World First: Andrzej Bargiel Skis Everest Without Oxygen

Kurhula David Ngobeni

1 year ago

WORLD FIRST: Red Bull Athlete Andrzej Bargiel Skis from the Summit of Mount Everest to Base Camp Without Oxygen

Polish ski mountaineer and Red Bull athlete Andrzej Bargiel (37) has achieved a world-first, skiing the full descent from the summit of Mount Everest (8,849 m) to Base Camp without supplementary oxygen. This historic feat also makes him the only athlete to ski from both Mount Everest and K2.

After spending nearly 16 hours climbing from Camp IV through Everest’s “death zone” above 8,000 metres, Bargiel reached the summit on 22 September 2025, clipped into his skis, and began his descent. He reached Camp II by nightfall, pausing for safety, and resumed the journey the next morning, navigating the treacherous Khumbu Icefall, finally arriving safely at Everest Base Camp.

Already renowned for his full ski descent of K2 in 2018 and descents of the Karakoram eight-thousanders, Bargiel now extends his legacy to the world’s highest peak.

**Andrzej Bargiel preparing his gear at EBC, Nepal on September 2, 2025** Photo By Bartłomiej Pawlikowski for Red Bull Content Pool

Key Facts

Athlete: Andrzej Bargiel (POL), 37
Mountain: Mount Everest, 8,849 m
Location: Central Himalaya, Nepal/China border
Achievement: First-ever Everest ascent and full ski descent without supplementary oxygen
Expedition: Everest Ski Challenge 2025
Duration: 4 days, 4 hours, 15 minutes (19–23 September 2025)
Documentary: Scheduled for 2026 release
Support Team: Tomasz Gaj, Patrycja Jonetzko, Piotr Sadowski, Jan Gąsienica-Roj, Dariusz Załuski, Bartek Bargiel, Bartek Pawlikowski, Seven Summits Treks, and Sherpas

Route Overview & Timeline

Base Camp to Camp IV: Departed 19 September at 04:30, following acclimatisation rotations through Camps I–III.
Summit Push: Left Camp IV at 23:24 (21 Sept), summited 15:00 (22 Sept) after nearly 16 hours in the death zone.
Ski Descent (Summit to Camp II): Began descent at 15:17, navigating South Col, Geneva Spur, and Balcony, reaching Camp II at 20:30.
Ski Descent (Camp II to Base Camp): Resumed at 07:00 (23 Sept), passed Camp I, crossed Khumbu Icefall on skis, and arrived at Base Camp 08:45.

Quotes

“Skiing down Everest without oxygen was a dream years in the making. The autumn conditions and Khumbu Glacier line were my greatest challenge.”
Andrzej Bargiel:

“At this altitude, without supplemental oxygen, the body fights for every step. What Andrzej achieved is beyond human capabilities.”
Dr. Patrycja Jonetzko:

“Guiding my brother over the ridge and glacier was nerve-wracking. Seeing him succeed fills me with immense pride.”
Bartek Bargiel:

**Andrzej Bargiel prepares before entering the Khumbu Icefall in Mount Everest on September 6, 2025.** Photo By Bartłomiej Pawlikowski for Red Bull Content Pool

“A complete ski descent of Everest without oxygen is almost impossible to comprehend. The focus and endurance required are mind-blowing.”
Adrian Ballinger:

Why It Matters

Bargiel’s achievement pushes the limits of human endurance and alpine skill. Fewer than 200 climbers have reached Everest’s summit without supplementary oxygen—less than 3% of all ascents.

The death zone of Everest presents extreme physiological challenges, with oxygen levels at roughly one-third of sea level. Spending 16 hours above 8,000 metres without oxygen is unprecedented and places enormous strain on the human body.