About Popova Shapka
Popova Shapka lies on Shar Mountain, 18 km above Tetovo and about an hour by car from Skopje. Its lifts climb from about 1,670 m to 2,380 m and serve around 18 km of pistes: about 6 km easy, 7 km intermediate and 5 km difficult, with three pistes approved for FIS races.
The main lifts are a six-seater chairlift built in 2019 and the Sin Vrv and Sveti Ilija chairlifts, plus several drag lifts. Night skiing runs on Friday and Saturday evenings from 19:00 to 22:00. The old cable car from Tetovo has not run since 2001, so you reach the resort by road.
Skiing here has a long history: a ski section was founded in 1929, and the ski centre and the first Shar Planina Cup, often called the oldest ski race in the Balkans, date from 1947.
Lift pass prices 2025/26 (MKD, Monday to Thursday / Friday to Sunday)
- Day pass, adults: 1,200 / 1,400
- Day pass, ages 6 to 14: 900 / 1,050
- Day pass, 63 and over: 1,100 / 1,300
- Half day from 12:00, adults: 900 / 1,100
- Night skiing, Friday and Saturday: 1,000
- 15% off for 2 to 3 days in a row, 20% for 4 to 6 days
Prices from the resort's official 2025/26 price list; the prices for the new season may change. The lifts run from 08:45 to 15:30.
Ski with us at Popova Shapka
- 01
Ski day from Skopje
We drive you up in the morning, help with lift passes, rental and lessons, and bring you back in the evening.
- 02
Freeride with a local guide
Off-piste in small groups, with a guide who checks the snow every day. Transceiver, shovel and probe included.
- 03
Ski touring on Shar Mountain
Skin up from Popova Shapka to quiet ridges and summits such as Titov Vrv (2,748 m), and ski down untracked snow.
- 04
Lessons for beginners and children
With a ski instructor on the easy slopes.
Good to know
The resort has a ski school, ski rental and hotels next to the slopes. Snow and opening dates change every winter: in 2025/26 the season opened on 11 January. We check the conditions before every trip.
More winter trips
Mavrovo ski resort
The Zare Lazarevski ski centre above Lake Mavrovo, in Mavrovo National Park, with forest runs, snowmaking on the main run and a cross-country trail. We take you there for a ski day or for ski touring on Bistra and Korab.
Ski touring
Climb on skins to quiet summits of Shar Mountain and Korab and ski back down through untracked snow, with a local guide.
Backcountry and freeride
Deep snow off the marked runs on Popova Shapka and Shar Mountain, in small groups with a guide who checks the snow every day.
Questions and answers
How much is a ski pass at Popova Shapka?
In the 2025/26 season an adult day pass cost 1,200 MKD from Monday to Thursday and 1,400 MKD from Friday to Sunday, and a half-day pass from 12:00 cost 900 or 1,100 MKD. Children from 6 to 14 paid 900 or 1,050 MKD.
How far is Popova Shapka from Skopje?
About an hour by car, around 60 km. The resort is 18 km above Tetovo.
Is there night skiing at Popova Shapka?
Yes, on Friday and Saturday from 19:00 to 22:00. A night pass cost 1,000 MKD in 2025/26.
Does the cable car from Tetovo run?
No. It was damaged in 2001 and has not run since, so you reach the resort by road.
When is the ski season at Popova Shapka?
Usually from mid-December to early April, depending on the snow. In 2025/26 the season opened on 11 January.
How do I book?
Send us your date and the number of skiers on WhatsApp or Viber at +389 78 315 213. We reply with the details and the price.