8-Day Ski Touring in Kosovo's Sharr Mountains

A short transfer brings us to Brezovica, a ski area whose ageing lifts recall its Yugoslav past. The surrounding slopes also offer rewarding backcountry touring. Depending on snow cover, access and the group, our objective is Piribreg (2,524 m) or Guri i Zi (2,536 m).

From the upper ridges we look across the Sharr Mountains before descending over open slopes and, where conditions permit, through sheltered forest. Return to our hotel in Prevalla.

Approx. 750-900 m ascent and descent, 3.5-4 hours of touring. Transfers: around 45 minutes each way.

After a short drive into a side valley, we set off towards Dovedenica (2,510 m). The ascent begins among conifers and continues into more open alpine terrain. Beyond the last trees, the landscape feels far removed from the infrastructure of Brezovica.

We choose a safe line for the climb and descent according to visibility and snow stability. If conditions are unfavourable, the guide may select another tour in the Prevalla area. Dinner and a third night at our mountain hotel.

Approx. 1,100 m ascent and descent, 4.5-5.5 hours of touring.

Today we can put on our skins near the hotel and head towards the broad Peskovi ridge. Konjushka (2,572 m), Guzhbaba (2,582 m) and Bistra (2,651 m) provide several possible objectives, each with different aspects and descent options.

The guide decides which peak, if any, is suitable after assessing the snowpack, visibility and the group's progress. In clear weather the views reach across the Sharr range. We return to Prevalla for dinner and our fourth and final night here.

Approx. 1,000 m ascent and descent, 4-5 hours of touring.

Our last tour from the Prevalla area leads towards Mt. Skarpa (2,474 m). Depending on snow cover, we start near the pass or drive a short distance to reach a better starting point. From the upper slopes there are views across the Dukagjin Plain and towards neighbouring Sharr summits. With sufficient snow, the descent may continue towards Zaplluxhe.

After skiing, we leave Prevalla and travel through small villages to Dragash in southern Kosovo. We stay for two nights in a simple hotel in this predominantly Gorani area.

Approx. 900 m ascent and up to 1,000 m descent, around 3.5-4 hours of touring, followed by the transfer to Dragash.

From Dragash, a short drive takes us to Radeshe, a village set in a steep-sided valley. We skin uphill through pine forest and then across more open ground towards Mt. Kleq (also written Klec, 2,467 m).

The north-facing slopes offer several options for the descent, provided snow stability and coverage allow. Back in the valley, we return to Dragash for dinner and a second night.

Approx. 1,100 m ascent and descent, 4-5 hours of touring.

For our final touring day, we head into the mountains above Dragash. One option is Mt. Rudoka (2,658 m), approached from Arxhena, with wide views towards the Korab massif and surrounding border ranges. When conditions or access favour a different route, Mt. Bardalevo offers a shorter alternative with its own rewarding descent.

After the tour we drive to Prizren. Ottoman-era streets, old stone bridges and cafes make a welcome contrast to the remote winter slopes. We spend our last night here and enjoy dinner together.

Rudoka: approx. 1,150 m ascent and up to 1,200 m descent, 4.5-6 hours. Bardalevo: approx. 950 m ascent and descent, around 4 hours.

After breakfast, the group transfer leaves Prizren for Prishtina Airport or the city centre. The drive normally takes around an hour, depending on traffic. Departure is generally between 09:00 and 10:00; please allow sufficient time for airport check-in and choose onward flights for the early afternoon or later.

End of the tour.