Popova Šapka Ski Resort Review
Popova Šapka Ski Resort, nestled near Tetovo in North Macedonia, offers a unique and intriguing skiing experience, particularly known for its off-piste skiing and snowboarding, as well as cat skiing, considered some of the best in the Balkans.
Ski Slopes and Ski Lifts
- Vertical Range: 1,710m – 2,510m (800m vertical drop)
- Average Snowfall: 5-10m annually
- Lifts: 3 Chairlifts
- Ski Hours: Mid December to Mid April, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Terrain Summary:
- Total Runs: 20km
- Longest Run: 5km
- Terrain Difficulty: 35% Advanced, 35% Intermediate, 30% Beginner
- Lift Pass Prices (21/22 season):
- Adult: Approximately €15
- Child: Approximately €7.50
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Uncrowded with excellent powder skiing
- Great inbounds terrain and off-piste opportunities
- Affordable food, drink, accommodation, and lift passes
- Delicious local cuisine
- Ski-in accommodation options
Cons
- Aging infrastructure
- Unreliable chairlift operation
- Accommodation standards can be misleading
- Limited and poorly groomed piste trails
- Lack of quality ski rental or repair services
Pro or Con (Subjective)
- Variable snow-pack conditions
- Choice of cat-ski operators
- Presence of roaming dogs
- Not particularly family-friendly (lack of activities for children)
Skiing and Snowboarding, Lifts & Terrain
- Ideal for powder enthusiasts seeking adventure
- Mainly set on high alpine meadow terrain above the treeline
- Limited on-piste terrain (about 20km) with poor grooming
- Night skiing available on weekends on lower surface tows
- Expansive backcountry ski terrain accessible via lifts, human or snowcat-powered
Cat Skiing
- Essential for experiencing the full scope of Popova Sapka
- Hosts the longest-established cat ski company in Europe
- Various operators providing diverse experiences
Snow and Weather at Popova Sapka
- High annual snowfall in the Shar Mountains (5 to 10m)
- Best conditions typically from January to March
- South-facing terrain, subject to quick temperature changes
Location and Access
- Located in northwest Macedonia, 21km west of Tetovo and 70km west of Skopje
- Accessible by taxi, bus, or train via Tetovo. From Skopje Airport to Popova Sapka, private transfers is only recommended option
- Flights available into Skopje Alexander the Great Airport
Accommodation Options in Popova Sapka
- Several hotels with varying standards around the lift base and mountain
- Quality and standards relative to the local area, some recently upgraded
- Notable hotel: Hotel Scardus
Popova Šapka Alternatives
In North Macedonia the only alternative is Mavrovo Ski Resort.
