Wilderness Ride: Shar Mountain XC Tour

Ilija is representative of the younger generation in mountain guiding. He is actively engaged in alpine climbing, ski mountaineering and mountain biking. A licensed mountain guide according to UIMLA – International Mountain Leader standard since 2014. You can meet him very often on the rocks in the canyon Matka near Skopje, Demir Kapija gorge or ice and mixed routes near Ostri Vrv Peak on Karadzica Mountain near Skopje. With his mountain bike he can be met almost everywhere in the Macedonian mountains. Ilija is a professor in the Department of Production at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje. He is president of Macedonian Alpine Climbing Federation.

Tadej is amazing at hiking in the mountains, finding routes, locations, areas that you could dream of, and destinations that would shock you with how beautiful they could be. Not only is he good at hiking, but he could never get lost in the mountains; he has a sense for them like nobody else, a passion and feeling towards them that nobody could ever recreate; truly, he sees them as his home and therapy that could fix anything of his. Tadej not only enjoys hiking but is also extremely good at skiing. As soon as he sees a touch of snow, he will run up mountains like there is no tomorrow and make sure to enjoy every single bit of skiing he has. He’s also incredible at rock climbing and finding ways to get to the top of the climbing point, as if it were easier than it looks. His experience does not stop there since biking is another one of his amazing passions and sports. He rides with freedom and will never forget any tour he has done with a bike. Tadej is one of a kind; his energy is endless, his focus is strong, and so is his passion for guiding and showing people the beauty that is kept secret in the mountains. He’s full of grace and will make sure you always have a smile on your face, so don’t let any worry ruin you.

Dragan is passionate about the mountains in every sense. He has literally been on the mountain since birth, which is not surprising considering his father Stevo, has been a member of the oldest mountaineering club in Macedonia – Ljuboten, which has a hundred years of existence, for more than seven decades. Dragan finds it difficult to manage his time in the sweet agony of choosing his next mountain adventure among hiking, mountain biking, trail running, skiing, or snowshoeing. But of course, his sons and his wife Cece, are his top priority, with whom he shares a passion for the mountains. Dragan is a licensed UIMLA guide, and he served as the technical secretary of the Macedonian Association of International Mountain Leaders, where he is a member of the instructional team for training new mountain leaders.

Riste is an alpine climber with 10 years of climbing experience. During his mountain guide training process he fell in love with mountain biking as well. Avid explorer of new adventures in the mountains, he can be found in all regions of Macedonia. Licensed mountain guide since 2014, president of the Alpine club Matka from Skopje and a member of Macedonian Mountain Rescue Team, Asklepij. Working as an IT engineer, and living with his wife Jasna and his sons Gorazd and Vedran.

As a passionate mountaineer with a deep love for the rugged beauty of Macedonia’s peaks, I am excited to share the wonders of the great outdoors with others. With a UIMLA license in hand and a heart full of adventure, I stand as a beacon of safety, knowledge, and enthusiasm for those seeking to explore the majestic Macedonian mountains. From the towering heights of Shar Mountain to the breathtaking landscapes of Mokra, Korab, Deshat, Jablanica, Galičica, and Skopska Crna Gora, I possess an intimate understanding of Macedonia’s diverse mountainous landscapes. Safety is paramount in my hiking adventures. With rigorous training and adherence to international standards, I prioritize the well-being of my clients above all else. Throughout my work, I strive to foster a deeper connection between people and nature while preserving Macedonia’s wilderness for generations to come. I am fluent in English, and Italian as well as in the languages of the Balkan region: Serbian, Croatian, and Bulgarian.

Kosta is a passionate hiker, mountain biker, skier, and recently an international mountain guide according to the UIMLA standard. He believes in the concept of continuous and lifelong professional education. In both his primary profession and his role as a Mountain Guide, he emphasizes the importance of risk management as a key determinant of success and client satisfaction, while maintaining the integrity and trust of both professions.