Alpine skiing in Macedonia: an overview of ski resorts. Mavrovo National Park: from skiing to ethnography and gastronomy Mavrovo ski resort

The small state has become famous throughout the world thanks to its ski resorts. This is not surprising, because the territory of the republic is surrounded from almost all sides. The snow cover on the mountain slopes lasts almost until mid-May, so the ski resorts of Macedonia are considered the best when compared with its neighbors Bulgaria or Italy. The ski pass prices of the resorts are much lower than in Switzerland or Canada, which attracts so many tourists to Macedonia. All ski resorts in the country have a developed infrastructure, they are suitable for both experienced athletes and novice skiers. In tourist towns, you can not only practice skiing, but also get acquainted with historical (religious) ones, as well as find a lot of places for entertainment with the whole family.

The most popular ski slopes are:

All of them are located relatively close to Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, so getting to the desired vacation spot will not be difficult.

Ski resort Mavrovo

70 km from the capital of Macedonia is the small village of Mavrovo, which is famous for its national park and, of course, the ski resort of the same name. High hills of the mountain, stunning landscapes, crystal-clear lake with trout and the gorge of the Radika River have become a real pearl of this region. In the northern part of the village, on the slopes of Mount Bistra, the famous ski resort Mavrovo is located. Its tracks run through mountain forests. There are tracks for inexperienced athletes and for real avid skiers. The tracks are located at an altitude of 1255-1860 m above sea level, there are 18 of them:

3 yellow (for beginner athletes);
5 green (for intermediate skiers);
6 blue (experienced);
4 extreme snow tracks.

The Mavrovo ski resort is open from November to April. Snow cannons are installed on all ski slopes, so there is a wonderful snow cover for the entire skiing period. Lighting functions along the slopes so that tourists and athletes can ride in the evening. The resort has 14 lifts: 3 chairlifts and 11 drag lifts, which will allow you not only to climb to the top of the slopes, but also to enjoy the picturesque landscapes of nature. Near the lifts, there are rental points for sports equipment and overalls, right there you can hire a training instructor (there is a Russian-speaking one).

On the territory of the Mavrovo ski resort you will find many places for entertainment: discos, casinos, bars, an ice rink. There is a children's school for children, and you will find a nanny in the resort's list of services. On one of the mountain slopes of Mount Bistra, there is an important historical landmark of Macedonia - the monastery of St. John of Bigorski, which is famous for its iconostasis. Don't miss your chance and get to know this wonderful place.

The cost of a ski pass in the Mavrovo ski resort pleasantly surprises with its prices. Let's get acquainted with them:

1 day - 17.8 euros (adult) / 13 euros (children);
3 days - 50/35 euros;
7 days - 100/70 euros.

There is no need to pay for children who are not yet 12 years old, all entertainment is free for them.

You can stay with the whole family in Mavrovo in hotels or boarding houses of the resort. There are only 4 hotels on the territory, of which one is a four-star - Hotel Alpina, which tourists love so much. The hotels of the Mavrovo ski resort are located on the slopes of the mountain, near the ski lifts. This location makes any vacation more comfortable.

It is very easy to get to the Mavrovo ski resort. From Skopje (as well as from the capital itself) and Ohrid can be reached by public transport: buses with the corresponding route are constantly running here. Of course, you can come to the village by taxi, but it will be quite expensive. The cheapest way to get there is by train. The nearest station to Mavrovo is called Taomishte, which is 10 km away. Near the station you can find a private taxi, and they will get to the desired place.

Ski resort Krusevo

Ski resort Krusevo in Macedonia is no less popular holiday destination than Mavrovo. It is located 160 km from Skopje, near the city. The skiing season in this place opens in November and lasts until April. People come here mainly to enjoy agritourism and walks along the mountain slopes. There are few ski slopes on the territory of the resort, only three: for beginners and intermediate athletes. They are served by snow cannons and three chair lifts.

On the territory of the ski resort Krusevo you will find many hotels, bars, where you can relax with the whole family. Tourists highlight the Hotel Montana Palace, in its list of services you will find instructors and nannies. You can have fun in Krusevo by visiting the pool, local disco or gym... In addition, in the city you can find many museums and galleries, ancient chapels and monasteries. You will surely enjoy excursions to these places.

