MACEDONIA ATTRACTIONS IN WINTER

POPOVA SAPKA

Popova Sapka is one of the most attractive winter sports centres in Macedonia, and indeed in the Balkan Peninsula. It attracts devotees of winter sports from all over Europe with its altitude of 1870m above sea level and favourable snow. Besides the winter tourism here, summer tourism is also developed. Popova Sapka with its places in the surroundings - Jelak, Lesnica and Ceripasina is an attractive tourist complex. There is a mountain guest house on Jelak, fishing lodge and a restaurant in Lesnica. The hunting of chamois takes place in Ceripasina and Lesnica. The starting point for Popova Sapka is in the town of Tetovo, where there is a cable railway. One needs 36 minutes to reach Popova Sapka, by travelling 6 km via cable railway. There is also a road that connects Tetovo and Popova Sapka.
The ski slopes are linked by a cable railway and ski-lifts. Ljuboten (2499m) is the peak of mount Sara on the north-eastern side of Tetovo. At an altitude of 1540m beneath Ljuboten, is a nice mountain vocation house. Both in winter and summer, Popova Sapka and mount Sara are full of tourists because there are plenty of opportunities for rest and recreation.
The first ski competition the "Sarplaninski" Cup was held at Popova Sapka in 1947. This traditional event is held every year in February with the participation of the best skiers from Macedonia and abroad.
It must be noted that mount Sara is not only a winter recreational centre but a rich hunting area for game and a well-stocked fishing region.
The Sara massive is 80 km long and 12 km wide, covered with snow from November to March and April. There are several glacial lakes (some filled with water) that have become very interesting mountain lakes. These include Livadicko Black lake and White lake.

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