Bjelašnica: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Mountain in central Bosnia and Herzegovina}} |
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{{Distinguish|Bjelasica}} |
{{Distinguish|Bjelasica}} |
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{{Infobox mountain |
{{Infobox mountain |
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| name = Bjelašnica |
| name = Bjelašnica |
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| other_name = Бјелашница |
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| photo = Bjelašnica2.jpg |
| photo = Bjelašnica2.jpg |
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| photo_caption = The ski resort at Bjelašnica |
| photo_caption = The ski resort at Bjelašnica |
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| Line 18: | Line 20: | ||
| easiest_route = |
| easiest_route = |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Bjelašnica''' ({{ |
'''Bjelašnica''' ({{lang-sr-Cyrl|Бјелашница}}, {{IPA|sh|bjělaːʃnit͡sa|pron}}) is a mountain in the [[Dinaric Alps]] in central [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]]. It is to the southwest of [[Sarajevo]], bordering Mount [[Igman]]. Bjelašnica's tallest peak, by which the mountain group got its name, rises to an elevation of {{convert|2067|m}}. Other notable peaks are Krvavac ({{convert|2061|m|abbr=on}}), Mali Vlahinja ({{convert|2055|m|abbr=on}}), and Hranisava ({{convert|1964|m|abbr=on}}). The Bjelašnica range is bordered by the [[Rakitnica (Neretva)|Rakitnica]] in the south, the [[Neretva]] in the west, Mount Igman in the north-east and Mount Ivan in the north-west. Only at 20 minutes distance of Sarajevo, it is a tourist attraction for [[hiking]] and [[skiing]]. |
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Bjelašnica |
Bjelašnica was, in certain areas, the site of extensive combat during the 1992–95 [[Siege of Sarajevo]] and particular areas pose a high mine risk. There are numerous trails set up and maintained by local mountain clubs that lead to the bald peaks higher up. The mountain is also visited by [[Mountain biking|mountain bikers]] and has become a base for some [[Paragliding|paragliders]].{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} |
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==Etymology== |
==Etymology== |
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==Geology== |
==Geology== |
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Geologically, Bjelašnica is part of the Dinaric Alps and formed largely of secondary and tertiary sedimentary rock, mostly |
Geologically, Bjelašnica is part of the Dinaric Alps and formed largely of secondary and tertiary sedimentary rock, mostly limestone and dolomite. |
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==Climate and vegetation== |
==Climate and vegetation== |
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The white snow cupola of Bjelašnica is a familiar sight from the higher points in Sarajevo in the period from mid |
The white snow cupola of Bjelašnica is a familiar sight from the higher points in Sarajevo in the period from mid-October until early June. Bjelašnica's base is largely forested with mostly [[beech]]. However, there are no trees above the 1,500 metre tree line. |
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Bjelašnica has an [[Alpine climate|alpine]] [[Tundra|tundra climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|ET]]) with long, cold winters lasting for most of the year and short, cool summers. During winter, snowfall is extremely heavy and very constant, falling on most winter days. |
Bjelašnica has an [[Alpine climate|alpine]] [[Tundra|tundra climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|ET]]) with long, cold winters lasting for most of the year and short, cool summers. During winter, snowfall is extremely heavy and very constant, falling on most winter days. |
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{{Weather box |
{{Weather box |
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|location = Bjelašnica (1961–1990 |
|location = Bjelašnica (1961–1990) |
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|metric first = yes |
|metric first = yes |
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|single line = yes |
|single line = yes |
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|Jan record high C = |
|Jan record high C = 5.4 |
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|Feb record high C = |
|Feb record high C = 5.3 |
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|Mar record high C = 9.4 |
|Mar record high C = 9.4 |
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|Apr record high C = 13.8 |
|Apr record high C = 13.8 |
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|May record high C = 18. |
|May record high C = 18.2 |
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|Jun record high C = |
|Jun record high C = 21.0 |
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|Jul record high C = |
|Jul record high C = 23.2 |
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|Aug record high C = |
|Aug record high C = 22.0 |
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|Sep record high C = |
|Sep record high C = 20.3 |
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|Oct record high C = 15.9 |
|Oct record high C = 15.9 |
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|Nov record high C = |
|Nov record high C = 10.8 |
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|Dec record high C = 8. |
|Dec record high C = 8.8 |
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|year record high C = |
|year record high C = |
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|Jan high C = -4.1 |
|Jan high C = -4.1 |
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|Feb high C = -4.3 |
|Feb high C = -4.3 |
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| Line 89: | Line 91: | ||
|Dec low C = -7.2 |
|Dec low C = -7.2 |
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|year low C = -1.1 |
|year low C = -1.1 |
