Kasprowy Wierch

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Kasprowy Wierch
Kasprov vrch
Kasprowy Wierch-Kasprov vrch winter 1.jpg
Kasprowy Wierch (pl) Kasprov vrch (sk) - meteorological observatory
Highest point
Elevation 1,987 m (6,519 ft)
Coordinates 49°13′55″N 19°58′55″E / 49.23194°N 19.98194°E / 49.23194; 19.98194
Geography
Kasprowy Wierch is located in Slovakia
Kasprowy Wierch
Kasprowy Wierch
Location in Slovakia
Location Poland / Slovakia
Parent range Western Tatras
Climbing
First ascent first winter tourist ascent by Klemens Bachleda and Karol Potkański in c. 1890

Kasprowy Wierch (Polish pronunciation: [kasˈprɔvɨ ˈvjɛrx]) or Kasprov vrch (in Slovak) is a mountain in the Western Tatras. The mountain is also renowned as one of the most popular ski areas in Poland. Its peak is accessible by cablecar.

Geography[edit]

The mountain also delineates the border between Poland and the Slovak Republic and it is possible to cross the border of each country, weather permitting. As both countries are part of the Schengen zone, it is not controlled or forbidden.

History[edit]

From 1910 onwards Kasprowy Wierch became very popular among ski tourists so much so an aerial tramway or téléphérique, reaching almost to the summit, was built between 1935-1936 as such it is one of the oldest in Europe. As part of its modernization, the cabin aerial ropeway was closed for a period until December 2007. In 1938 meteorological and astronomical observatories were built here. Users of the cable car have to change cars midway at Myślenicke Turnie mount. At the top station there are restaurants and information offices with further ski lifts just outside. The cable cars are extremely popular and tourists regularly have to wait up to 3 hours to buy tickets - roughly the same time it would take to ascend the mountain on foot. The cable car service has caused environmental concerns and protest both in 1935 and 2006. In 1961-1962 and in 1967-1968 chairlifts were built on the slopes of the mountain and they run in two sections.


The Peak of Kasprowy Wierch.
View of the cable car.
View from the base of the mountain.
View of the mid-mountain station from the cable car.

External links[edit]