Macedonia, located north of Greece, is a very mountainous, hilly country, which is exactly why skiing and snowboarding is possible in this rather southern country. Over time, more and more ski areas have been built and it’s not just the locals who enjoy the downhill runs here. SnowTrex shares 5 good reasons with you about why skiing in Macedonia is absolutely worthwhile and suitable for all who are looking for a real insider secret.
1. Ski Kozuf – The Largest Ski Area in Macedonia
In the southeast of Macedonia, on the border with Greece, there is a ski area that has been operating for several years. Ski Kozuf is located at the valley of the river Vardar, which is the main traffic route of Macedonia. From Thessaloniki (Greece) as well as from the Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, Ski Kozuf can be reached in about one and a half hours. The nearest town is Gevgelija, which is located about 30 kilometers away in the valley. The charm of the landscape around Kozuf Mountain is a very special one: Due to the politically difficult situation prevailing until the 1990s, the whole area has remained practically untouched. So, if you are looking for skiing fun away from the often frequented hotspots of the Alps, you might find a new favorite destination in Ski Kozuf. The ski area is situated at an altitude of 1,500 to 2,200 m, and the snow conditions are very good due to Mediterranean and continental weather influences. Currently, there are eight lifts, two of which are tow lifts, 140 kilometers of pistes and a large freeride area. Beginners as well as experienced skiers will find fantastic slopes here.
2. The Latest Technology
For the development of the Kozuf ski area’s infrastructure, businessman Angel Nakov’s private company has sought help from the Alps: the snow-making facilities were supplied by a specialist from Hall near Innsbruck, of whom has already equipped ski areas such as Winterberg (Germany), Plan de Corones (Italy) and St. Moritz (Switzerland). The lifts also come from the renowned manufacturer Doppelmayr in Austria. The ski area is still under construction, but there are already various overnight options in holiday homes available, as well as two restaurants and shopping facilities. Several large hotels and a casino are also planned. In 2009, Ski Kozuf was already the venue for a FIS Snowboard Cup.
3. Variety and Fun in Macedonia’s Most Popular Ski Area
Another famous ski area in Macedonia is the Mavrovo – Zare Lazareski ski area, which is located in Polog, a region in the south of Macedonia. Here, an entire 25 km of pistes are available for winter sports fans to enjoy. 14 lifts take visitors up to an altitude of 1,860 m, with the lowest point in the ski area being 1,255 m. It’s no coincidence that the ski area is one of the most popular ski areas in the whole of Macedonia, most likely due to the varied pistes. In addition, popular races and events are regularly organized and beginners can book lessons at the local ski school. In general, winter sports fans have the opportunity to ski in Mavrovo from the beginning of December to the beginning of April.
4. Paradise for Deep Snow Fans
In the same region – Polog – there is also the Popova Sapka ski area, which is one of the oldest ski areas in Macedonia. 20 km of pistes, of which 6 km are blue and 7 km each are red and black, as well as 9 lifts can be used to ski to your heart’s content. An expansion of the ski area is planned for the future, although Popova is already known for its freeriding and cat skiing. Cat skiing is a sport where skiers are “exposed” to the untouched landscape with a snowcat and can head down into the valley in deep snow.
5. Unbeatable Value for Money
In addition, Macedonia’s ski areas offer not only great adventures, extreme sports and lots of fun in the snow, but also unbeatable prices. You won’t find long queues at the lifts, overcrowded pistes and huge hotel complexes in Macedonia’s ski resorts either. Tradition is very important here, and yet, even after a long day of skiing, there is no room for boredom. Small prices, great snow quality and no tourist hotspots: a real insider secret!
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