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|Jan record low C = - |
|Jan record low C = -29.2 |
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|Feb record low C = - |
|Feb record low C = -26.2 |
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|Mar record low C = - |
|Mar record low C = -25.4 |
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|Apr record low C = -19.0 |
|Apr record low C = -19.0 |
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|May record low C = -11.0 |
|May record low C = -11.0 |
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|Jun record low C = -6.4 |
|Jun record low C = -6.4 |
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|Jul record low C = -3. |
|Jul record low C = -3.0 |
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|Aug record low C = -3.7 |
|Aug record low C = -3.7 |
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|Sep record low C = - |
|Sep record low C = -9.0 |
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|Oct record low C = - |
|Oct record low C = -12.2 |
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|Nov record low C = - |
|Nov record low C = -19.2 |
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|Dec record low C = -26.8 |
|Dec record low C = -26.8 |
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|year record low C = |
|year record low C = |
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|precipitation colour = green |
|precipitation colour = green |
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|Jan precipitation mm = 78.0 |
|Jan precipitation mm = 78.0 |
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| Line 130: | Line 132: | ||
|Dec precipitation days = 15.2 |
|Dec precipitation days = 15.2 |
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|year precipitation days = 171.7 |
|year precipitation days = 171.7 |
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|unit snow days = 1.0 cm |
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| Jan snow days = 30.8 |
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| Feb snow days = 28.2 |
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| ⚫ | |||
| Apr snow days = 29.5 |
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| May snow days = 22.4 |
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| Jun snow days = 3.2 |
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| Jul snow days = 0.1 |
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| Aug snow days = 0.1 |
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| Sep snow days = 1.9 |
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| Oct snow days = 6.4 |
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| Nov snow days = 19.1 |
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| Dec snow days = 29.4 |
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|year snow days = 202.0 |
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|Jan humidity = 85.5 |
|Jan humidity = 85.5 |
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|Feb humidity = 87.6 |
|Feb humidity = 87.6 |
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| Line 170: | Line 158: | ||
|Dec sun = 82.8 |
|Dec sun = 82.8 |
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|year sun = 1694.2 |
|year sun = 1694.2 |
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|Jan percentsun = 32 |
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|source 1 = Meteorological Institute of Bosnia and Herzegovina<ref>{{cite web |
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|Feb percentsun = 29 |
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| ⚫ | |||
|Apr percentsun = 32 |
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|May percentsun = 36 |
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|Jun percentsun = 37 |
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|Jul percentsun = 50 |
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|Aug percentsun = 51 |
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|Sep percentsun = 48 |
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|Oct percentsun = 45 |
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|Nov percentsun = 34 |
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|Dec percentsun = 30 |
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|year percentsun = 39 |
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|source 1 = MeteoBiH<ref>{{cite web |
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| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180501013339/http://atlasklime.fhmzbih.gov.ba/en/data-access/reference-period/2 |
| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180501013339/http://atlasklime.fhmzbih.gov.ba/en/data-access/reference-period/2 |
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| archivedate = 1 May 2018 |
| archivedate = 1 May 2018 |
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| url = http://atlasklime.fhmzbih.gov.ba/en/data-access/reference-period/2 |
| url = http://atlasklime.fhmzbih.gov.ba/en/data-access/reference-period/2 |
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| title = Meteorlogical data for station Bjelašnica in period 1961–1990 |
| title = Meteorlogical data for station Bjelašnica in period 1961–1990 |
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| publisher = |
| publisher = Federal Hydrometeorological Service of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina |
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| accessdate = 30 April 2018}}</ref> |
| accessdate = 30 April 2018}}</ref> |
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| url = http://climaintoscana.altervista.org/europa/bosnia-ed-erzegovina/bjelasnica/ |
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| title = Bjelašnica: Record mensili dal 1897 |
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| publisher = Meteorological Institute of Bosnia and Herzegovina |
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| language = Italian |
