Catski Freeride in the Balkans in Macedonia!
In the early ’90s, a group of high school kids explored the vast ล ar Mountains in search of deep snow adventures. During one such adventure, they ventured into an unexplored part of the mountain and had to build an igloo to spend the night.
Fifteen years later, this experience inspired them to start the first snowcat operation in Europe, naming it โEskimo.โ Since 2008, freeriders from around the world have come to enjoy the freeriding, culture, and gastronomy of Macedonia.
Mountains & Terrain
Eskimo Freeride is based in the Balkans, near the major North Macedonia ski destination of Popova Sapka.
Here, you can enjoy Catski freeriding on some of Europe’s finest mountains. Eskimo Freeride will take you to the peaks of exotic ranges with breathtaking scenery, allowing you to ride an average of over 4,000 vertical meters per day. Terrain options are available for every type of snow and avalanche risk condition. The area offers a wide variety of landscapes, including wide-open terrains, tree runs, couloirs, cliffs, banks, and natural pipe canyons, covering a total of 32 square kilometres.
Whether you seek adrenaline-pumping rides down 50ยฐ slopes or prefer the safer, fluffy 30ยฐ runs, you’ll have an amazing experience. Whether you’re a pro or just handling intermediate resort slopes, the Catski Freeride in the Balkans in Macedonia offers options for all tastes!
The Package
With cosy mountain accommodations, delicious food and excellent services included, Eskimo Freeride offers complete affordable packages. Upon arrival, you will sign waivers, attend safety briefings, and participate in transceiver training to get ready to start your Catski experience on the following day!
Eskimo adheres to the high standards and procedures of the HeliCat Canada Association. The guides are professionals and experts in the local terrain and snow conditions. They excel at finding the best skiing opportunities, no matter the weather conditions.
The snowcats are modified grooming machines with special passenger cabins designed specifically for freeriding. They operate almost every day, allowing you to enjoy tree runs when higher elevation weather is challenging!
Why We Love Eskimo Freeride
The finest Catski Freeride operator in the Balkans in Macedonia!
Professional Guides that get you to the best powder no matter the weather forecast!
Macedonian unique cultural experience!
Ready to Heliski in Macedonia?
Lodging
The operation is headquartered at Hotel Arena Tetaks, offering a convenient base for all guests. The hotel is clean and functional, featuring an excellent pool and spa area with a jacuzzi and sauna. Last night you will be accommodated in one of the best 5-star hotels in an old bazaar in Skopje, in order to take your international flight on the morning after.
Meals, especially dinner, are a highlight in North Macedonia. Guests can enjoy a diverse selection of traditional local vegetarian and meat-based dishes that will delight the palate. Local wines and beers are the perfect accompaniment, and you should also try the local rakija (grappa). Breakfast includes a broad buffet of both โwesternโ and local options, along with freshly prepared eggs and omelettes from the kitchen. Lunches are served in the mountains and vary depending on the day’s location. They can be picnic-style in a sheltered spot or in one of Eskimoโs mountain huts.
Getting There
Popova Sapka is located in the Shar Mountains in the northwest region of North Macedonia (formerly known as FYROM โ the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia). It is 21 km west of Tetovo city and 70 km west of the capital, Skopje.
Skopje Alexander the Great Airport is 95 km from the mountain hotel. Wizz Air has many direct flights from Europe, England, Scandinavia, Dubai and Doha. Alternatively, you can fly to Pristina Airport, a 150 km drive away.
Eskimo Freeride organises direct private transfers from the airport by taxi or van. Get ready to Catski Freeride in the Balkans in Macedonia!
Interested in Heliskiing in Macedonia?
You might also like
Catski Freeride in the Balkans in Macedonia!
In the early ’90s, a group of high school kids explored the vast ล ar Mountains in search of deep snow adventures. During one such adventure, they ventured into an unexplored part of the mountain and had to build an igloo to spend the night.
Fifteen years later, this experience inspired them to start the first snowcat operation in Europe, naming it โEskimo.โ Since 2008, freeriders from around the world have come to enjoy the freeriding, culture, and gastronomy of Macedonia.
Mountains & Terrain
Eskimo Freeride is based in the Balkans, near the major North Macedonia ski destination of Popova Sapka.
Here, you can enjoy Catski freeriding on some of Europe’s finest mountains. Eskimo Freeride will take you to the peaks of exotic ranges with breathtaking scenery, allowing you to ride an average of over 4,000 vertical meters per day. Terrain options are available for every type of snow and avalanche risk condition. The area offers a wide variety of landscapes, including wide-open terrains, tree runs, couloirs, cliffs, banks, and natural pipe canyons, covering a total of 32 square kilometres.
Whether you seek adrenaline-pumping rides down 50ยฐ slopes or prefer the safer, fluffy 30ยฐ runs, you’ll have an amazing experience. Whether you’re a pro or just handling intermediate resort slopes, the Catski Freeride in the Balkans in Macedonia offers options for all tastes!
The Package
With cosy mountain accommodations, delicious food and excellent services included, Eskimo Freeride offers complete affordable packages. Upon arrival, you will sign waivers, attend safety briefings, and participate in transceiver training to get ready to start your Catski experience on the following day!
Eskimo adheres to the high standards and procedures of the HeliCat Canada Association. The guides are professionals and experts in the local terrain and snow conditions. They excel at finding the best skiing opportunities, no matter the weather conditions.
The snowcats are modified grooming machines with special passenger cabins designed specifically for freeriding. They operate almost every day, allowing you to enjoy tree runs when higher elevation weather is challenging!
Why We Love Eskimo Freeride
The finest Catski Freeride operator in the Balkans in Macedonia!
Professional Guides that get you to the best powder no matter the weather forecast!
Macedonian unique cultural experience!
Ready to Heliski in Macedonia?
Lodging
The operation is headquartered at Hotel Arena Tetaks, offering a convenient base for all guests. The hotel is clean and functional, featuring an excellent pool and spa area with a jacuzzi and sauna. Last night you will be accommodated in one of the best 5-star hotels in an old bazaar in Skopje, in order to take your international flight on the morning after.
Meals, especially dinner, are a highlight in North Macedonia. Guests can enjoy a diverse selection of traditional local vegetarian and meat-based dishes that will delight the palate. Local wines and beers are the perfect accompaniment, and you should also try the local rakija (grappa). Breakfast includes a broad buffet of both โwesternโ and local options, along with freshly prepared eggs and omelettes from the kitchen. Lunches are served in the mountains and vary depending on the day’s location. They can be picnic-style in a sheltered spot or in one of Eskimoโs mountain huts.
Getting There
Popova Sapka is located in the Shar Mountains in the northwest region of North Macedonia (formerly known as FYROM โ the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia). It is 21 km west of Tetovo city and 70 km west of the capital, Skopje.
Skopje Alexander the Great Airport is 95 km from the mountain hotel. Wizz Air has many direct flights from Europe, England, Scandinavia, Dubai and Doha. Alternatively, you can fly to Pristina Airport, a 150 km drive away.
Eskimo Freeride organises direct private transfers from the airport by taxi or van. Get ready to Catski Freeride in the Balkans in Macedonia!