Polish Mountaineer Andrzej Bargiel Makes History as First to Ski Down Mount Everest Without Oxygen

Andrzej Bargiel

Warsaw:

Poland's Andrzej Bargiel has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first person to ski down Mount Everest without the assistance of an oxygen tank, according to an announcement from his team on Thursday.

The remarkable tradition of Polish Himalayan mountaineering, which gained fame in the 1980s through legendary "Ice Warriors" like Jerzy Kukuczka and the late Wanda Rutkiewicz who conducted groundbreaking expeditions, particularly challenging winter climbs and new route developments, has found a worthy successor in Bargiel.

At 37 years old, Bargiel has continued this legacy of Polish alpine excellence. He previously made history in 2018 by becoming the first person to successfully ski down K2, the world's second-highest mountain.

Bargiel's ascent to the summit of the world's highest peak, which stands at an impressive 8,849 meters above sea level, took longer than anticipated due to substantial snowfall, according to his team's statement.

"The Pole endured a grueling 16-hour climb through the death zone (altitudes exceeding 8,000m), without utilizing supplemental oxygen," the statement detailed.

"After reaching the summit of the world's highest mountain, he remained there for only a few minutes before fastening his skis and beginning his historic descent, racing against the rapidly setting sun."

A video shared on Bargiel's Facebook page captured him gliding down a substantial snow layer this week, with the world's highest peaks creating a breathtaking backdrop.

Due to nightfall making safe navigation impossible, Bargiel was forced to halt his descent at Camp 2, approximately 6,400 meters above sea level, and resumed his journey at sunrise, his team reported.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk celebrated the achievement on social media platform X, writing: "Sky is the limit? Not for Poles! Andrzej Bargiel just skied down Mount Everest!"