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| accessdate = 14 February 2016}}</ref> |
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|date=July 2015 |
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}} |
}} |
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==Weather station== |
==Weather station== |
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Bjelašnica summit is easily recognized from the distance by the structures that have been erected on top of it. After the [[Austro-Hungarian Empire]] occupied [[Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnia]] following the [[Congress of Berlin]] in 1878 the Austrians installed almost immediately the first [[meteorological station]] on the summit in 1878, creating the first meteorological station in the whole area of the [[Balkans]]. This structure was replaced in 1894 by a more advanced meteorological [[observatory]] with an all-year around manning.<ref>Miroslav Prstojevic: Forgotten Sarajevo, p.232,1999, {{ISBN|9958-9845-1-2}}</ref> The observatory is still there, has been repaired of the damage sustained during the [[Bosnian War|last war]], and still functions as an important chain-link in the meteorological survey of the Balkans. The communications centre with its landmark tower that used to stand next to the observatory was destroyed in 1993. The remains of the broken tower were removed in 2006. |
Bjelašnica summit is easily recognized from the distance by the structures that have been erected on top of it. After the [[Austro-Hungarian Empire]] occupied [[Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnia]] following the [[Congress of Berlin]] in 1878 the Austrians installed almost immediately the first [[meteorological station]] on the summit in 1878, creating the first meteorological station in the whole area of the [[Balkans]]. This structure was replaced in 1894 by a more advanced meteorological [[observatory]] with an all-year around manning.<ref>Miroslav Prstojevic: Forgotten Sarajevo, p.232, 1999, {{ISBN|9958-9845-1-2}}.</ref> The observatory is still there, has been repaired of the damage sustained during the [[Bosnian War|last war]], and still functions as an important chain-link in the meteorological survey of the Balkans. The communications centre with its landmark tower that used to stand next to the observatory was destroyed in 1993. The remains of the broken tower were removed in 2006. |
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==1984 Winter Olympics== |
==1984 Winter Olympics== |
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During the [[1984 Winter Olympics]], Bjelašnica hosted the men's [[alpine skiing]] events, where brash [[Bill Johnson (skier)|Bill Johnson]] ([[United States of America|USA]]) won the [[Downhill (ski competition)|downhill]] after boldly predicting victory, overtaking Swiss ski legend [[Peter Müller (skier)|Peter Müller]] who took silver. The American twins [[Phil Mahre|Phil]] and [[Steve Mahre]] took gold and silver in the [[Slalom skiing|slalom]] at Bjelašnica for the US as well. Switzerland's [[Max Julen]] surprisingly took the gold in the [[Giant Slalom]], while the silver went to the [[Yugoslavia|Yugoslav]] favorite [[Jure Franko]]. Major investment was done by the Yugoslav authorities in order to accommodate the Winter Olympics. The Babin Dol area was developed for the necessary construction and a long main ski lift was built from Babin Dol up to |
During the [[1984 Winter Olympics]], Bjelašnica hosted the men's [[alpine skiing]] events, where brash [[Bill Johnson (skier)|Bill Johnson]] ([[United States of America|USA]]) won the [[Downhill (ski competition)|downhill]] after boldly predicting victory, overtaking Swiss ski legend [[Peter Müller (skier)|Peter Müller]] who took silver. The American twins [[Phil Mahre|Phil]] and [[Steve Mahre]] took gold and silver in the [[Slalom skiing|slalom]] at Bjelašnica for the US as well. Switzerland's [[Max Julen]] surprisingly took the gold in the [[Giant Slalom]], while the silver went to the [[Yugoslavia|Yugoslav]] favorite [[Jure Franko]]. Major investment was done by the Yugoslav authorities in order to accommodate the Winter Olympics. The Babin Dol area was developed for the necessary construction and a long main ski lift was built from Babin Dol up to the Bjelašnica summit. In preparation of the Games, a road was constructed across the Igman plateau connecting Sarajevo through Hadžići to the Malo Polje, Veliko Polje and Babin Dol venues. The Babin Dol area has several structures dating from that time, including the renowned Maršal (then: Famos) Hotel and most of the skiing facilities in the area.<ref>[http://www.la84foundation.org/6oic/OfficialReports/1984/or1984w.pdf 1984 Winter Olympics official report.] pp. 18-23, 107.</ref> [[FIS Alpine World Cup|FIS World Cup]] events took place on 18 January 1983 and 21–22 March 1987. In [[1983 Alpine Skiing World Cup|1983]] it was only the downhill (winner: [[Gerhard Pfaffenbichler]], before [[Steve Podborski]] and [[Franz Klammer]]) that was done. In [[1987 Alpine Skiing World Cup|1987]] contests were done in Men's Slalom (winner: [[Grega Benedik]]) and Giant Slalom, Men's (winner: [[Marc Girardelli]]) and Women's (tied victory: [[Maria Walliser]] and [[Vreni Schneider]]) |
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Other [[International Ski Federation|FIS]] events have taken place and are still taking place at Bjelašnica. |
Other [[International Ski Federation|FIS]] events have taken place and are still taking place at Bjelašnica. |
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==Bosnian War ( |
==Bosnian War (1992–95)== |
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The strategic value of Bjelašnica summit, overlooking the Igman plateau, had already been recognized by the [[ |
The strategic value of Bjelašnica summit, overlooking the Igman plateau, had already been recognized by the [[Yugoslav People's Army|JNA]] and Yugoslav leadership headed by [[Marshal Tito]]. A large [[radar]] site was constructed on a subsummit of the Vlahinja ridge, while a communications centre and tower was constructed next to the weather station on the nearby Bjelašnica summit. |
