{"id":148111,"date":"2024-05-30T12:19:58","date_gmt":"2024-05-30T11:19:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rycetravel.com\/?post_type=itineraries&p=148111"},"modified":"2024-07-03T19:55:20","modified_gmt":"2024-07-03T18:55:20","slug":"tour-ski-splitboard-peaks-of-balkans","status":"publish","type":"itineraries","link":"https:\/\/rycetravel.com\/en\/tours\/tour-ski-splitboard-peaks-of-balkans\/","title":{"rendered":"Tour Ski – Splitboard Peaks of the Balkans"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Discover Peaks of the Balkans, the cross-border route through Kosovo, Montenegro, and Albania, on touring skis or a splitboard! Originally designed as a hiking trail to promote local tourism and bring regions closer together, all across national borders. Majestic mountains, deep powder, and delightful Balkan hospitality make this journey an unforgettable experience.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":148088,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"wp_travel_lat":"","wp_travel_lng":"","wp_travel_trip_map_use_lat_lng":"no","wp_travel_location":"","wp_travel_overview":"

Peaks of the Balkans Winter<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Discover Peaks of the Balkans, the cross-border route through Kosovo<\/a>, Montenegro & Albania<\/a>, on tourskis or split board!<\/span><\/p>\n

Background<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This trip was originally designed as a hiking route to promote local tourism and bring regions closer together, all across national borders. Majestic mountains, deep powder, and Balkan hospitality make this journey an unforgettable experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"The Last Border of Europe\" is the nickname for the mountains on the border of Kosovo, Montenegro, and Albania (the Accursed Mountains). These mountains are high, rocky, and wild. Their pointed peaks rise up to 2656 meters (the highest peak is Mount Gjeravica), and we will slowly traverse this breathtaking landscape. The region is close to the Adriatic Sea, which increases humidity and enhances snowfall. The Accursed Mountains (Bjeshk\u00ebt e N\u00ebmuna) are thus the most snow-sure area in the Balkans. Combine that with a journey through three countries in one week, and you have the recipe for an unforgettable adventure!<\/span><\/p>\n

Ryce Travel Peaks of the Balkans winter trip<\/strong><\/h3>\n[caption id=\"attachment_148068\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]\"\" \u00a9 Antoon Dierckx[\/caption]\n

As always we are predominantly working with local partners and local guides. As a non profit tour agency we are supporting tourism in developing countries. That means that you will have a local experience and that locals have a decent income. Moreover do we help foster local initiatives to grow (winter)tourism.<\/em><\/p>\n

Start<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This adventure begins upon arrival at Prishtina or Skopje airport. We'll take you to Peja<\/a>, a city of about 100,000 inhabitants at the foot of the Accursed Mountains and our freeride base.<\/span><\/p>\n

After a short visit to the Serbian Orthodox Monastery of Peja, we head to the Rugova Canyon. Here, we'll embark on a challenging via ferrata climb. We return to Peja for a well-deserved dinner.<\/span><\/p>\n

After dinner, we'll prepare our equipment and have a briefing about the route, snow conditions, and safety. We'll spend the night at Hostel Bora. Tomorrow, our ski tour\/split board adventure really begins!<\/span><\/p>\n

Tour Ski \/ Splitboard Itinerary<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The early bird catches the worm. A 4x4 transfer will take us to our starting point: Pepaj. Here, we'll begin the journey by climbing Hajla (2403m) via the southern slope.<\/span><\/p>\n

This first day involves about 1000 meters of elevation gain. It's a steady ascent, and the view from the top is breathtaking. Our first descent is short but intense, about 400 meters down to the renowned Hajla Mountain Cabin, built by our friend <\/span>Fatos Lajqi, director of Environmentally Responsible Group (ERA).<\/p>\n

ERA's goal is to find harmony between humans and nature within protected areas. The proceeds are also used to fund the ERA wildlife conservation and monitoring program.<\/span><\/p>\n[caption id=\"attachment_148108\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]\"\" Dinner at Hajla Mountain Cabin[\/caption]\n

The next day, we'll receive avalanche training and climb Hajla again, this time via the southern slope, to continue our journey towards Rreka Allages. Here, we'll stay at Guesthouse Ari. Mustaf and Fetije welcome us to their eco-friendly lodge. We get to enjoy the delights of Albanian cuisine.<\/span><\/p>\n

After a hearty breakfast, we'll take another 4x4 transfer, this time from Rreka Allages to the village of Kuqishte (1450m). Here, we'll begin the climb to the Shkodra Pass (2300m) in the direction of Montenegro. Today, we'll finish in Babino Polje (1500m) at Guesthouse Enko.<\/span><\/p>\n

From Babino Polje, we'll cut a piece off and begin the ascent of the Three Border Peak (2366m) between Montenegro, Kosovo, and Albania. From this peak, we have a beautiful descent ahead of us to Doberd\u00f6l, a beautiful place in the middle of nowhere. We'll stay at Guesthouse Uka. This day will be the toughest in terms of elevation gain and distance, but remember, the landscape is sublime, wild, and stunning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Peaks<\/p>\n

From Doberdol, we'll start early in the morning to climb the highest peak in Kosovo, Gjeravica<\/a> (2656m). The upper part is steep and challenging. Further down, the terrain gradually becomes gentler until we reach a mountain path that leads us to the Zalli I Rrupes-De\u00e7anik Gorge. The 4x4 will be ready to take us back to Peja, where we'll stay at our beloved Hostel Bora.<\/span><\/p>\n

