In short
- Season: mid-December to March, often into April on Popova Shapka.
- Main resorts: Popova Shapka on Šar Mountain, about an hour from Skopje, and Mavrovo.
- Small centres: Pelister, Kruševo, Ponikva and Mihajlovo on Kožuf.
- Abroad: Brezovica (1.5 h), Kaimaktsalan (3 h), Bansko (3.5 h) and Kopaonik (4.5 h).
- Freeride and ski touring on Šar and Korab, always with a guide.
Ski resorts in Macedonia
Popova Shapka
On Šar Mountain above Tetovo, about an hour from Skopje. Runs from about 1,670 to 2,380 m, deep snow and open off-piste slopes.
Mavrovo
The Zare Lazarevski ski centre in Mavrovo National Park, above Lake Mavrovo, with runs through the forest and a cross-country trail.
Pelister: Nižepole and Kopanki
Small, quiet centres on Baba Mountain above Bitola, inside Pelister National Park.
Kruševo
Short runs right above Kruševo, the highest town in Macedonia. Good for a first ski day.
Ponikva
A small centre on the Osogovo Mountains above Kočani, for families and beginners.
Kožuf: Mihajlovo
The old Kožuf resort is closed. On the same mountain, the small new Mihajlovo centre near Kavadarci opened in January 2025.
Backcountry on Šar and Korab
Snowcat freeride above Popova Shapka and ski tours to Titov Vrv (2,748 m) and to Golem Korab from Trnica.
Which resort to choose
- For the most snow and off-piste: Popova Shapka.
- For families and runs through the forest: Mavrovo, above the lake.
- For a first day on skis close to town: Kruševo or Ponikva.
- For quiet days in a national park: Pelister above Bitola.
- For a week of big-resort skiing: Bansko, Borovets or Kopaonik.
Ski trips around the Balkans
Brezovica, Kosovo
On the Kosovo side of Šar Mountain, about 1.5 hours from Skopje, with high, open slopes.
Bansko, Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s best-known ski resort, in the Pirin mountains, about 3.5 hours from Skopje.
Borovets, Bulgaria
The oldest ski resort in Bulgaria, in the Rila mountains below Musala.
Kopaonik, Serbia
Serbia’s biggest ski resort, about 4.5 hours from Skopje.
Kaimaktsalan, Greece
On Mount Voras on the Greek border, about 3 hours from Skopje.
Further away
Jahorina in Bosnia, Kolašin in Montenegro and the Alps, on request.
Freeride and ski touring
Šar Mountain above Popova Shapka has wide open slopes and some of the best powder in the Balkans, with snowcat freeride above the resort. Ski tourers climb on skins to Titov Vrv (2,748 m) or start from Trnica for Golem Korab.
Off-piste skiing always carries avalanche risk. Go with a guide who checks the snow every day, in a small group, and carry a transceiver, shovel and probe. On our freeride days they are included.
Getting there: airport and ski transfers
Most skiers fly into Skopje. Popova Shapka is about an hour away, up a winding mountain road from Tetovo, and Mavrovo a little further. In winter that road needs winter tyres and sometimes chains.
Coming with your own skis? Our 7-seat 4x4 van with a roof box takes you from the airport to your hotel and to the slopes, without booking a tour.
Lift passes, rental and lessons
Lift passes are sold at each resort, and skis, snowboards and boots can be rented on site. Tell us your sizes when you book and we arrange the rental, a ski instructor for beginners and children, or touring skis for ski touring.
Questions before you book
Where is the best skiing in Macedonia?
Popova Shapka on Šar Mountain, about an hour from Skopje, has the most snow and the best off-piste. Mavrovo has runs through the forest above the lake.
When is the ski season in Macedonia?
Usually from mid-December to March, and often into April on Popova Shapka. We check the snow before every trip.
How far is Bansko from Skopje?
About 3.5 hours by car. We organise ski trips and transfers to Bansko and Borovets.
Can you pick us up from Skopje airport with our skis?
Yes. Our 7-seat 4x4 van takes you and your skis from the airport to the hotel and to the slopes, without booking a tour.
Is there off-piste skiing in Macedonia?
Yes, on Šar Mountain above Popova Shapka and on Korab. Go with a guide, because off-piste skiing always carries avalanche risk.