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However, Bjelašnica was usurped in the course of the [[Bosnian War]] as an area of major strategic importance as part of the [[Siege of Sarajevo]]. The territory covered by the Bjelasnica range and the Igman plateau between [[Konjic]] and the [[United Nations]]-controlled [[Sarajevo Airport]] was from the outset of the conflict controlled by the [[ARBiH]]. By mid-1993, the central plateau of Igman came under increased Serb military pressure, when the suspicion became stronger that the area had become a major logistical artery of the besieged city, as a result of the construction of the [[Sarajevo Tunnel|Sarajevo tunnel]]. |
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A major [[Army of Republika Srpska| |
A major [[Army of Republika Srpska|VRS]] offensive started in July 1993 that led to the fall of [[Trnovo, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina|Trnovo]], and on 4 August 1993, Serb forces captured the Bjelašnica summit and part of the Igman supply road.<ref>Milos Stankovic: Trusted Mole page 192-193 Harper Collins London paperback ed 2001.</ref> The VRS advance was stopped under threat of [[NATO]] [[airstrikes]].<ref>Mark A. Bucknam: Responsibility of Command, page 108-112, Air university Press, Alabama 2003.</ref> After tense negotiations the VRS retreated from the Bjelašnica summit, but not without blowing up the communications tower first.<ref>Tariq Ali, Susan L.Woodward, a.o.: [[Masters of the Universe? NATO's Balkan Crusade]], Ch 9. Building States from Nations by Susan L.Woodward, page 215, Verso, London/New York 2000.</ref> French [[United Nations Protection Force]] (UNPROFOR) units were stationed on Bjelašnica, and the Igman area was declared a [[Demilitarized Zone]] (DMZ) by the UN. |
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The situation around the frontlines in nearby [[Treskavica]] and around Babin Dol remained explosive with violent exchanges of hostilities between |
The situation around the frontlines in nearby [[Treskavica]] and around Babin Dol, remained explosive with violent exchanges of hostilities between VRS and ARBiH units. The villages on the southern slopes of Bjelašnica, like [[Umoljani]] and [[Lukavac (Trnovo)|Lukavac]] were not in the frontline, but sustained heavy damage from shelling. Discussion about real or alleged use by ARBiH forces of the Igman DMZ was an issue of constant contention, between UNPROFOR Commander [[Michael Rose (British Army officer)|General Michael Rose]], ARBiH [[Rasim Delić|General Rasim Delić]], and VRS Commander [[Ratko Mladić]].<ref>Steven L. Burg, Paul S. Shoup: The War in Bosnia Herzegovina: Ethnic Conflict and International Intervention page 142-144 M.E. Sharpe Inc. New York 2000.</ref> |
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By mid-1995 the military situation became very tense again, and in August 1995 the |
By mid-1995, the military situation became very tense again, and in August 1995 the VRS launched another offensive, forcing UNPROFOR from the Bjelasnica ridge and advancing through Babin Dol towards Veliko Polje. However, after the second [[Markale massacres|Markale shelling]], on August, 30, NATO started [[Operation Deliberate Force]], in which NATO aircraft engaged VRS Command & Control facilities and other targets.<ref>Mark A. Bucknam: Responsibility of Command, page 279-288, Air university Press, Alabama 2003.</ref> Also the VRS-held radar station on Vlahinja ridge was completely destroyed during these air strikes that lasted until 14 September 1995, when the air strikes were suspended to allow the implementation of the withdrawal of VRS heavy weapons from the Sarajevo exclusion zone, effectively ending the Siege of Sarajevo. |
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===Mine risks=== |
===Mine risks=== |
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{{ |
{{See also|Land mine contamination in Bosnia and Herzegovina}} |
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| ⚫ | Extensive [[de-mining]] activities have taken place around recreational areas and especially around the existing ski runs, which can be considered safe by all means. The largest part of the Bjelašnica range remained largely spared from warfare and the mine risk is therefore minimal within the area west of the Bjelašnica summit and east of the Hranisava mountain.<ref>BiH Mine Action Centre (Annually updated) Mine Map.</ref> |
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| ⚫ | Extensive [[de-mining]] activities have taken place around recreational areas and especially around the existing ski runs, which can be considered safe by all means. The largest part of the Bjelašnica range remained largely spared from warfare and the mine risk is therefore minimal within the area west of the Bjelašnica summit and east of the Hranisava mountain.<ref>BiH Mine Action Centre (Annually updated) Mine Map</ref> |
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==Gallery== |
==Gallery== |
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<gallery> |
<gallery> |
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File:Bjelasnica summit seen from Josipova Staze.JPG|Bjelašnica summit as seen from Josipova Staze |
File:Bjelasnica summit seen from Josipova Staze.JPG|Bjelašnica summit as seen from Josipova Staze |
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==Bjelašnica Olympic Mountain Ski Centre== |
==Bjelašnica Olympic Mountain Ski Centre== |
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The [[Bjelašnica Olympic Mountain Ski Centre]] and its facilities are all located on the eastern slope of Bjelašnica main summit. There are 6 lifts, with one modern three-seat carrier lift departing from Babin Dol, three anchor lifts and two remaining single saucer lifts. Next to the original 3100 meter Olympic Downhill run and the Giant Slalom run there are four more pistes varying in length between 3200 and 550 meters and covering all difficulty levels between |
