Polish climber completes historic ski descent of Mount Everest after summit

The 37-year-old Red Bull athlete reached the 8,849-metre summit on 22 September after nearly 16 hours in the mountain’s “death zone” before beginning his descent.

Bargiel skied down via the South Col, reaching Camp II by nightfall and resting overnight before continuing through the Khumbu Icefall the following morning. He arrived safely at Everest Base Camp on 23 September, completing the world-first achievement in four days, four hours and 15 minutes.

Already known for skiing from the summits of all Karakoram eight-thousanders, including the first and only full ski descent of K2 in 2018, Bargiel has now extended his legacy to the highest mountain on Earth. His expedition was supported by a Polish-led team and Sherpas, and the feat will be documented in a film set for release in 2026.