Panoramic Snowshoeing Mali Me Gropa

Mount Mecek - Mali me Gropa, is beautiful and secluded, yet it is a mere hour and a half's drive from the capital, Tirana. Vast and unspoilt, this convenient getaway is resplendent in winter with snow gracing the slopes, the trees and the terrain. Outdoor Albania's experienced guides lead clients on a variety of snowshoeing trips. Participants at all levels, from beginners to advanced, will find this an enjoyable and unique opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors in winter.

Outdoor Albania was the first company to offer guided trips to the Mecek summit, starting in 2004. It released the first documentary about Mecek in 2003; and in 2004 for "News 24". It is the only organisation in Albania that uses state of the art mountain gear and offers experienced guiding. The trip leader Gent Mati is an experienced climber and skier. He has participated in numerous ski-touring races and events in the Alps of Europe since 1994 and organised the Glacier Continental Expedition (Patagonia-Argentina/Chile) in 2003.

Departure dates for Snowshoeing are: Saturday 28-02-09, Sunday 29-02-09, Saturday 07-03-09, Sunday 08-03-09, Saturday 14-03-09, Sunday 15-03-09, Saturday 21-03-09, Sunday 22-03-09, Saturday 28-03-09 and Sunday 29-03-09.

The tour itinerary is as follows:

8:30 am - group gathers at Liceu i Tiranes

8:45 am - start driving towards Dajti Mountain; cross Qafe Priske and drive further to Qafe Molle

10:30 am - drive ends near Feken (1,350 m above sea level)

10:45 am - after a brief technical explanation from the guide, the group will start the walk to Meceku summit (1,820 m); at the pass of the mountain (1,640 m), participants who choose not to go to the top can wait for the others near the old shepherd's hut (1,500 m) and relax with a cup of hot tea

12:30 pm - picnic lunch at the shepherd's hut

2:30 pm - drive back to Tirana

4 pm - arrival in Tirana.

Please note that the scheduled times above are an estimation. They can change due to weather conditions or other circumstances.

Details:

- transport in 4WD/ minibus

- meals included are picnic lunch (sandwiches, fruit, tea, and chocolate bar)

- equipment offered include snowshoes, gaiters and poles

- guide is an English-speaking mountain guide.

What to bring:

Mountain shoes for the hike, spare shoes and socks for the return, gloves, sunglasses and a small backpack. The weather in the mountains can be greatly different from Tirana, so participants are advised to dress warmly, and to remember to bring a personal water bottle.

Frequently asked Questions:

Is it dangerous? No, the walking path is gradual, not exposed to steep dangerous slopes and is avalanche risk free. The guides are trained to navigate with GPS in case of fog or low clouds.

Do I have to be skilled? No, previous experience is not required. The guide will explain to the group the correct use of the gear offered.

Warning:

Persons with heart disease, respiratory problems or other conditions not compatible with sport are not advised to participate in this trip. If they do, they do so at their own risk.