The cost of a ski pass in Krusevo is relatively low:

1 day - 17 euros (adult) / 15 (children);
7 days - 70 euros / 50 euros.

On the territory of the Krusevo ski resort, you will find equipment rental offices where you can rent snowmobiles (for 20 euros) or skis (for 15 euros) for a day. You can also hire an experienced instructor for 10 euros per day.

Getting to this ski resort in Macedonia is easy enough. In Skopje, you can find a shuttle bus that will take you to your destination in a couple of hours.

Ski resort Popova hat

One of the most popular ski resorts in Macedonia - Popova hat is located 35 km from Skopje. The ski slopes run along the slopes of Shar-Planina Mountain, from its top you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of small glacial lakes. The infrastructure of the resort is well developed, so that your stay will be comfortable and calm.

The slopes of the Popova Cap ski resort in Macedonia reach a height of 1,780 m and are covered with snow from November to March. Of course, the ski slopes are equipped with everything you need: markings, snow cannons and lighting. There are tracks for beginners and experienced athletes, and for fans of extreme sports, the Popova Hat resort has its own specialty - skiing off the tracks, here it is allowed. You can find 14 ski slopes:

2 green;
3 red;
2 blue;
6 black.

Unfortunately, you will not find yellow slopes for beginners here, but you can hire an excellent instructor to help you improve your skiing skills. The resort has six ski lifts that can take you to the very top of the mountain. Popova's hat also has trails for snowboarders, which other ski resorts in Macedonia cannot boast of. Accordingly, at rental points you can rent not only skis, but also a snowboard or snowmobile.

In Popova Shapka you can easily find a place where you can stay with the whole family. There are about six small hotels and private cottages on the territory of the resort. All of them are located not far from the ski lifts. Tourists highlight the Snow Patrol Lodge, which has received four stars. In local restaurants, you can have a full lunch. On their menu you will find Macedonian and European dishes.

Prices for the ski pass of the Popova cap ski resort in Macedonia are moderate. Let's consider them in more detail:

1 day - 20 euros (adult) / 15 (children);
3 days - 45 euros / 38 euros;
7 days - 100 euros / 58 euros.

Of course, there is no need to pay for children under 12 years of age. There is a small children's club at the resort especially for them, where experienced nannies can look after your child. On the territory of the resort you will find places for entertainment: swimming pool, jacuzzi, bars and discos.

You can get to the ski resort Popova cap in Macedonia by taxi or train from. You can get there by private car in two hours, and by train in just 40 minutes.

Most often, tourists and residents of Macedonia come to this area in order to go skiing. Among the attractions, first of all, it is worth highlighting the Mavrovskoe Lake, which is distinguished by its incredible cleanliness and unique landscapes. The lake is located in the mountains at a decent height above sea level, so you will have to make some efforts to get there.

The lake is quite young, it was formed in 1959 as a result of the construction of a dam. The Radika River flows into this natural reservoir. There are four small villages on the shores of the lake. In winter, a modern ski center Tsare Lazarevski works in the lake area.

One of the features of the lake is that the water temperature in it does not rise above 20 degrees, even in hot summer days... Given the inaccessible location of the lake and its beautiful nature, it is not surprising that it is considered an ideal place for lovers of peace and quiet. In addition to various vegetation, you can see 100 species of birds here. On the lake there is an old half-flooded church of St. Nicholas. The flooding of the temple occurred during the creation of an artificial reservoir, but this only increases the flow of tourists to this place (everyone wants to see the church standing in the water). The lake itself looks great both in rainy and sunny weather, making it an ideal place for photo shoots.

Restaurants and hotels are located not far from the lake, which makes this place even more interesting for tourists. Fishing on the lake is prohibited, although a very tasty fish is grown in the reservoir - Macedonian trout (you can try this delicacy in local cafes and restaurants).

The lake is located just 70 kilometers from the capital of Macedonia, Skopje. But first you will need to get to Mavrovo, and then you will have to walk a little, although it is not very far to go.

It is also worth paying attention to the Mavrovo National Park on the outskirts of which the aforementioned lake is located. The park covers a huge area of 730.9 square kilometers. The park has been under state protection since 1948. It is on the territory of this park that most of the mountain ranges are located, which in winter attract lovers of skiing and other winter extreme sports (there is a ski resort of the same name next to the park). Most of the park's territory is covered with forests, among which beech dominates. There are also such plants that are on the verge of extinction and are found only in the territory of this park. The animal world of this place is also rich. Many animals were brought from other countries and adapted to local conditions.