The [[Bjelašnica Olympic Mountain Ski Centre]] and its facilities are all located on the eastern slope of Bjelašnica main summit. There are 6 lifts, with one modern three-seat carrier lift departing from Babin Dol, three anchor lifts and two remaining single saucer lifts. Next to the original 3100 meter Olympic Downhill run and the Giant Slalom run there are four more pistes varying in length between 3200 and 550 meters and covering all difficulty levels between blue-red-black.<ref>Listing of runs and facilities on the official site: [https://web.archive.org/web/20060508084044/http://www.bjelasnica.ba/ Bjelasnica.ba]</ref> A lot of investment has been done to develop the Ski Centre and the Babin Dol area since the era directly following the [[Dayton Agreement]], with another peak during the last couple of years. New hotels, apartment complexes and restaurants have turned this area into a modern ski resort. The latest redevelopment has seen the replacement of the old ski lift with two modern ski lifts and a state of the art snow production system, ready to operate for the 2017/2018 ski season. This was done as part of the preparations for the [[2019 European Youth Olympic Winter Festival]], which was hosted by [[Sarajevo]] and [[Istočno Sarajevo]] in February 2019.<ref>News article about the 2017 redevelopment [https://www.klix.ba/vijesti/bih/testna-voznja-isprobali-smo-novi-sestosjed-na-bjelasnici/171205094 klix.ba](In Bosnian) Retrieved 6 December 2017.</ref> |
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==Hiking== |
==Hiking== |
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The Bjelašnica range consists of basically three [[ridge]]s, the Vlahinja ridge, the Strug ridge and a more southern ridge parallel to the Rakitnica and separated from the other ridges by a wide valley called Dugo Polje. A number of hikes exist in these mountains. One trail approaches the Bjelašnica main summit ( |
The Bjelašnica range consists of basically three [[ridge]]s, the Vlahinja ridge, the Strug ridge and a more southern ridge parallel to the Rakitnica and separated from the other ridges by a wide valley called Dugo Polje. A number of hikes exist in these mountains. One trail approaches the Bjelašnica main summit (2,067 m.) from the north and is called Josipova Staza after its most famous hiker: [[Josip Broz Tito]].<ref>Matias Gomez: Forgotten Beauty, page 115-120, Buybook Sarajevo 2005, {{ISBN|978-9958-630-59-0}}.</ref> From the main summit a ridge walk leads north-east towards the summit of Mala Vlahinja (2,055 m.). The last summit of this ridge in the west is called Hranisava (1,964 m.) and can be better ascended to by a trail starting in the hamlet of Lokve, between Hadžići and Pazarić. This offers a hike towards a view from this most western summit of the Bjelašnica range.<ref>Matias Gomez: Forgotten Beauty, page 128-129, Buybook Sarajevo 2005, {{ISBN|978-9958-630-59-0}}.</ref> Another hike departs from Dugo Polje and leads via a difficultly retrieved trail through thick shrubs of [[Pinus mugo|Pinus Mugo]] the summit of Krvavac (2,061 m.). One of the hikes leads parallel to the Rakitnica Canyon, departing from [[Umoljani]] and ending at [[Lukomir]], known to be the last all-year-through inhabited semi-nomadic settlement at this altitude in the Balkans.<ref>Matias Gomez: Forgotten Beauty, page 12-126, Buybook Sarajevo 2005, {{ISBN|978-9958-630-59-0}}.</ref> There is quite a number of well equipped mountain huts to be found within this mountain group. Stanari P.D. (1,540 m.) is an excellent base for hikes in the central-western part of the mountain range. There are other mountain huts at Sitnik, Umoljani and Lukomir that might require prior reservation.<ref>Listing of mountain huts at [www.behremplaninar.com].</ref> |
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==See also== |
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* [[Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina]] |
* [[Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina]] |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{ |
{{Reflist|2}} |
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== |
==External links== |
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{{Commons category-inline|Bjelašnica}} |
{{Commons category-inline|Bjelašnica}} |
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*[http://www.summitpost.org/bjelasnica/152177 Summitpost page on Bjelašnica] |
*[http://www.summitpost.org/bjelasnica/152177 Summitpost page on Bjelašnica] |
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{{1984 Winter Olympic venues}} |
{{1984 Winter Olympic venues}} |
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{{Olympic venues alpine skiing}} |
{{Olympic venues alpine skiing}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Bjelasnica}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bjelasnica}} |
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Latest revision as of 06:48, 30 September 2024
| Bjelašnica | |
|---|---|
| Бјелашница | |
 The ski resort at Bjelašnica | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,067 m (6,781 ft) |
| Coordinates | 43°42′14″N 18°15′25″E / 43.704°N 18.257°E |
| Geography | |
  Bjelašnica Location in BiH | |
| Location |  Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Parent range | Dinaric Alps |
Bjelašnica (Serbian Cyrillic: Бјелашница, pronounced [bjělaːʃnit͡sa]) is a mountain in the Dinaric Alps in central Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is to the southwest of Sarajevo, bordering Mount Igman. Bjelašnica's tallest peak, by which the mountain group got its name, rises to an elevation of 2,067 metres (6,781 ft). Other notable peaks are Krvavac (2,061 m (6,762 ft)), Mali Vlahinja (2,055 m (6,742 ft)), and Hranisava (1,964 m (6,444 ft)). The Bjelašnica range is bordered by the Rakitnica in the south, the Neretva in the west, Mount Igman in the north-east and Mount Ivan in the north-west. Only at 20 minutes distance of Sarajevo, it is a tourist attraction for hiking and skiing.
