FYRMacedonia's ski-resorts Popova Sapka and Mavrovo are being offered for the first time to British winter sports fans.

In a report of its correspondent the Guardian presents a large photo of Popova Sapka, accompanied by word that glorify the resort's natural beauty.

'With no marked piste and local skiers sticking to the few groomed runs, all that Popova powder is up for grabs. The handful of lifts are tired, but the freeriding terrain is extensive. Popova is also the base for Europe's only cat-ski operation – Eskimo Freeride (eskimo-freeride.com).They'll take you to some truly epic powder terrain, including open faces and perfect forest runs,' The Guardian reads.

Popova is no party town, but most of the hotels have bars. Hotel Granit is the hang out for the hip crowd; the sun deck is ideal for an après beer and the local brew and rakija – home-distilled fruit brandy. The military base is also open to visitors and offers large portions of food for low prices. The staff speak excellent English and serve great stone-baked pizzas, the Guardian's correspondent says.

He also recommends Mavrovo resort Zare-Lazarevski-(zarelaz.com/welcome.html). Sheltered by the high hills of mountain Korab, Zare offers skiing from November to April and is just one hour from Skopje.

The article resulted from last year's tour of Bristish snowboarders of ski resorts in Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia/Herzegovina.

Their impression is that the Balkan ski resorts not only offer great value for money, but also have beautiful gladed off-piste runs, masses of powder and Europe's only cat-ski operation. Although these ski areas are small compared with familiar Alpine favourites, they should keep intermediate skiers/snowboarders content for two-three days in good snow, the article reads.