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Freeride Kosovo Catskiing

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Freeride Kosovo Catskiing Enquire
Price p/p From price based on a 8-day catskiing program, double occupancy accommodation for groups of 8-guests or more.
Base/invoice currency is in EUR incl taxes.
USD 2,325

GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY CATSKIING
Weeklong, 1-day & Single Ride Packages

Location: Europe | Tour Focus: Guided | Terrain Focus: Backcountry
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Price p/p From price based on a 8-day catskiing program, double occupancy accommodation for groups of 8-guests or more.
Base/invoice currency is in EUR incl taxes.
USD 2,325
Experience a true adventure cat-skiing in the 'Freeride Zone', a mountain playground in the Accursed Mountains, Kosovo. Spectacular terrain & snow plus wonderful food & accommodation will make this tour unforgettable. Join a week-long all inclusive tour, or customise private catskiing with your own group.
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Fixed Date(s)
Days
Price
Availability
Fixed Date(s): Feb 14 - Feb 21, 2025
Days: 8
Price: USD 2,325
Availability: Available
Future rates & dates are currently not yet available for this operator. Click here to enquire.
Custom Booking Period
Min Days
Price
Availability
Custom Booking Period: Dec 29 - Apr 06, 2025
Min Days: From 1
Price: Enquire
Availability: Enquire
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Freeride Kosovo Cat Skiing

Catski Tour Packages in the Accursed Mountains, Kosovo

Freeride Kosovo maintains the trend in Balkans of combining affordable cat skiing, big mountain freeride ski terrain & a boutique hotel with incredible food. Freeride Kosovo may be new, but it is run by industry & tourism professionals that pride themselves on delivering personalized service and attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of your catski adventure is taken care of.

From the moment you arrive in Prishtina or Skopje, you will be shown the best the region has to offer. Amazing terrain & snow in the Accursed Mountains of western Kosovo are the main menu. But the local culture, hospitality & cuisine are all an important part of a ski experience in this region. With accommodation for the first & last night at the boutique Belle Resort Hotel, you are guaranteed a comfortable rest to prepare for the next day's skiing. For the main part of the tour you will stay high on the mountain at the Gacaferi Guest House, where you can ski direct from the door.

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Ski Terrain, Snow & Vertical

The Accursed Mountains in western Kosovo are an exciting destination for freeride skiing. The region offers a unique combination of natural beauty and rugged terrain that is perfect for those who enjoy off-piste powder skiing. The mountain range is relatively remote in winter, meaning that skiers can enjoy the peace and quiet of a natural environment without the crowds.

The tour specifically utilises a 'Freeride Zone' in the mountains near the border with Albania and Montenegro. The area offers three different locations, each offering the opportunity to ski for two to three days on different slopes. Some of the slopes can be up to 4 km long, while the average is 2.5 km. The entire zone is about 4 km wide and very diverse, with terrain features including mountain peaks, open bowls, couloirs & forest. The slopes in this area are mainly north and northeast aspect, ensuring cold, dry snow.

Due to its proximity to the Adriatic Sea, these mountains receive the highest snowfall in southeastern Europe. The snow quality is excellent, as the storms coming from the Atlantic Ocean collect further moisture in the Adriatic Sea before depositing it on the mountain peaks.

Average vertical on the 8-day program is a minimum 3,000m/day and maximum 4,500m for fit, capable groups. The longest run on the tour is approximately 8km. At the end of the day guests can ride in the cat to the valley or ski/snowboard down.

To view the full program and descriptions of the different ski zones visited on the tour, see the Itinerary tab.

Freeride Kosovo Cat Skiing Packages
Freeride Kosovo Cat Skiing Packages
Freeride Kosovo Cat Skiing Packages

Guides

The tour operator is fairly new but has a team of experienced local guides and adventure tourism professionals passionate about the Balkans. Supported by top-of-the-line equipment, a new snowcat, snowmobiles, airbag backpacks, tracking anti-avalanche systems, PIIPs, plus satellite navigation and communication devices, you can trust them to provide a safe and unforgettable skiing experience. Guide to guest ratio whilst skiing is 1:5 when on a weeklong package tour.

Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation included on the tour includes the first & last nights at Hotel Bele Resort - a family business, proud of its ancestry and its contribution to the development of the region. It is located at 1,100metres above sea level, 10km by road northwest of the town of Desan. The cat skiing terrain is a further 30 to 40-minute transfer each day into the mountains (included in the tariff). Hotel Bele Resort offers boutique style lodgings and local cuisine served in a charming restaurant within the resort. The experience is embellished by the spectacular views from the resort of the surrounding mountains. The hotel is located in a village with a rich history and includes a small castle dating back to Roman times, and icons drawn in the caves around the village. It is a family business, , paying decent wages. The accommodation is housed in several small wooden villas, each with a living room and two or three bedrooms (each with two beds). The living rooms are equipped with a fireplace, which provides a wonderful atmosphere for après-ski, games and conversations. The hotel produces its own electricity, has its own farm and places great emphasis on quality and authenticity of service. The hotel has WiFi and is in the mobile phone coverage area of one of the Kosovar networks.

On an 8-day tour, nights 2 to 6 will be in the heart of the action at the Gacaferi Guest House, located at 1,840 meters above sea level. The Gacaferi Guest House offers excellent conditions and local cuisine served in the charming ambiance of a hut surrounded by the high-altitude pine forest of Gacaferi Mountain. The hut (Guest House Gacaferi) is located in the heart ofthe Kosovar part of the Accursed Mountains, close to the three-border point (peak) between Albania and Montenegro. The whole range will be yours for a week-long stay.

All meals are included in the tariff, with breakfast & dinner taken at the hotel & mountain hut, and lunch had in the mountains, picnic style. Alcoholic drinks are available at bar prices.

Freeride Kosovo Cat Skiing Packages
Freeride Kosovo Cat Skiing Packages
Freeride Kosovo Cat Skiing Packages

Ski Ability & Equipment

The tours are suitable for fit, strong intermediate or better skiers with previous off-piste powder & mixed snow conditions experience. Participants need to bring their own ski & snowboard gear but are provided with all avalanche safety gear (Airbag, shovel, shovel, probe & beacon).

Location, Flights & Transfers

The hotel & cat skiing zone are located in the Accursed Mountains of western Kosovo near the borders of Albania & Montenegro. The closest major town is Deçan (a.k.a. Desan or Decan). The hotel is 10km by road to the northwest of Deçan, with the skiing further west of the hotel. The closest major airports are at Prishtina, just 85km (1½hr drive) away, and Skopje, 200km (3hr drive) away in North Macedonia. All ground transport from/to Prishtina or Skopje airports & the lodge is included in the package. Prishtina Airport (PRN) & Skopje Airport (SKJ) can be reached via numerous major & minor airports in the UK, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy & Türkiye.

Cat Skiing Package, Single Day or Single Ride?

Whilst the best way to experience the region is on a full week-long tour, there are options for private groups of a single day of cat skiing, or even a single ride to access the incredible backcountry of the region. Full 8-day (i.e. Saturday to Saturday) cat skiing packages are available from late December to mid-April. Packages include all meals, accommodation, return airport transfers, all ground transport during the tour, plus avalanche safety equipment. Single day adventures for private groups include the guides & avalanche safety equipment, plus a ground transfer to the start of the cat skiing.

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Typical Itinerary for 8-day Freeride Kosovo Cat Skiing Package

This standard itinerary is designed for strong skiers & snowboarders with a good level of fitness & experience in off-piste snow & terrain. Note that the weather & snow conditions, plus the ability of the group, may influence the program.

DAY 1: Arrival

Arrival at the airport (Prishtina or Skopje), welcome and drive to Deçan village & Hotel Bele at 1,100m altitude. Depending on the flight arrival time, there are stops that can be made for a winter via ferrata or a cultural visit.