Bjelašnica was, in certain areas, the site of extensive combat during the 1992–95 Siege of Sarajevo and particular areas pose a high mine risk. There are numerous trails set up and maintained by local mountain clubs that lead to the bald peaks higher up. The mountain is also visited by mountain bikers and has become a base for some paragliders.[citation needed]
Etymology
[edit]The mountain's name stems from the root bijel, which means "white".
Geology
[edit]Geologically, Bjelašnica is part of the Dinaric Alps and formed largely of secondary and tertiary sedimentary rock, mostly limestone and dolomite.
Climate and vegetation
[edit]The white snow cupola of Bjelašnica is a familiar sight from the higher points in Sarajevo in the period from mid-October until early June. Bjelašnica's base is largely forested with mostly beech. However, there are no trees above the 1,500 metre tree line.
Bjelašnica has an alpine tundra climate (ET) with long, cold winters lasting for most of the year and short, cool summers. During winter, snowfall is extremely heavy and very constant, falling on most winter days.
| Climate data for Bjelašnica (1961–1990) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 5.4 (41.7) |
5.3 (41.5) |
9.4 (48.9) |
13.8 (56.8) |
18.2 (64.8) |
21.0 (69.8) |
23.2 (73.8) |
22.0 (71.6) |
20.3 (68.5) |
15.9 (60.6) |
10.8 (51.4) |
8.8 (47.8) |
23.2 (73.8) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | −4.1 (24.6) |
−4.3 (24.3) |
−2.4 (27.7) |
0.8 (33.4) |
6.0 (42.8) |
9.9 (49.8) |
12.3 (54.1) |
12.4 (54.3) |
9.4 (48.9) |
5.1 (41.2) |
0.7 (33.3) |
−2.6 (27.3) |
3.6 (38.5) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | −6.5 (20.3) |
−6.5 (20.3) |
−4.4 (24.1) |
−1.2 (29.8) |
3.8 (38.8) |
7.2 (45.0) |
9.5 (49.1) |
9.6 (49.3) |
6.8 (44.2) |
2.8 (37.0) |
−1.6 (29.1) |
−4.9 (23.2) |
1.2 (34.2) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | −8.8 (16.2) |
−8.7 (16.3) |
−6.5 (20.3) |
−3.1 (26.4) |
1.6 (34.9) |
4.7 (40.5) |
6.7 (44.1) |
7.0 (44.6) |
4.5 (40.1) |
0.6 (33.1) |
−3.7 (25.3) |
−7.2 (19.0) |
−1.1 (30.0) |
| Record low °C (°F) | −29.2 (−20.6) |
−26.2 (−15.2) |
−25.4 (−13.7) |
−19.0 (−2.2) |
−11.0 (12.2) |
−6.4 (20.5) |
−3.0 (26.6) |
−3.7 (25.3) |
−9.0 (15.8) |
−12.2 (10.0) |
−19.2 (−2.6) |
−26.8 (−16.2) |
−29.2 (−20.6) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 78.0 (3.07) |
83.8 (3.30) |
84.4 (3.32) |
79.7 (3.14) |
88.1 (3.47) |
110.0 (4.33) |
84.2 (3.31) |
98.6 (3.88) |
95.9 (3.78) |
118.4 (4.66) |
110.6 (4.35) |
82.7 (3.26) |
1,114.5 (43.88) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.1 mm) | 14.4 | 14.6 | 15.5 | 16.3 | 15.9 | 16.5 | 12.9 | 12.4 | 11.5 | 11.4 | 15.1 | 15.2 | 171.7 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 85.5 | 87.6 | 88.1 | 88.4 | 85.0 | 85.3 | 81.5 | 80.1 | 81.6 | 82.8 | 84.4 | 85.2 | 84.6 |
| Mean monthly sunshine hours | 90.4 | 82.7 | 110.6 | 126.7 | 162.6 | 167.6 | 229.9 | 218.0 | 177.3 | 149.4 | 96.1 | 82.8 | 1,694.2 |
| Percent possible sunshine | 32 | 29 | 30 | 32 | 36 | 37 | 50 | 51 | 48 | 45 | 34 | 30 | 39 |
| Source: MeteoBiH[1] | |||||||||||||
Weather station
[edit]Bjelašnica summit is easily recognized from the distance by the structures that have been erected on top of it. After the Austro-Hungarian Empire occupied Bosnia following the Congress of Berlin in 1878 the Austrians installed almost immediately the first meteorological station on the summit in 1878, creating the first meteorological station in the whole area of the Balkans. This structure was replaced in 1894 by a more advanced meteorological observatory with an all-year around manning.[2] The observatory is still there, has been repaired of the damage sustained during the last war, and still functions as an important chain-link in the meteorological survey of the Balkans. The communications centre with its landmark tower that used to stand next to the observatory was destroyed in 1993. The remains of the broken tower were removed in 2006.
