Visit-Montenegro.com : Bjelasica – a Paradise for Sports Climbing

Kolašin – Free climbing site at a rock at Bjelasica became officially operational in the summer of 2007, in words of the organizers, presents a new chance for the development of this type of tourism in Kolasin. Project to secure this climbing site at the location which is 2,5 kilometers away from the city, in the direction of Ski-Center “Jezerine”, has been realized by the Austrian Montenegrin Partnership, NGO “Natura”, botanist Danijel Vincek and the Municipality of Kolasin.

“Action to activate this climbing rock in Bjelasica region started back in the summer of 2007. In the meantime, NGO ‘Outdoor Montenegro’ has joined this venture and contributed to this project with its’ experience and know-how”, project manager at the Office of Austrian Montenegrin Partnership, Ivan Malisic said.

He added that this climbing site was fully corresponding with the tourist strategy for sustainable development in the North of the country and that this particular rock might turn into an ideal site for the training of the rescue teams.

Climbing site at Kolasin has been equipped by Austrian and Podgorica’s climbers. All preparatory activities have been done in accordance with the international rules and standards, implemented in countries which have much longer tradition of sports climbing.

As Malisic added, location which had been selected meets all the required preconditions, so that it can be used by the total beginners, but also by experienced sports climbers. All safety aspects of such climbing site have been introduced.

“31 directions has been equipped at two sectors, which can satisfy both the beginners and experienced climbers with their diversity-aspects.

This sector also includes the most difficult direction at this climbing site, which has been climbed by Austrian licensed climber, Marcus Groening. He named it after famous mountaineer and botanist, Danijel Vincek.

At the second sector, called “Scorpion Wall”, 22 directions have been equipped. All directions are well-cleaned, so that the future users of this site will be able to enjoy it without problems. They have been equipped with the bolts made of the highest quality material – inox. All anchorages at the top of each direction have been equipped with abseil-karabiners, withstanding weight of four tons”, Malisic explained.

He emphasized that these directions were chosen in the manner which would not disallow equipping the new lines. New, intact rocks in the vicinity of this climbing site provide possibilities for at least 40 more directions. In the event that these sites would also be equipped in the future, Kolasin would turn into a top-destination for sports climbers in the entire region.

Local Mountain Rescue team from Kolasin has taken over the responsibility for the maintenance and securing of the rock.

Use of this rock is free of charge. During this summer, professional trainers from Podgorica’s “Outdoor” club have trained seven young climbers from Kolasin’s club on how to practice this sports skill safely.

Free climbing is an alpinist technique, which developed into a separate sports discipline during the last decades of the 20th century.

It includes climbing natural or artificial rocks, only with the use of one’s own muscles. Equipment is used only as a security measure in case of a fall.

By: Mr. M.