We spent the morning trading turns down some of the steeper gullies — exploding into clouds of white smoke
Tristan Kennedy F/T – March 2022
Catskiing Kosovo
Europes most intriguing new snowcat skiing destination…
The little country of Kosovo, sandwiched between Serbia, Montenegro and Albania is home to some surprisingly big mountains and Europe’s most intriguing new cat-skiing destination.
After flying to Pristina, head to the lodge sitting at 1750m beneath Gjeravica, Kosovo’s highest mountain at 2650m. This is a truly off-grid destination with bear, lynx and wolves still roaming the region.
The terrain is equally epic. Alpine bowls, steep pitches through the trees, pillows and couloirs will challenge even the most intrepid. The warmth and friendliness of the locals will only add to the overall enjoyment of your stay.
Catskiing in Kosovo… the lowdown
THE TERRAIN
Steep lines, big drops, gnarly couloirs, amazing forest runs plus mellow and chilling terrain; you’ll find it all in Kosovo’s Accursed Mountains. And the proximity to the Adriatic Sea means massive snow storms in the winter which all adds up to an undiscovered Freeride Paradise.
THE LODGE
“Grand Gjeravica” is a small family run hotel located at 1750m. During the winter months it is reachable only by an hour long snowcat drive. Once there you are truly off-grid. There is internet as long as snow doesn’t cover the antennas. Open fires, a ready supply of beer and local delicacies prepared by the chef all create an apres ski atmosphere that’ll make you want to keep coming back.
GETTING THERE
Fly to Pristina, Kosovo – then a 2 hour drive from the airport to the pick up point in Junik, then 1 hour to the lodge in a snowcat
Highlights
- Wild and remote yet easy to reach
- Rustic lodge, great apres ski atmosphere
- Close to the Adriatic with big snowfalls
- Terrain suitable for all levels
- Steeps, pillows, trees & mellow bowls
- 2 snowcats each carrying 12 skiers/riders
- 2 guides per snowcat