and/or expert local guide with deep knowledge of terrain and snow conditions
Comprehensive avalanche safety equipment (airbag backpacks; transceivers; shovels; probes)
Authentic Macedonian cuisine and warm local hospitality
Flights
Visa (if applicable)
Everything not mentioned in the “What’s included” section
Expenditure of personal nature
personal ski/snowboard equipment rentals
Alcoholic beverages
Specialized gear rentals beyond standard avalanche equipment

Accommodations

Hotel Scardus – Days 1 to 7


Set in Popova Shapka on the Sharr Mountains' northern slope, 18km from Tetovo, this 4-star hotel offers panoramic mountain views across its 35 rooms. Standard rooms come as double or twin, each private with an en-suite bathroom (bathtub, hairdryer), TV and minibar; some feature a private balcony. Family suites and apartments are also available. On-site restaurant, night bar and ski room.

Guides

Jany, Roberto and Snowbusters

Jany, Roberto and Snowbusters

With 25 years on skis and a decade spent deep in the heart of Chamonix, Roberto is a UIAGM guide who lives for the "send." A graduate of the prestigious ENSA, he treats the vertical world like his backyard, whether he’s ticking off legendary lines like the Walker Spur or hunting for untouched powder in the Mont Blanc massif. For Roberto, the mountains are a playground where gravity is optional and adventure is mandatory. While his technical resume is world-class, his true passion lies in leading you off the beaten path to discover the raw, wild beauty of the high alpine. With Roberto at the helm, you aren't just following a guide—you’re joining a seasoned alpinist who knows exactly how to find the perfect balance of challenge and pure mountain stoke.


Frequently asked questions


Departures

All departures are guaranteed to run

January 2027
Sat
30 Jan
6:00 PM
Sat
6 Feb
6:00 PM

Confirmed

12 spots left
€4,990.00
(€1,646 deposit)

€4,990.00

(€1,646 deposit)
Mapo Tapo

© Mapo Tapo - Mapo Tapo S.r.l - Viale Piceno, 6 - 20129 Milano (MI)
Tour Operator - Vat no 11336700965 - Reg. Impr. Milano 07-08-2020 no 11336700965
Liability Insurance: Policy no. 12137336 - EUROP ASSISTANCE
Travel Guarantee: FONDO CONSORTILE DI GARANZIA - Vacanze garantite - cert. no 2023091573AT


Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to know about our new trips!

Information obligations for public grants: state aid and de minimis aid received by our company are contained in the National Register of State Aid pursuant to art. 52 of Law 234/2012

Invitalia - Smart&Start




EN