Polish ski mountaineer Andrzej Bargiel has made history this Sunday as the first man to ski down from the summit of K2, the world’s second highest mountain at 8,611 metres. Here is all you need to know:
– Bargiel first attempted the daredevil feat a year ago, but had to abandon due to high temperatures and dangerous conditions so he returned to the stunning Karakoram mountain range intent on succeeding.
– The 30-year-old spent a few weeks acclimatising then ascended to the second base camp on Thursday July 19 before the crew moved on to the third base camp.
– He attacked the summit on Sunday July 22 and, when he finally reached the peak, simply strapped on his trusty skis and started back down the iconic mountain.
– He tackled the shoulder towards the Cesen Route first, then navigated under huge seracs (blocks of glacial ice) via the daunting Messner Traverse to the arête (narrow ridge of rock) on the Kukuczka-Piotrowski route.
– Before the Łętownia native could celebrate, he had to battle past snow fields full of dangerous crevices leading back to base camp and a place in the history books.
– He also became the 13th Pole to reach the top of K2 (8611m above sea level) with his loyal crew of brother Bartłomiej, Janusz Gołąb, Piotr Pawlus and Marek Ogień.
– Bargiel is known for winning the highly respected Snow Leopard award in record time two years ago as well as being the current Elbrus Race record holder.