1984 Winter Olympics
[edit]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, overtaking Swiss ski legend Peter Müller who took silver. The American twins Phil and Steve Mahre took gold and silver in the slalom at Bjelašnica for the US as well. Switzerland's Max Julen surprisingly took the gold in the Giant Slalom, while the silver went to the Yugoslav favorite Jure Franko. Major investment was done by the Yugoslav authorities in order to accommodate the Winter Olympics. The Babin Dol area was developed for the necessary construction and a long main ski lift was built from Babin Dol up to the Bjelašnica summit. In preparation of the Games, a road was constructed across the Igman plateau connecting Sarajevo through Hadžići to the Malo Polje, Veliko Polje and Babin Dol venues. The Babin Dol area has several structures dating from that time, including the renowned Maršal (then: Famos) Hotel and most of the skiing facilities in the area.[3] FIS World Cup events took place on 18 January 1983 and 21–22 March 1987. In 1983 it was only the downhill (winner: Gerhard Pfaffenbichler, before Steve Podborski and Franz Klammer) that was done. In 1987 contests were done in Men's Slalom (winner: Grega Benedik) and Giant Slalom, Men's (winner: Marc Girardelli) and Women's (tied victory: Maria Walliser and Vreni Schneider) Other FIS events have taken place and are still taking place at Bjelašnica.
Bosnian War (1992–95)
[edit]The strategic value of Bjelašnica summit, overlooking the Igman plateau, had already been recognized by the JNA and Yugoslav leadership headed by Marshal Tito. A large radar site was constructed on a subsummit of the Vlahinja ridge, while a communications centre and tower was constructed next to the weather station on the nearby Bjelašnica summit.
However, Bjelašnica was usurped in the course of the Bosnian War as an area of major strategic importance as part of the Siege of Sarajevo. The territory covered by the Bjelasnica range and the Igman plateau between Konjic and the United Nations-controlled Sarajevo Airport was from the outset of the conflict controlled by the ARBiH. By mid-1993, the central plateau of Igman came under increased Serb military pressure, when the suspicion became stronger that the area had become a major logistical artery of the besieged city, as a result of the construction of the Sarajevo tunnel.
A major VRS offensive started in July 1993 that led to the fall of Trnovo, and on 4 August 1993, Serb forces captured the Bjelašnica summit and part of the Igman supply road.[4] The VRS advance was stopped under threat of NATO airstrikes.[5] After tense negotiations the VRS retreated from the Bjelašnica summit, but not without blowing up the communications tower first.[6] French United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) units were stationed on Bjelašnica, and the Igman area was declared a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) by the UN.
The situation around the frontlines in nearby Treskavica and around Babin Dol, remained explosive with violent exchanges of hostilities between VRS and ARBiH units. The villages on the southern slopes of Bjelašnica, like Umoljani and Lukavac were not in the frontline, but sustained heavy damage from shelling. Discussion about real or alleged use by ARBiH forces of the Igman DMZ was an issue of constant contention, between UNPROFOR Commander General Michael Rose, ARBiH General Rasim Delić, and VRS Commander Ratko Mladić.[7]
By mid-1995, the military situation became very tense again, and in August 1995 the VRS launched another offensive, forcing UNPROFOR from the Bjelasnica ridge and advancing through Babin Dol towards Veliko Polje. However, after the second Markale shelling, on August, 30, NATO started Operation Deliberate Force, in which NATO aircraft engaged VRS Command & Control facilities and other targets.[8] Also the VRS-held radar station on Vlahinja ridge was completely destroyed during these air strikes that lasted until 14 September 1995, when the air strikes were suspended to allow the implementation of the withdrawal of VRS heavy weapons from the Sarajevo exclusion zone, effectively ending the Siege of Sarajevo.