Noteworthy are mountain rivers and waterfalls, among which it is worth highlighting the Preyfel waterfall, the height of which reaches 134 meters. In addition to natural attractions, Mavrovo National Park can please tourists with a number of ancient architectural structures. Among them are the monastery of St. John the Baptist Bigorski, the picturesque village of Galichnik, and also go down to such an interesting place as Sharkov Dupka Cave. This place is always crowded, regardless of the season.

While relaxing in Mavrovo, you can set aside one day to visit the city of Orchid, which is informally called Balkan Jerusalem. This ancient city is located on the shores of the lake of the same name and is primarily famous for its ancient temples. In one of the monasteries of the city, Cyril and Methodius were engaged in the creation of the Cyrillic alphabet.

In addition to sightseeing during your holiday in the resort, you can visit various shops that sell not only souvenirs, but also natural products made of wool, beads, fur, silver, gold and clay.

Various festivals and competitions are regularly held in Mavrovo, if you wish, you can go to a restaurant, sauna or nightclub.

Mavrovo is the largest in Macedonia and one of the oldest national parks in Europe, established in 1949. The park is popular with tourists from different countries the world all year round. Let's get to know him better.

MAVROVO: VARIETY OF HOLIDAYS

Vast - 73 thousand hectares - the territory of the Mavrovo National Park, located in central and western Macedonia, abounds in canyons, pine forests, karst caves and waterfalls. It is easy to get here by road transport both from Skopje (100 km, about an hour's drive) and their Ohrid.

Here, in national park, there is also one of the most important Macedonian monasteries, where tourists are allowed access - the monastery of St.Jovan Bigorski. On the territory of the park there are also atmospheric villages of Galichnik and Yanche, separated by a mountain range. The villages in Mavrovo are also famous for their cheeses.

The national park provides many opportunities for different types recreation - winter sports, ethnogastronomic tourism, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, excursions by car with a guide

Note that although self-guided tours in the park promise a lot of breathtaking views, tourists need to be careful here: the GPS signal is very poorly and unevenly received here, and there are very few signs on the roads. Therefore, it is best to visit these places with an experienced local driver-guide rather than on your own. But if you still decide to come not as part of a group, then the benevolent "rangers" (rangers) of the park will be able to tell you the best direction for excursions or walks in the park, depending on your interests.

Mavrovo is beautiful for everyone - both nature, and unique rural architecture, and the most beautiful ancient churches. You can come here not only to a ski resort or on an excursion, but also to stay - in local villages located near Lake Mavrovo or in the mountains there are a sufficient number of accommodation options for every taste and budget.

SKI RESORT MAVROVO

Mavrovo National Park is famous for the fact that it is here that the highest mountain peaks of the country are located - Shara, Deshad, Bistra, Medenitsa, and the Bolshoi Korab massif. It is in Mavrovo that the highest mountain peak in Macedonia is located - the Golem Korab peak - 2764 m above sea level. The ski resort Zare Lazarevski in the Mavrovo Park offers tourists a variety of opportunities for winter sports recreation - from alpine skiing to snowboarding.

The resort has 14 lifts (including three chairlifts and 11 ski lifts). The total capacity of the lifts is 12 thousand people per hour, the maximum length is 5700 m. The ski slopes here are located at altitudes from 1860 m to 1255 m above sea level, there are tracks for both beginners and professionals of alpine skiing. The average thickness of the snow cover here is about 70 cm, which makes it possible to practice winter sports here from November to April.

MAVROVO OUT OF THE SKI SEASON

Tourists travel to Mavrovo all year round - not only for ski holidays. The national park has the largest artificial lake of the same name with the park. Swimming places and boat docks have been created on its shores. On the slopes of the mountains surrounding the lake, there are picturesque mountain forests and alpine meadows; transparent mountain rivers and streams delight the eye. The shores of the lake are good for a beach holiday in summer, and for interesting photo tours in autumn and spring. The lake itself is located at an altitude of about 1000 m above sea level, so it sometimes freezes in winter. In the center of the lake is an island with a dilapidated church - another colorful detail that will adorn the panoramic shots of tourists.