The last day is optional. We can, for example, take a trip around Peja, visit local hot springs, or explore the capital city of Prishtina. This last day's program depends on your flight, really. The transfer to the airport is, of course, included.<\/span><\/p>\n

ITINERARY<\/strong><\/h3>\n

DAY 1 - Arrival and Transfer to Peja<\/b><\/p>\n

11:00: Arrival at Prishtina Airport<\/span>
13:00: Lunch in Peja<\/span>
14:30: Visit to Peja's Monastery<\/span>
15:30: Start of Via Ferrata<\/span>
19:00: Dinner<\/span>
20:30: Briefing<\/span><\/p>\n

DAY 2 - <\/b>Hajla Peak (Kosovo)<\/strong><\/p>\n

07:30: Breakfast at Hostel Bora<\/span>
08:30: Departure to Pepaj by 4x4<\/span>
10:00: Start of the ski tour to Hajla Peak (2403m)<\/span>
14:00: Lunch on the top of Hajla<\/span>
16:00: Arrival at Hajla Cabin at 2000 meters<\/span>
18:30: Dinner<\/span><\/p>\n

DAY 3 - Rreka Allages (Kosovo)<\/b><\/p>\n

08:00: Breakfast at Hajla Cabin<\/span>
09:30: Avalanche training and start of the climb of Hajla (via the southern slope)<\/span>
13:00: Lunch on the top of Hajla<\/span>
15:00: Arrival in the village of Rreka Allages<\/span>
18:00: Dinner at Guesthouse Ari<\/span><\/p>\n

DAY 4 - Babino Polje (Montenegro)<\/b><\/p>\n

08:00: Breakfast at Guesthouse Ari<\/span>
09:30: Transfer to the village of Kuqishte<\/span>
10:30: Start of the hike to the Shkodra Pass (2300m)<\/span>
13:30: Lunch on the Kosovo-Montenegro border<\/span>
14:30: Start of the descent to Babino Polje<\/span>
18:00: Dinner at Guesthouse Enko<\/span><\/p>\n

DAY 5 - Doberd\u00f6l (Albania)<\/b><\/p>\n

08:00: Breakfast at the guesthouse<\/span>
09:30: Transfer to the base of the Three Border Peak (Trekufiri\/Tromedja - 2366m)<\/span>
10:30: Start of the hike<\/span>
13:30: Lunch on the Three Border Peak<\/span>
14:30: Start of the descent to Doberd\u00f6l (Albania)<\/span>
18:00: Dinner at Guesthouse Uka<\/span><\/p>\n

DAY 6 - Gjeravica\/Peja (Kosovo)<\/b><\/p>\n

08:00: Breakfast at the guesthouse<\/span>
09:30: Start of the ski tour to the Kosovar border<\/span>
13:30: Lunch at the border of Albania and Kosovo<\/span>
14:30: Start of the descent from Gjeravica Peak (2656m)<\/span>
16:30: Transfer to Peja<\/span>
19:30: Dinner at a local restaurant<\/span><\/p>\n

DAY 7 - Optional Day\/Return<\/b><\/p>\n

08:00: Breakfast at Hostel Bora<\/span>
09:00: Packing for the return journey<\/span>
09:30: Optional day\/return<\/span><\/p>","wp_travel_outline":"

Overview<\/strong><\/h3>\n
    \n
  • Tour Ski \/ Splitboard Journey<\/span><\/li>\n
  • 5 Days of Freeride\/Backcountry<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Winter Route Peaks of the Balkans<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Via Ferrata in Rugova Canyon<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Visit Peja<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Balkan Hospitality<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Booking on request, subject to guide availability. Please contact us via chat or mail@rycetravel.com.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    TRIP START
    <\/span>Sunday, Pristina\/Skopje Airport (pick-up depending on your flight)<\/span><\/p>\n

    TRIP END
    <\/span>Saturday, Pristina\/Skopje Airport (drop-off depending on your flight)<\/span><\/p>\n

    ITINERARY<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    SUNDAY<\/span><\/td>\nPristina - Peja<\/span><\/td>\nHOSTEL BORA<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    MONDAY<\/span><\/td>\nPeja, Pepaj - Hajla Peak (2403m) - Hajla<\/span><\/td>\nHAJLA MOUNTAIN CABIN<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    TUESDAY<\/span><\/td>\nHajla - Hajla Peak (2403m) - Rreka Allages<\/span><\/td>\nGUESTHOUSE ARI<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    WEDNESDAY<\/span><\/td>\nRreka Allages, Kuqishte - Shkodra Pass (2300m) - Babino Polje<\/span><\/td>\nGUESTHOUSE ENKO<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    THURSDAY<\/span><\/td>\nBabino Polje - Three Border (Peak 2366m) - Doberdol<\/span><\/td>\nGUESTHOUSE UKA<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    FRIDAY<\/span><\/td>\nDoberdol - Gjeravica 2656m - Peja<\/span><\/td>\nHOSTEL BORA<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    SATURDAY<\/span><\/td>\nOptional Day\/Departure<\/span><\/td>\n\u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    \u00a0<\/h2>\n