Mine risks
[edit]Extensive de-mining activities have taken place around recreational areas and especially around the existing ski runs, which can be considered safe by all means. The largest part of the Bjelašnica range remained largely spared from warfare and the mine risk is therefore minimal within the area west of the Bjelašnica summit and east of the Hranisava mountain.[9]
Gallery
[edit]-
Bjelašnica summit as seen from Josipova Staze -
View from Krvavac summit -
View from Hranisava summit -
View of Umoljani and the Bjelašnica main ridge from the trail above Rakitnica Canyon -
Mount Bjelašnica (snowy peaks) view from Sarajevo
.JPG)
Bjelašnica Olympic Mountain Ski Centre
[edit]The Bjelašnica Olympic Mountain Ski Centre and its facilities are all located on the eastern slope of Bjelašnica main summit. There are 6 lifts, with one modern three-seat carrier lift departing from Babin Dol, three anchor lifts and two remaining single saucer lifts. Next to the original 3100 meter Olympic Downhill run and the Giant Slalom run there are four more pistes varying in length between 3200 and 550 meters and covering all difficulty levels between blue-red-black.[10] A lot of investment has been done to develop the Ski Centre and the Babin Dol area since the era directly following the Dayton Agreement, with another peak during the last couple of years. New hotels, apartment complexes and restaurants have turned this area into a modern ski resort. The latest redevelopment has seen the replacement of the old ski lift with two modern ski lifts and a state of the art snow production system, ready to operate for the 2017/2018 ski season. This was done as part of the preparations for the 2019 European Youth Olympic Winter Festival, which was hosted by Sarajevo and Istočno Sarajevo in February 2019.[11]
Hiking
[edit]The Bjelašnica range consists of basically three ridges, the Vlahinja ridge, the Strug ridge and a more southern ridge parallel to the Rakitnica and separated from the other ridges by a wide valley called Dugo Polje. A number of hikes exist in these mountains. One trail approaches the Bjelašnica main summit (2,067 m.) from the north and is called Josipova Staza after its most famous hiker: Josip Broz Tito.[12] From the main summit a ridge walk leads north-east towards the summit of Mala Vlahinja (2,055 m.). The last summit of this ridge in the west is called Hranisava (1,964 m.) and can be better ascended to by a trail starting in the hamlet of Lokve, between Hadžići and Pazarić. This offers a hike towards a view from this most western summit of the Bjelašnica range.[13] Another hike departs from Dugo Polje and leads via a difficultly retrieved trail through thick shrubs of Pinus Mugo the summit of Krvavac (2,061 m.). One of the hikes leads parallel to the Rakitnica Canyon, departing from Umoljani and ending at Lukomir, known to be the last all-year-through inhabited semi-nomadic settlement at this altitude in the Balkans.[14] There is quite a number of well equipped mountain huts to be found within this mountain group. Stanari P.D. (1,540 m.) is an excellent base for hikes in the central-western part of the mountain range. There are other mountain huts at Sitnik, Umoljani and Lukomir that might require prior reservation.[15]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Meteorlogical data for station Bjelašnica in period 1961–1990". Federal Hydrometeorological Service of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Archived from the original on 1 May 2018. Retrieved 30 April 2018.
- ^ Miroslav Prstojevic: Forgotten Sarajevo, p.232, 1999, ISBN 9958-9845-1-2.
- ^ 1984 Winter Olympics official report. pp. 18-23, 107.
- ^ Milos Stankovic: Trusted Mole page 192-193 Harper Collins London paperback ed 2001.
- ^ Mark A. Bucknam: Responsibility of Command, page 108-112, Air university Press, Alabama 2003.
- ^ Tariq Ali, Susan L.Woodward, a.o.: Masters of the Universe? NATO's Balkan Crusade, Ch 9. Building States from Nations by Susan L.Woodward, page 215, Verso, London/New York 2000.
- ^ Steven L. Burg, Paul S. Shoup: The War in Bosnia Herzegovina: Ethnic Conflict and International Intervention page 142-144 M.E. Sharpe Inc. New York 2000.
- ^ Mark A. Bucknam: Responsibility of Command, page 279-288, Air university Press, Alabama 2003.
- ^ BiH Mine Action Centre (Annually updated) Mine Map.
- ^ Listing of runs and facilities on the official site: Bjelasnica.ba
- ^ News article about the 2017 redevelopment klix.ba(In Bosnian) Retrieved 6 December 2017.
- ^ Matias Gomez: Forgotten Beauty, page 115-120, Buybook Sarajevo 2005, ISBN 978-9958-630-59-0.
- ^ Matias Gomez: Forgotten Beauty, page 128-129, Buybook Sarajevo 2005, ISBN 978-9958-630-59-0.
- ^ Matias Gomez: Forgotten Beauty, page 12-126, Buybook Sarajevo 2005, ISBN 978-9958-630-59-0.
- ^ Listing of mountain huts at [www.behremplaninar.com].
External links
[edit]
Media related to Bjelašnica at Wikimedia Commons
- Summitpost page on Bjelašnica
- Bjelasnica.ba - official site
- History page of the website of the Hydro-Meteorological Service of the BiH Federation