Fauna and flora of Mavrovo are interesting and diverse. The national park is home to a large number of wildlife species, including bears, wolves, otters and the rare Balkan lynx (Lynx lynx balcanicus). By the way, Mavrovo is a center in which they are engaged in the restoration of the endangered population of European lynxes.

Mavrovo is home to more than a thousand species of various plants (including more than 100 relict and rare species). This national park is included in the southern part of the so-called. The European Green Belt is the name given to the totality of natural areas untouched by industrial activity that entered Europe after the fall of the Iron Curtain. By the way, medicinal herbs here can be easily collected by hand on the slopes of the hills.

HORSE AND HIKING EXCURSIONS FROM GALICHNIK IN PARK MAVROVO

A typical walking tour recommended in Mavrovo National Park starts from Galichnik (where tourists are taken by car), a picturesque mountain village famous for its authentic 19th century rural architecture and ethnographic festivals.

There are many hiking trails around Galichnik, and here tourists spend the whole day - with a lunch break from traditional dishes this region. Galichnik is especially famous for its white and yellow cheeses and other dairy products.

Here, in Galichnik, tourists can take a horse ride - and also with lunch at a local restaurant, where they will be offered to try local specialties - for example, a young lamb cooked in a special way.

The peculiarity of local horses here is that they are rather short, tame and stable when walking on rough mountainous terrain - so that any tourist with any level of training can safely ride them. Of course, the group is accompanied by an experienced horse riding instructor.

WEDDING IN GALICHNIKA

Every July, on St. Peter's Day, locals and tourists come to the village of Galichnik, located in the mountains in the western part of Mavrovo Park, to watch a colorful ethnographic show - a traditional Macedonian wedding.

The folklore festival lasts three days: here tourists can see an authentic Macedonian wedding ceremony that has come down to us through the centuries, with dances, songs and folklore costumed rites, many of which have their origins in the pre-Christian era, and, of course, a wedding feast. “Wedding in Galichnik” is certainly the pearl of event tourism in Macedonia, which is recommended for any tourist in the country. Note that the village of Galichnik and its environs are picturesque in themselves and are available for visiting from February to December (before the first snowfalls).

Mavrovo ( Mavrovo) - a ski resort in the south of Macedonia, located 70 km from Skopje in the vicinity of the village of the same name at the foot of Mount Bistra. One of the most beautiful and picturesque places in the country. Mavrovo has 18 marked tracks, which are processed by snow groomers and snow cannons, and are generally monitored for suitability and quality of skiing. There are three yellow tracks for beginners, 5 green tracks, 6 blue tracks and 4 black tracks for aces. All this beauty can be reached with the help of 3 "chairlifts" and 11 drag lifts. It must be said that the throughput capacity of Mavrovo is impressive - more than 11 thousand people per hour.

The resort also has a ski center with equipment rental, instructors (including Russian-speaking ones) and a full-fledged children's school. Fans of cross-country skiing will not be bored either: there are cross-country trails waiting for them.

By the way, the slopes with chair lifts are also equipped with artificial lighting, so you can ride there even after dark, that is, from about 7 pm. All the fun ends at midnight, so that even rabid skiers get a little bit of a cozy and slightly rustic local après ski.

Overview video

Distinctive features

Kokino Observatory

Archaeological site of Macedonia, the ancient astronomical observatory of Kokino, located near the village of the same name, 35 km from Kumanovo in northern Macedonia. From the history of the Kokino observatory The observatory was discovered in 2001 and is located on the top of the volcanic mountain Tatichev Kamen at an altitude of 1030 meters above sea level.

The megalithic structure is located on two adjacent hills - upper and lower. During the study of the monument by an archaeologist from the Kumanovo National Museum Jovice Stankovski, Kokino was dated to 1800 BC, i.e. to the early Bronze Age. The main objects of the Kokino Observatory are the so-called markers - stone protrusions that serve as markers for determining the position of the sun and moon, and the throne - the protrusion of stone blocks for rituals and ceremonies.

Mavrovo from A to Z: a map of hotels and ski areas, slopes and tracks, lifts and ski passes. Bright photos and videos. Reviews of tourists-skiers about Mavrovo.

