Polish Climber Achieves Historic Ski Descent from Mount Everest Without Supplemental Oxygen

In a remarkable feat of endurance and skill, Polish mountaineer Andrzej Bargiel has made history by completing the first ski descent from the summit of Mount Everest without the use of supplemental oxygen. This groundbreaking achievement was confirmed by his expedition team, who reported that Bargiel successfully arrived at the base camp after skiing down from the iconic peak.

Bargiel reached the summit of Everest, which stands at 8,849 meters, earlier this week. His descent marks a significant milestone in the world of ski mountaineering, as previous attempts at skiing down the mountain have either required supplemental oxygen or were incomplete. The only prior successful ski descent from Everest was accomplished by Slovenian climber Davorin Karnicar in the year 2000, but he utilized supplemental oxygen during his ascent.

Undertaking such an extreme challenge, Bargiel had previously attempted to ski down Everest in 2019, but was forced to abandon his effort due to the risk of falling ice. A second attempt in 2022 was also thwarted by harsh weather conditions, including strong winds. However, on this third attempt, he was able to navigate the treacherous terrain and complete his descent.

Following his successful journey, Bargiel's team described the accomplishment as a 'pioneering milestone' in the field of ski mountaineering. The achievement has garnered attention and praise from various quarters, including Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who expressed his admiration for Bargiel's historic ski run.

This accomplishment not only showcases Bargiel's exceptional skills as a climber and skier but also highlights the ongoing allure of Mount Everest as a challenging destination for extreme sports enthusiasts. As climate change continues to affect the mountain's environment, the risks associated with such extreme endeavors grow increasingly complex.

Andrzej Bargiel's achievement is expected to inspire future generations of climbers and adventurers, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in high-altitude explorations.