Andrzej Bargiel Completes Historic Everest Ski Descent
The skier descended Mount Everest from the summit to base camp without supplemental oxygen on September 22 and 23, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Skiing
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Andrzej Bargiel successfully skied from the summit of Mount Everest to base camp after reaching the 29,032-foot peak on September 22, 2026. The feat was completed without the use of supplemental oxygen and required a two-day descent across the South Col route.
Why it matters
The descent underscores the extreme physical demands of high-altitude mountaineering, as Bargiel spent 16 hours in the death zone due to heavy snow. His successful navigation of the mountain on skis without supplemental oxygen adds a rare accomplishment to the record of Everest ascents.
Bargiel reached the 21,000-foot Camp II during his descent before finishing the trek to base camp at 17,600 feet. Out of 7,563 total unique climbers through December 2025, only 1.7 percent have summited without supplemental oxygen.
The players
Andrzej Bargiel
He is a professional mountaineer and skier who specializes in high-altitude descents.
The details
Bargiel navigated the treacherous Khumbu Icefall on skis without the use of fixed ropes. Heavy fresh snow during his ascent forced him to spend 16 hours in the death zone above 26,000 feet before he could begin his descent.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: Bargiel began his summit push from Camp IV.
September 22, 2026: Bargiel reached the summit and skied to Camp II.
September 23, 2026: Bargiel completed the ski descent to base camp.
December 2025: The terminal date for the Himalayan Database summit records provided.
Season Trajectory
Bargiel's descent significantly expands the technical boundaries of what is considered possible in high-altitude mountaineering. This accomplishment establishes a new benchmark for technical ski descents on the world's highest peaks, contrasting with traditional climbing methodologies.
The descent demonstrates the feasibility of traversing the Khumbu Icefall on skis without relying on established fixed ropes. It serves as a data point for future mountaineers evaluating the risks and time requirements associated with deep snow and high-altitude endurance.
The takeaway
Bargiel's experience highlights how environmental conditions like fresh snowfall can dramatically escalate the risks of high-altitude travel. Planning for extreme delays is essential for any athlete attempting to navigate terrain above the death zone threshold.
Further reading
For more on high-altitude mountain sports, visit the Skiing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ecoportal.
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