DAY 2 & 3: Bjeshka and Gacaferit

On the first two days you will freeride in the Bjeshka and Gacaferrit freeride zone and enjoy the wide, easy to intermediate slopes with the possibility to ski through some couloirs. The ski slopes of Bjeshka and Gacaferit start at an altitude of 1,850 metres. Although there are some huts in the area, they are closed during the winter season.

This zone offers access to several different peaks with 5 different downhill points at altitudes between 2,200 and 2,400 metres. Some peaks may require a hike to reach the top for the more courageous. The difficulty level of skiing in this area is mostly easy to moderate, with some steep couloirs available on selected peaks for more experienced skiers. In addition, the lower sections offer excellent pillow skiing, making it a fantastic place for some jumping. The ski area stretches over a length of 1.6 kilometres and is partly bordered by a ridge, which also forms the border between Albania and Kosovo. From the ridge you have a view of the Doberdol valley, which is one of the stops on the Peaks of the Balkans trail. The east, west and north sides of the peak can be skied, and the avalanche danger is very low in this area.

DAY 4 & 5: Bjeshka and Junikut

On the next few days, the difficulty level increases in a valley that has a bit more to offer in addition to the easy and intermediate slopes. This place is 20 minutes away by snowcat and is located at an altitude of 1,760 metres. The Bjeshka-e-Junikut area is characterised by steeper slopes with fewer trees and rocks. Therefore, more care is needed when choosing the slopes. You can take the snowcat up to 2,300 metres, and then hike another 100 metres to reach even higher elevations. From here you have a breathtaking view of the Cursed Mountains, the Deçan Valley and Mount Gjeravica. Although some parts of the area are extreme, there are also opportunities for more moderate climbs. The valley faces east and northeast and has numerous small couloirs and gullies. The area is sparsely tree-covered and offers ample opportunities for skiing and a return to the hotel in just 10 minutes. When the weather is nice, this area is the perfect place for freeriding with its varied slopes and wide range of options.

DAY 6 & 7: Bjeshka & Dobroshit

These days offer more variety and, for lucky groups, snow-filled couloirs. The base of this region is at an altitude of 1,700 metres and is famous for its couloirs, which can be up to 1000 metres long and offer extreme skiing experiences. However, due to its southern location, the time frame for skiing on these couloirs is limited. Nevertheless, there are many slopes in this area where the snow stays for a long time. It is a wide valley that offers access to the east, north and west faces. The group can can reach the three-country peak between Kosovo, Montenegro and Albania in just 30 minutes by snowcat, and a 2,400-metre peak can be reached after a 30-minute walk. From this peak, you can ski down almost to the hotel, a distance of 8 kilometres without stopping. The famous couloirs are located below the Ropa peak at 2,525 metres, which marks the border with Albania. These couloirs are a unique opportunity for experienced skiers. Depending on the conditions and difficulty level, the group can be split into two groups to take on the challenge of more extreme skiing. However, the area also offers many gentle and soft runs, and the forest runs can be quite steep. Even though the area is now covered with snow, it is known for its small lakes and ponds. Accommodation for the last night will be back down at Hotel Bele.

DAY 8: Departure

Breakfast and checkout of hotel. Transfer to airport with potential to visit cultural and historical sites along the way depending on flight time.

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Freeride Kosovo Cat Skiing Packages
Freeride Kosovo Cat Skiing Packages
Freeride Kosovo Cat Skiing Packages

Rates & Inclusions

Rates (2025)

8-Day Catskiing Fixed Date Package - from €2,200/person (early bird booking before October - €2,100)
1-Day Catskiing - €2,000/group (catskiing only, no accom or meals, maximum group size of 12)
Single Ride Catskiing Excursion - €1,000/group (catskiing only, no accom or meals, maximum group size of 12)

