Winter trail markers vandalised on Popova Shapka–Tito’s Peak route; damage over €8,000
Over 45 of 112 winter marker posts on the 11 km Popova Shapka–Tito’s Peak trail were damaged or removed; estimated loss at least €8,000.
More than 45 of the 112 newly installed posts for winter trail markers along the Popova Shapka–Tito’s Peak route have been destroyed, damaged or removed, the Association for Sustainable Development SAT-Skopje said, estimating the material loss at at least €8,000.
Those responsible for the marking project said the route is about 11 kilometres long and that the work on winter marking was carried out from November 2025 to the end of July 2026 by more than 25 local volunteers and small businesses from Tetovo and Bogovinje.
Volunteers, equipment and safety affected
“But this is not only material damage. Behind the destroyed equipment stands something much more important — the effort of the people who worked to make Sharr Mountain safer and better prepared for hikers and local communities,” the association said, stressing that the markers are the result of many hours spent transporting, preparing and installing the posts under difficult mountain conditions.
The association warned that in winter conditions — snow, fog and storms — the trail markers can mean the difference between returning safely and becoming lost in the mountains, with potentially serious consequences. They also described the damage as an attack on tourism infrastructure needed for the development of mountain and active tourism and at odds with the goals of the National Park "Sharr Mountain" and local municipalities to make the area attractive, sustainable and safe for visitors.
Vandalism was reported to the Popova Shapka police station on 19 August 2026. The Association for Sustainable Development SAT-Skopje said it expects the competent authorities to establish the circumstances and proceed according to the law.
Photo: Zdruzhenie za odrzhliv razvoj SAT – Skopje
