Andrzej Bargiel Historic Ski Descent of Mount Everest Without Oxygen
On September 22, 2025, Andrzej Bargiel, a Polish ski mountaineer and adventurer, etched his name into history by becoming the first person ever to ski down Mount Everest from the summit to Base Camp without supplemental oxygen. This achievement is monumental, as Everest has long been considered the ultimate test of human endurance and resilience.
The expedition demanded extreme physical and mental preparation, precise logistics, and unwavering determination. Andrzej Bargiel’s feat represents the perfect combination of mountaineering skill and elite skiing ability, demonstrating what human determination can accomplish at the highest altitudes on Earth.
Who Is Andrzej Bargiel?
He is a renowned Polish ski mountaineer, born in 1988. Over the years, he has become one of the most respected names in extreme skiing and high-altitude mountaineering. His career highlights include:
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First ski descent of K2 (2018): The world’s second-highest mountain.
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Gasherbrum I and II descents (2019): Both peaks above 8,000 meters.
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Broad Peak ski descent (2023): Demonstrated expertise at extreme altitude.
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Mount Everest (2025): The first-ever ski descent without oxygen.
He is admired not only for his technical skills but also for his meticulous planning and extreme endurance, which allow him to accomplish feats considered impossible by most mountaineers.
Expedition Preparation
The preparation for the Everest expedition began months in advance. Andrzej Bargiel focused on:
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Physical Conditioning: Strength, cardio, high-altitude acclimatization.
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Equipment Testing: Lightweight skis, high-altitude gear, and survival equipment.
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Route Planning: Selecting the safest yet fastest path down Everest.
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Team Coordination: Working closely with expert Sherpas, including Dawa “Speed” Sherpa, for logistics and safety.
The training and preparation for such a high-risk expedition were crucial, as skiing down Everest is far more dangerous than climbing it due to unstable ice, hidden crevasses, and the extreme slope gradients.
Ascent Details
Andrzej Bargiel began his ascent from Everest Base Camp on September 19, 2025. Following the traditional South Col route, he moved through the following points:
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Base Camp (5,364 meters): Start of the expedition, preparation, and acclimatization.
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Camp I (6,065 meters): Initial climbing challenges, mild icefalls.
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Camp II (6,400 meters): Rest and acclimatization before major altitude zones.
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Camp III (7,200 meters): Steep terrain and extreme cold.
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Camp IV (7,900 meters): The “death zone,” where oxygen levels are critically low.
The final push to the summit required over 16 hours in harsh conditions. Andrzej Bargiel navigated the extreme altitude without supplemental oxygen, showcasing his unparalleled endurance.
The Historic Descent
After reaching the summit at 8,848 meters on September 22, Andrzej Bargiel started his ski descent. Key highlights of the journey:
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Khumbu Icefall: Negotiating crevasses and ice blocks without ropes.
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Western Cwm: Smooth skiing sections allowing maximum speed.
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Camp II and Base Camp: Reached safely after a continuous descent of over 3,000 meters.
This descent marked a world-first, as no one had previously skied Everest from summit to Base Camp without oxygen.
Challenges Faced by Him
The expedition was extremely risky. Andrzej Bargiel faced:
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High Altitude: The “death zone” above 8,000 meters with minimal oxygen.
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Extreme Weather: Sudden snowstorms and sub-zero temperatures.
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Unstable Terrain: Icefalls, crevasses, and avalanche-prone slopes.
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Physical Exhaustion: Maintaining focus and strength for the descent.
Despite these obstacles, Andrzej Bargiel successfully completed his mission, demonstrating extraordinary skill and courage.
Bargiel near the top of Everest during his no-oxygen ascent. Photo: Bartek Bargiel/Red Bull Content Pool
Global Recognition
The mountaineering and sports community widely celebrated Andrzej Bargiel’s achievement:
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Media outlets worldwide covered the feat.
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He received accolades from both Poland and the international mountaineering fraternity.
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Experts praised the combination of mountaineering and extreme skiing skill required for such a descent.
This achievement will remain a milestone in high-altitude adventure sports.
Equipment Used by Andrzej Bargiel
Andrzej Bargiel relied on high-performance gear:
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Lightweight, high-altitude skis.
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Extreme cold weather clothing.
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Oxygen-free survival gear for high-altitude conditions.
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GPS and communication devices for safety.
His gear, combined with experience, ensured a safe and historic descent.
Everest Facts Related to the Expedition
Some interesting facts about Everest relevant to Andrzej Bargiel’s expedition:
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Height: 8,848 meters above sea level.
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Death Zone: Altitudes above 8,000 meters.
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Weather: Extremely unpredictable; storms can appear in minutes.
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Climbing Season: Spring (April-May) is the most common, which Bargiel used for his ski descent.
FAQs About Andrzej Bargiel and Everest Ski Descent
Q1: Who is Andrzej Bargiel?
A1: Andrzej Bargiel is a Polish ski mountaineer known for first-ever ski descents of K2, Gasherbrum I & II, Broad Peak, and Everest without oxygen.
Q2: What route did Bargiel take on Everest?
A2: He followed the South Col route from Base Camp to the summit and then skied back down.
Q3: Did he use supplemental oxygen?
A3: No, Andrzej Bargiel completed both ascent and descent without oxygen.
Q4: How long did the expedition take?
A4: From September 19 to September 23, 2025.
Q5: What made this descent historic?
A5: No climber before had skied from Everest’s summit to Base Camp without supplemental oxygen.
Q6: Who assisted Bargiel?
A6: Experienced Sherpas, including Dawa “Speed” Sherpa, provided logistical support.
Q7: What challenges did he face?
A7: Extreme cold, high altitude, unstable ice, and physical exhaustion.
Q8: What equipment did Bargiel use?
A8: High-altitude skis, specialized climbing gear, and safety devices.
Andrzej Bargiel’s historic descent has inspired mountaineers and skiers worldwide. It highlights human perseverance, precision planning, and the spirit of adventure. Future high-altitude skiing expeditions will now look to Bargiel’s achievement as the benchmark for combining mountaineering with skiing at extreme altitudes.