2-Day Winter Escape: Skiing Mavrovo & Exploring Historic Ohrid

Want to combine a snowy mountain escape with some of the best historical sightseeing in the Balkans? This 2-day winter trip across the border into North Macedonia gives you the best of both worlds.

Organized by Fiori Travel & Tours Agency (fioritravel.al), we take you from the UNESCO-protected lakeside alleys of Ohrid straight to the prime ski slopes of Mavrovo National Park. Whether you want to carve up the snow or just drink hot cocoa by a historic lake, this weekender is built for you. We handle the driving and the border logistics; you just bring your winter coat.

The Weekend Itinerary

Day 1: The Historic Route – Bitola, Ohrid & Struga

• The Morning Drive: We start early to make the most of the day. We pick up in Durrës at 05:15 (note: Durrës departures require a minimum of 9 people), Tirana at 06:00, and Elbasan at 06:30. We make a quick coffee stop near Librazhd before crossing the border.

• Exploring Bitola: Our first major stop is Bitola, historically known as Manastir. It is the second-largest city in North Macedonia and holds massive cultural weight as the birthplace of the Albanian alphabet.

• Ohrid & The Lake: Next, we head to the famous city of Ohrid. You will have time to walk the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, check out the city fortress, and see the iconic hilltop churches. If you are up for it, you can even take an optional boat ride out on Lake Ohrid.

• Struga & Check-In: After grabbing lunch at a local Ohrid restaurant, we check into our hotel, spend the late afternoon exploring the neighboring town of Struga, and wrap up the night with dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Hitting the Slopes in Mavrovo National Park

• Mountain Bound: After a solid hotel breakfast, we drive up into Mavrovo National Park. This is North Macedonia’s premier winter destination, famous for its dense pine forests and excellent ski runs.

• Time in the Snow: You have the bulk of the day to hit the slopes. If you are a beginner, our guide is right there to help you figure out gear rentals and point you toward the easier trails. If you don’t ski, the snowy landscapes and mountain cafes are perfect for relaxing.

• Heading Home: We grab a late, warm lunch at one of the local mountain restaurants before loading back into the vehicle for the evening drive back to Elbasan, Tirana, and Durrës.