Home / Sports / Pole Breaks Boundaries: First to Ski Down Mount Everest Without Oxygen
Pole Breaks Boundaries: First to Ski Down Mount Everest Without Oxygen
26 Sep, 2025
Summary
- Andrzej Bargiel, 37, climbed and skied down Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen
- Bargiel reached the summit and then skied down the mountain's steep slopes
- Bargiel's achievement is a "milestone in the world of ski mountaineering"
On September 22, 2025, Polish extreme skier Andrzej Bargiel, 37, achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first person to climb up and ski down Mount Everest without the use of supplemental oxygen. Bargiel's journey, parts of which were captured on video and shared on Instagram, saw him carry his skis on his back as he made his way up the 5.5-mile peak before beginning his descent down the mountain's incredibly steep slopes.
After reaching the summit, Bargiel skied down to Camp Two, nearly 4 miles up, where he rested overnight before continuing his descent to Base Camp the following morning, a total distance of 3.3 miles. Bargiel's team hailed his achievement as a "milestone in the world of ski mountaineering," and the climber was awarded a Tibetan khada, a symbol of respect in Nepal, in recognition of his accomplishment.
Bargiel's feat is particularly remarkable as he faced challenging conditions, including being trapped by snowfall for 16 hours when he reached the "death zone" above 5 miles, where the lack of oxygen poses a significant threat. Despite these obstacles, Bargiel persevered and made history as the first person to ski down Mount Everest without the aid of bottled oxygen.
