Freeriding in North Macedonia: the adventure nobody saw coming

Tired of ski resorts where you have to queue longer than at a Taylor Swift concert?

So, welcome to North Macedonia, a country you've probably never considered for a ski trip... and yet! Get ready for the most unlikely (but awesome) experience of your life, where pristine slopes and a rustic ambience will make you forget all about the Alps.

Skopje: A Change of Scenery Begins Here

Let's start with the obvious: Skopje. Let's face it, when you land here, you might find yourself wondering if you took the wrong flight. Between the Soviet statues, the kitschy bridges and the half-Oriental, half-Balkan bazaar atmosphere, you're guaranteed a change of scenery. But if getting lost in the maze of Skopje between two giant statues and a slice of baklava doesn't appeal to you, don't worry, it's totally optional!

Skip the sightseeing and hop in the van waiting for you at the airport. Head for Popova Šapka, a name you'll probably never be able to pronounce properly (and that's okay). In just an hour and a half, you're teleported into the wilderness, ready to understand what "wild skiing" really means. Take advantage of the journey to sharpen your board or your spatulas, and let the adventure begin!

Šarplanina: The Mountain of Virgin Slopes

Now we come to the heart of the matter: Šarplanina, a mountain range as unpronounceable as it is impressive. It's the dream spot for all freeride enthusiasts. Here, there are no crowded ski lifts and no marked trails as far as the eye can see. No, this is you, the mountain, and a machine that lifts you to the top: the snowcat. Every day you set off down virgin slopes.

You'll feel like a pioneer as you hurtle down slopes with equally unpronounceable names: Bakardan, Karabunar, Mali turčin... In short, you'll be able to tell it like it is on the way home. You'll be doing between 6 and 9 climbs a day, representing around 4,000 meters of negative vertical drop. In other words, you're in for a real treat.

Macedonian Après-Ski: Barbecue, €2 beers and swimming pool

After thinking you're a snow hero all day, it's back to base camp. And here, the atmosphere changes radically: it's time to let off steam with a good old Skopsko, the local beer, for just 2€. Because, yes, you don't have to break the bank here to have a frothy beer with your mates. A little barbecue, a few ride stories to swap, and voila, you'll feel right at home.

And for those who like to relax after the effort, the Popova Šapka hotel offers an indoor pool and sauna. Yes, it's rustic, but after a day of freeriding, it feels really good.

In short, a good-natured, rustic atmosphere.

Ultimately, this trip to Northern Macedonia is a bit like that idea that pops into your head in the evening, where you say to yourself "and why not?" It's an adventure that takes you out of your comfort zone and lets you discover places you'd never have imagined. In the process, you get to laugh a lot with your mates in a relaxed atmosphere.

Before you put on your bib, let us explain why going with an agency like Captain Wild isn't about cheating, it's about being smart.

Why leave with an agency?

Why should we? Because organization, logistics and, above all, safety, all count. We get it, you're a rider at heart, you're used to making your own way and you don't need anyone holding your hand. But let's be honest, getting lost in the Šarplanina mountains, trying to call for help with zero signal... not great. With Captain Wild, you get the most out of your trip, a ticket to adventure without the hassle. And that's priceless (well, it is, but you get the idea).

Convinced? Discover our stay in Macedonia.

So, are you ready to ride the slopes of Macedonia without a care in the world? We'll be waiting for you with a smile on our faces and our snowcat ready to go!