Top 5 hidden skiing gems you must visit

North Macedonia

Popova Sapka is located in the North West of North Macedonia and is an excellent spot to kick start your skiing adventure.

There’s over 20km of slopes available, making it a great place to shred some powder or enjoy a relaxing glide, and the perfect place to visit for skiers of all abilities. If you’re something of a skiing expert, this destination will be perfect for you. Some 2,700m of this resort is only reachable by snowcat, making it the ideal place to explore unchartered powder.

The backdrop is one of natural beauty – grassy terrain, woods, flower meadows, springs and lakes. Head there from January through March to find the best snow coverage.

Georgia

Gudauri is in the heart of the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia, sitting at 2,200m above sea level. It offers some of the best powder in Europe and a thrilling downhill skiing experience from up to 4,200m.

There are four types of run, suitable for all levels of ability. Gudauri is the perfect spot for freeriding and, for those with a penchant for extreme sports, it’s also the ideal spot for heli-ski and night skiing.

You’ll find the resort just two hours north of the capital Tbilisi, with skiing season lasting from December to April.

Kazakhstan

Shymbulak ski resort is located in the upper part of the Medeu Valley, in the Zaiilisky Alatau mountain range in Kazakhstan.

You can find this affordable destination just 25km outside of the city of Almaty. It is the largest ski resort in Central Asia but, perhaps surprisingly, also one of the quietest, making it ideal for a more relaxed vacation.

There are eight pistes, stretching for more than 14km, with the highest reaching a peak of 3200 metres above sea level. It’s also worth taking the time to explore the summit and take in the incredible views of the surrounding landscape.

Shymbulak is popular for its mild year-round climate, sunny days and excellent snow-cover, especially between November and May.

Italy

When you think of skiing in Italy, the first places to come to mind are in the north of the country around the Alps. But this hidden gem is actually right down in the south – on Mount Etna.

Located in Catania, Sicily, it might comes as a surprise to discover you can ski here. You aren’t alone either – few actually realise that Europe’s largest active volcano has two ski resorts, Piano Provenzana and Nicolosi.

The views over the sea make this one of the most unique skiing destinations in the country. Here, you’ll find the best snow on the mountain from November to April. However, due to its Mediterranean location, the climate remains much warmer than many other ski resorts year round – so be sure to pack sunscreen.

Romania

Sinaia is known as The Pearl of the Carpathians and it well and truly lives up to this moniker. Located in the Prahova Valley in the Bucegi Mountains, this skiing treasure is nestled in a gorgeous alpine landscape.

Not only is this an excellent place to get the adrenaline pumping with some downhill skiing, there’s also plenty to explore too. Pay a visit to the strikingly beautiful Peles Castle, which gives a magical feel to this awe-inspiring destination.

Most of Sinia’s skiing takes place at altitude, making it the most reliable destination for snow in the Prahova Valley. The best time to visit is from December to April.

Whether you are a seasoned pro looking for new slopes or a beginner upping your skills, book a flight with flydubai and discover plenty of hidden gems to inspire your next ski trip.