Last Minute Tours around the world

Fantastic, lost in the mountains and extremely picturesque Macedonia is completely unfamiliar to our skiers. Preferring to ride in the good old Alps or on other spurs of the Balkan Mountains, tourists from Russia somehow do not even think about the fact that the Macedonian slopes can give them a completely new joy of skiing. Firstly, in an Orthodox state that is close in spirit, the population of which speaks a language that is intuitively understood by all Slavs. Secondly, prices in Macedonia are not just low, but obscenely low, especially compared to some Swiss resort. And, finally, what can the skaters care about, but we will please them now: the slopes of this friendly country are in no way inferior in quality, and in many respects surpass their Balkan "brothers". It is no coincidence that it is on the slopes of one of the most popular Macedonian resorts of Mavrovo that a stage of the European Cup in snowboarding, International slalom competitions and many other competitions are held every year.

So, Mavrovo is a famous ski resort in Macedonia, located about 70 km from the capital Skopje at the foot of Mount Bistra. This, by the way, is also one of the most beautiful places in the country, because Mavrovo is located in the national park of the same name next to the purest Mavrovskoye Lake.

Local trails start at an altitude of 1860 m and end at about 1255 m. The skiing season lasts from November to April.

By the way, you can relax here not only in winter - in summer in Mavrovo it is no less (or even more) picturesque, benevolently open the doors of hotels, and in restaurants freshly caught trout from the lake awaits their guests.

How to get there

From Mavrovo it is easy to get to both Skopje Airport (about 80 km) and Ohrid Airport (about 55 km), in both cases buses run. Alternatively, you can get there by train - the nearest station, Taomishte, is located just 10 km from the resort.

Search for flights to Mavrovo

Trails

Mavropo has 18 marked tracks, which are processed by snow groomers and snow cannons, and are generally monitored for suitability and quality of skiing. There are three yellow tracks for beginners, 5 green tracks, 6 blue tracks and 4 black tracks for aces. All this beauty can be reached with the help of 3 "chairlifts" and 11 drag lifts. It must be said that the throughput capacity of Mavrovo is impressive - more than 11 thousand people per hour.

The chairlift trails in Mavrovo are equipped with artificial lighting, so you can ride there even after dark, that is, from about 7 pm.

The cost of a ski pass to Mavrovo is very, very reasonable (adult / child up to 12 years old): for 1 day 17.8 / 13 EUR; 3 days 50/35 EUR; 7 days - 100/70 EUR.

Hotels

In Mavrovo you can stay both in cozy pensions and apartments kept by smiling Macedonians, and in quality hotels, there is even a worthy "four" - Hotel Alpina. Other popular hotels are Makpetrol 3 *, Bistra, Lorge or Sport Hotel. All of them are located directly on the slopes of the mountains, next to the ski lifts, so skiing in Mavrovo starts practically "from the threshold".

The après-ski is a disco, a small casino, restaurants and cozy cabins, as well as evening skiing, of course.

Entertainment and attractions Mavrovo

The main attraction of Mavrovo is, of course, the mountains. But if you want to take a break from boards, skis and poles, you should definitely visit the bright and quiet monastery of St. Jovanna Bigorski monastery, which rises on the slope of Bistra, 24 km from the resort. The local iconostasis, decorated with deep carvings, is a pearl of religious art.

Ohrid - "Balkan Jerusalem" is located only 45-50 km from Mavrovo. The ancient city, located on the shores of the lake of the same name, is famous for its amazing ancient temples. In particular, it is worth visiting the 11th century St. Sophia Basilica and the 13th century St. Clement Church, where rare Byzantine frescoes have been preserved. In one of the monasteries of Ohrid, St. Cyril and Methodius worked on the creation of our Slavic alphabet - the Cyrillic alphabet.

National park

Finally, it would be unforgivable not to mention the national park of the same name with the resort Mavrovo. It is one of the largest reserves in Macedonia, home to about 600 endemic, endangered or rare plant species.

The fauna of the park is also diverse: 140 species of birds (including a proud peregrine falcon, a gloomy burial eagle and a swift golden eagle), 11 species of amphibians, 12 species of reptiles and 38 species of mammals (of course, a bear, a beautiful lynx, a fast-footed chamois and an elegant forest cat ). It is best to walk around the Mavrovo reserve in the summer and in the company of a guide, otherwise you will get lost in an uneven hour - the places here are amazingly beautiful, but wild.