North Macedonia Pow Jan 2026

Early dumps in December across the Alps and the Balkans had us quietly optimistic. But as we’ve learned over the past few winters, climate change has made weather patterns increasingly unpredictable, and this season was no exception. We followed the forecasts with cautious hope, knowing that in the mountains, nothing is guaranteed.

For ten days leading up to our North Macedonia trip, a sizeable storm teased us relentlessly. Every update suggested it was just around the corner. Yet as we touched down in Skopje, our elusive storm was still nowhere to be seen. The first couple of days delivered challenging conditions: minimal new snow, wind-affected surfaces, and moments that tested patience and adaptability.

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But mountains have their own rhythm, and Mother Nature loves to keep us guessing.

Just as optimism was starting to fade, the weather finally broke. And when it did, it really broke. Five straight days of snowfall transformed the Šar Mountains into a full-blown winter wonderland. Disappointment turned instantly into elation. Smiles returned, stoke levels soared, and every morning the sound of the snowcat firing up felt like pure magic.

Beacon checks done, packs loaded, we ascended the mountain in our powerful cat, climbing into what can only be described as powder heaven. There were no classic bluebird days. Instead, we were deep in the storm, snow falling constantly, visibility shifting, and fresh lines waiting everywhere. Flat light came and went, but the trees gave us contrast and confidence. And for freeriders, tree skiing in deep, forgiving snow is about as close to nirvana as it gets.

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Over the course of the week, we skied and rode everything. This is freeriding in its truest form: no piste bashers, no grooming, just reading the mountain and skiing what’s in front of you. Each day delivered something different, building toward final days that were nothing short of magical.

Long lunches in the mountain hut, après beers back at the hotel, and evenings spent unwinding with saunas and massages rounded off an unforgettable week. A reminder that patience, trust in the process, and a bit of Powder Mad stubbornness often pay off in the end.

North Macedonia delivered. Again.

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