  • Invoice / base currency is EUR€
  • Package price based on double occupancy
  • Price based on minimum group size of 8 people
  • Custom private cat ski tours available for groups of 8 guests or more
  • Convert to your currency here
Inclusions
  • CATSKIING: 6 cat-skiing days (3,000m to 4,500m vertical each day)
  • ACCOMMODATION: 7 nights twin-share (2 at Hotel Bele Resort & 5 at Gacaferi Guest House)
  • MEALS: All meals (& water) for tour duration
  • TRANSPORT: All ground transport during tour & return airport transfers from Prishtina or Skopje
  • GUIDING: 6-days guided skiing/snowboarding with experienced local guides (guide/guest ratio = 1:5)
  • EQUIPMENT: Use of all avalanche safety equipment (ABS pack, transceiver, probe, shovel)
  • TRAINING: Avalanche & mountain safety training (if required)
  • SMALL GROUP: Maximum of 10 guests
Add-ons
  • DRINKS: All drinks can be purchased at the accommodation at bar prices (water is included in the tariff!)
  • ROOM UPGRADE: Single room - price on request & dependent on availability
Not Included

TERMS & CONDITIONS

As per agreed terms & conditions with the tour operator, Freeride Kosovo, at the time of booking, and including, but not limited to, any of the operators T&Cs listed below. Any contractual arrangements as a result of a booking enquiry are directly with the tour operator and is subject to their terms and conditions.

GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

Weather and Snow Conditions

Our freeride skiing tours are subject to favorable weather and snow conditions to ensure the safety and quality of the experience. In the event of inadequate snow cover, extreme weather conditions, or high avalanche danger, we reserve the right to cancel the tour for the safety and well-being of our customers and guides.

Booking and Tour Availability

The customer is responsible for contacting us to inquire about available tour dates for utilizing the retained deposit for a future tour.

For booking the tour we will require 30% deposit. The retained deposit can only be applied to a tour of equal or greater value than the canceled tour. The availability of future tour dates is subject to space and guide availability.

Customers are required to make the final payment for the freeride skiing tour within the last 40 days before the tour start date. The final payment amount is 50 percent of the total tour cost, in addition to the 30 percent non-refundable deposit already paid during the booking process.

Deposit Retention and Future Tours

If the tour is canceled due to unfavorable conditions as mentioned above, we will retain 30 percent of the total payment made by the customer as a non-refundable deposit. The retained deposit amount can be applied to future freeride skiing tours within the same season or the next two seasons following the canceled tour. The customer must inform us of their intention to use the retained deposit for a future tour within a reasonable time frame after the cancellation.

Refunds for Cancellation

In the event of cancellation by the customer after making the final payment, the following refund policy will apply:
• If the cancellation occurs more than 40 days before the tour start date, the 50 percent final payment will be refunded, excluding the non-refundable 30 percent deposit.
• If the cancellation occurs within the last 40 days before the tour start date, the 50 percent final payment will not be refunded.

Transferability

The retained deposit is non-transferable to other customers, unless specifically approved by our company under exceptional circumstances.

The refunded 50 percent final payment is non-transferable to other customers unless specifically approved by our company under exceptional circumstances.

Expiration of Retained Deposit

If the retained deposit is not used to book a future tour within the specified two-season period, it will expire, and the customer will forfeit the deposit.

Missed Skiing Days and Alternative Activities

In the event that one or more skiing days are missed after the tour has commenced due to unforeseen circumstances such as adverse weather conditions, avalanche danger, technical problems or other safety concerns, no cashback or partial refund will be provided. In such cases, our company will make every effort to provide alternative activities for the affected days to ensure the group's enjoyment and overall experience. Decisions regarding the specific alternative activities will be made collaboratively with the tour group, taking into consideration their interests, preferences, and safety.

Responsibility for Ticket Cancellations

Our freeride skiing company does not take responsibility for any ticket cancellations or changes in travel arrangements made by the customer or third-party booking platforms in the event of unforeseen circumstances, adverse weather conditions, or any other situations mentioned in these terms and conditions. Customers are solely responsible for managing their travel arrangements up to and from relative airport.