Popova Sapka Ski Bargains

It is situated in the beautiful Shar Mountain at 1,780 metres above sea level, just 35 kilometres from the capital Skopje. On average, Popova Sapka sees 135 days of snow.

The resort is a little more run down than its neighbour Mavrovo, but has a pleasant, friendlier feel to it.
The view from Popova Sapka is superb and opens out towards the neighboring mountains Jakupica and Solunska Glava (2540m), and also towards the Polog valley.

The skiing village includes around 250 to 300 chalets to rent and a smattering of independent restaurants. Ski-schools and equipment hire can be arranged at hotels and in the village.Decent Italian food is served up at Casa Leone in the village, which has amazing views from its terrace. The none too imaginatively named Hotel Popova Sapka (+389 44361020) is the biggest hotel in the resort with 140 rooms, but the Hotel Slavija, above the Popova Sapka hotel, is perhaps better appointed and has an indoor swimming pool. Rooms in both these hotels are around €20 per person per night. The ski region’s website (www.popova-sapka.mk) will be of no use unless you speak Macedonian and read cryllic but the site of the Mountain House Granit www.popovashapka13.com.mk, coincidentally a great value place to stay at €15.50 per person per night, has some resort information and also, curiously, pictures of all the other hotels in town.. At €11.50 a day, the ski passes are a bargain too.

Altitude of the resort -1,704m
Highest Peak - 2,748m
Total length of slopes - 10km
Total number of lifts - 11
Number of beginners’ runs (blue slopes) - 2
Intermediate (red slopes) - 5
Advanced (black slopes) - 1
Maximum difference in altitude: 1,400 m