We loved our time with SF Freeride. It may not have been the best snow or the biggest terrain we’ve ever skied but the whole package at SF Freeride is just fabulous.
The comfortable Hotel Sumski Feneri is a great start. Easily the best hotel we stayed in whilst in Macedonia (the country changed names to North Macedonia during our stay!). The service & food plus the friendly management & staff made you feel right at home. Ljubica runs a tight ship and has a great sense of humour to boot.
In the morning a quick van trip & then a long trundle up the hill in the cat had us champing at the bit to get started. Sunlight east facing, lightly treed terrain was perfect for first turns , even if a bit wind affected up top. A creamy layer of powder was just what the doctor ordered.
The journey to the summit of Mt Pelister at 2610m elevation reveals endless views across the lakes into Greece & Albania. Sadly, during our visit, the summit was covered in a nasty, icy crud; the result of serious winds the few days before. However, we found good powder lower down & in amongst the trees that made up for it. If the summit chutes are skiable, Pelister would totally rock.
The guiding is awesome due to their endless enthusiasm & exquisite local knowledge (even though maybe a tad loose on the group safety side, but hey, it is freeride!). Following Koce or Jove down the hill through the trees is an absolutely ripping ride.
Lunch in the mountain hut is a sight to behold. Just when we thought it was over, we were informed the main course hadn’t even been served yet. Holy shamolians! Surprised I could ski out the rest of the day.
Dinner back at the hotel can be as raucous or reserved as you like. We chose raucous. And it was. Hilariously so.
A few of us had an intriguing visit to the nearby city of Bitola just to mix things up a bit. If for some strange reason the cat can’t run, there is a little ski area called Pelister Kopanki nearby to keep the legs in tune.
We will return to ski the summit in powder & drink some more rakija with Jove! Who’s coming?