Where is Eskimo Freeride, Macedonia?

Eskimo Freeride is in the Balkans, near the major North Macedonia ski destination of Popova Sapka.

Popova Sapka is situated in the Shar Mountains, north west of North Macedonia (previously known as FYROM – the former Yugoslavia Republic of Macedonia), 21km by road west of Tetovo city and 70km west of the capital, Skopje.

Skopje is accessed by plane through the impressively named Alexander the Great Airport. Upon request, Eskimo Freeride can organise direct private transfers from the airport to their cat skiing operation base at Hotel Arena Tetaks by taxi or van with the fee included in the cost of the tour. This option is highly recommended. Alternatively, you can arrange your own transport from Skopje to Popova Sapka – read on!

Flights into Skopje Alexander the Great Airport

The Skopje Alexander the Great International Airport is a modern facility 23km by road east of Skopje in Macedonia. During winter, flight destinations include all major cities in western Europe, England and Scandinavia plus Dubai and Doha in the Middle East and Istanbul, Turkey.

Daily flights to Skopje from any one origin city are limited. Daily flights exist from Vienna, Austria and offer the most convenience if travelling to Macedonia whilst already in Europe. Another useful major European airport is Zurich, with two airlines providing regular services to Skopje. Zurich was successfully utilised by the Powderhounds for our visit to North Macedonia. The middle eastern airports at Doha & Dubai can be useful if travelling from other international origins. See flight map here for Skopje origins and destinations.

Powderhounds recommends using either Austrian, Edelweiss or Germania airlines. These provide airlines provide better seating, luggage allowance, service & reliability – albeit for a slightly higher price!

To search for a great deal on a flight to Skopje, use one of our recommended flight search engines.

Transfers

For all transfers to Popova Shapka & Eskimo Freeride, Powderhounds recommends using Eskimo Freeride to pre-arrange a private transfer direct to your hotel with the cost included in the tour.

Bus & Taxi Transport

For other transport options, local bus and taxi transport from the airport into Skopje is good. Vardar Ekspres runs regular bus services direct to the centre of Skopje for a princely sum. Taxi services from the airport are provided by the Airport Taxi Company and are heavily regulated with fixed prices to most destinations to avoid any issues for passengers. A taxi journey to Skopje will cost around €20.

Car Rental

If intended independent travel in North Macedonia, the Skopje airport is well served by numerous car rental and hire companies. Vehicles should be checked to ensure they are set up for winter driving (i.e. 4WD/AWD, snow tyres, chains). To search & book a rental car, use our recommended rental car search engine.

Eskimo Freeride Cat Ski Terrain

The Eskimo Freeride terrain is mainly high alpine meadows with few base obstructions, meaning even in poor snow seasons (let’s face it - happens everywhere in the world!) the skiing is excellent. But with a annual snowfall of up to 12m, there is little chance of that. The terrain includes beautiful mellow terrain for intermediates through to steeps and chutes for experts, plus tree skiing in the lower reaches which is great for when the weather is foul.

There's a whole spectrum of options available - wide open terrains, tree riding, couloirs, cliffs, banks, natural pipe canyons placed on total of 32 square kilometres. From adrenaline rides down the 50° bowls, or chilling in a safe fluffy 30° slope, there is terrain for everyone. The terrain is on all aspects, which usually means the sunny south facing slopes near Popova get tracked first on a fresh powder day.

Locally called Shar-planina or Shar (Sar) mountain, the cat ski area spreads for an amazing 1600 square km, raising up to 2747 m at Tito's peak. Pine wood forest extents from below 1700m and above that lie approximately 550 square km of high pastures. This is the largest compact area covered with pasture on the European continent making it a perfect playground for backcountry addicts! Shar Mountain is by evolution considered "old mountain" as opposed to the European Alps which are "young mountains". Because of this, Shar Mountain is the perfect shape for safe, fun and unlimited freeriding.

Eskimo Freeride's operation extends onto the best part of the mountain range from Tito's peak to Jelak and Popova Sapka base at 1687 m.

The average daily vertical covered is 4000m per day, which can be dependent on conditions, daylight hours and the speed and ability of the group.

Skiers & snowboarders must be at least an intermediate level, preferably with some off-piste skiing experience. Lower intermediates can be catered for and are encouraged if part of a larger family group.

Safety at Eskimo Freeride

The operators of Eskimo Freeride take the safety of their guests and staff so seriously that they became and associate member of HeliCat Canada - the world's finest associations mechanized freeride operations.

Eskimo follow the high standards and procedures of the HeliCat Canada Association. The guides are professional and experts in the local terrain and snow conditions.

Terrain options exist for every type of snow & avalanche risk condition. Packages include full avalanche gear including airbags.