Bjelašnica
Encyclopedia
Bjelašnica is a mountain in central Bosnia and Herzegovina
. It is found directly to the southwest of Sarajevo
, bordering Mt. Igman
. Bjelašnica's tallest peak rises to an elevation of 2067 meters (6782 feet).
Only 20 minutes outside of Sarajevo, it is a popular tourist attraction
for hiking
and skiing
. During the 1984 Winter Olympics
, Bjelašnica hosted the men's alpine skiing
events, where brash Bill Johnson
(USA) won the downhill
after boldly predicting victory. American twins Phil
and Steve Mahre
took gold and silver in the slalom
at Bjelašnica as well. The base area has several structures dating from that time, including hotels and skiing areas. The women's alpine events were held at Jahorina
.
Bjelašnica's base is largely forest
ed, however there are no trees above the 1500 meter (4921') tree line. There are numerous trails set up and maintained by local mountain clubs that lead to the bald peaks higher up. The mountain's name stems from the root bijel, which means "white".
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina , sometimes called Bosnia-Herzegovina or simply Bosnia, is a country in Southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Bordered by Croatia to the north, west and south, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast, Bosnia and Herzegovina is almost landlocked, except for the...
. It is found directly to the southwest of Sarajevo
Sarajevo
Sarajevo |Bosnia]], surrounded by the Dinaric Alps and situated along the Miljacka River in the heart of Southeastern Europe and the Balkans....
, bordering Mt. Igman
Igman
Igman is a mountain in central Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is found directly to the southwest of Sarajevo, bordering Bjelašnica mountain and the city of Ilidža. Igman's highest point, Vlahinja Ridge, is 1502 meters , making it the shortest of the Sarajevo mountains.Igman is a popular destination...
. Bjelašnica's tallest peak rises to an elevation of 2067 meters (6782 feet).
Only 20 minutes outside of Sarajevo, it is a popular tourist attraction
Tourist attraction
A tourist attraction is a place of interest where tourists visit, typically for its inherent or exhibited cultural value, historical significance, natural or built beauty, or amusement opportunities....
for hiking
Hiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain. People often hike on hiking trails. It is such a popular activity that there are numerous hiking organizations worldwide. The health benefits of different types of hiking...
and skiing
Skiing
Skiing is a recreational activity using skis as equipment for traveling over snow. Skis are used in conjunction with boots that connect to the ski with use of a binding....
. During the 1984 Winter Olympics
Alpine skiing at the 1984 Winter Olympics
Alpine skiing at the 1984 Winter Olympics consisted of six events, held near Sarajevo, Yugoslavia .The men's races were held at Bjelašnica, the women's at Jahorina from February 13-19, 1984....
, Bjelašnica hosted the men's alpine skiing
Alpine skiing at the 1984 Winter Olympics
Alpine skiing at the 1984 Winter Olympics consisted of six events, held near Sarajevo, Yugoslavia .The men's races were held at Bjelašnica, the women's at Jahorina from February 13-19, 1984....
events, where brash Bill Johnson
Bill Johnson (skier)
William Dean "Bill" Johnson is a former alpine ski racer with the U.S. Ski Team. He was the first American male to win an Olympic gold medal in alpine skiing, winning the downhill at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. Bill has 2 sons, named Tyler and Nick...
(USA) won the downhill
Downhill
Downhill is an alpine skiing discipline. The rules for the Downhill were originally developed by Sir Arnold Lunn for the 1921 British National Ski Championships....
after boldly predicting victory. American twins Phil
Phil Mahre
Philip Mahre is a former champion alpine ski racer, widely regarded as one of the greatest American skiers of all time...
and Steve Mahre
Steve Mahre
Steven Mahre is a former alpine ski racer and younger twin brother of ski racer Phil Mahre....
took gold and silver in the slalom
Slalom skiing
Slalom is an alpine skiing discipline, involving skiing between poles spaced much closer together than in Giant Slalom, Super-G or Downhill, thereby causing quicker and shorter turns.- Origins :...
at Bjelašnica as well. The base area has several structures dating from that time, including hotels and skiing areas. The women's alpine events were held at Jahorina
Jahorina
Mount Jahorina , is a mountain in south-eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, located southeast of Sarajevo within Republika Srpska. It borders fellow Olympic mountain Trebević...
.
Bjelašnica's base is largely forest
Forest
A forest, also referred to as a wood or the woods, is an area with a high density of trees. As with cities, depending where you are in the world, what is considered a forest may vary significantly in size and have various classification according to how and what of the forest is composed...
ed, however there are no trees above the 1500 meter (4921') tree line. There are numerous trails set up and maintained by local mountain clubs that lead to the bald peaks higher up. The mountain's name stems from the root bijel, which means "white".
External links
- BH Tourism Official Website
- Bjelasnica.ba - official site