Andrzej Bargiel Makes History: First-Ever Ski Down of Everest Without Oxygen

Climbing Mount Everest is already one of the hardest challenges in the world. But skiing down from the top without bottled oxygen? That sounded impossible until Andrzej Bargiel made it happen on 22  September 2025. His bold move has changed how we look at high-altitude adventure forever.

Meet the Daredevil Who Skied Down Everest Without Oxygen

Andrzej Bargiel is a Polish ski mountaineer born in Łętownia in 1988. He is known for mixing climbing and skiing in a way very few athletes dare to attempt.

In 2018, he shocked the world by skiing down K2, the second-highest mountain. Before that, he completed ski descents on all four Karakoram 8,000-meter peaks.

The most striking part? He has never used bottled oxygen in his climbs. Bargiel trusts his body, training, and mindset to get him through thin air where even walking feels like a fight.

The Big Moment: Everest, September 2025

Bargiel began his Everest journey from the South Col route, the most common path used by climbers. After days of climbing and resting between camps, he reached Camp IV. From there, he made his final push for the summit on September 22.

It took him about 16 hours to stand on the highest point on Earth, 8,849 meters above sea level. Instead of resting, he strapped on his skis within minutes. His target was simple: ski down what thousands have struggled to climb.

The descent was not smooth. Bargiel crossed the South Summit and the Hillary Step, spots that have claimed many lives. He reached Camp II (6,400 meters) after about five hours of skiing. Since it was dark, he stopped there for the night.

The next morning, he continued down the dangerous Khumbu Icefall. This section is full of shifting ice towers and deep cracks. Bargiel had no ropes or fixed lines to guide him. Instead, he got help from a drone piloted by his brother to find a safe way through.

On September 23, he finally skied into Base Camp. His journey up and down Everest was complete. He made history.

Why Skiing Everest Without Oxygen Is Almost Impossible

Above 8,000 meters lies what climbers call the "death zone." Oxygen levels are so low that the human body slowly shuts down. Even standing still is exhausting. Most climbers rely on bottled oxygen to survive.

Bargiel did not. He climbed and skied with only the air around him. The risks included frostbite, collapse, and confusion from lack of oxygen. On top of that, skiing means constant movement on ice and snow that can shift at any time.

Out of more than 7,000 Everest summiters in history, only about 200 have reached the top without oxygen. None before Bargiel had skied down. That’s why experts called this almost beyond human ability.

The Secret Training Behind the Everest Ski Miracle

Bargiel’s preparation was intense. He trained for years at high altitudes. He worked with Sherpa and IFMGA guides who managed logistics.

His brother handled drone support to scout the Icefall. Red Bull also backed the mission and recorded it for the world to see.

This mix of skill, planning, and teamwork allowed him to do something no one else had done.

Image Credits: Adventure Magazine

Why Bargiel’s Everest Record Will Be Remembered for Decades?

This climb is not just another record. It shows what’s possible in mountaineering when skill and courage meet careful planning.

Everest has become a busy and commercial mountain, but Bargiel wanted to show a different side. He picked an off-season window for fewer crowds and more challenges.

His achievement set a new global benchmark for ski mountaineering. It also proves that adventure sports still have new frontiers.

The World Can’t Stop Talking About Bargiel’s Everest Descent

The world of climbing and sports praised Bargiel’s feat. Experts called it a rare mix of courage and technique.

Medical specialists pointed out that even walking at that height without oxygen is life-threatening.

Social media was full of awe, with many calling for him to get wider recognition.

People admired not only the achievement but also his calm and humble way of handling it.

Big Takeaways That Matter

• Andrzej Bargiel skied down Mount Everest on 22 September 2025.

• He did it without using bottled oxygen.

• The descent took him two days, with a stop at Camp II.

• This is the first full oxygen-free ski descent from Everest’s summit to Base Camp.

• The feat sets a new mark for extreme adventure sports.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is Andrzej Bargiel?

He is a Polish ski mountaineer known for skiing down some of the world’s tallest peaks.

2. What record did Andrzej Bargiel set on Everest?

He became the first person to ski down Everest’s summit to Base Camp without using bottled oxygen.

3. When did Bargiel complete his Everest ski descent?

He finished the descent on September 23, 2025.

4. Which route did he take to climb Everest?

He climbed through the standard South Col route before skiing down.

5. How long did it take for him to summit Everest?

It took him about 16 hours from Camp IV to the summit.

6. Did he ski the entire mountain?

Yes, he skied from the summit all the way to Base Camp, stopping overnight at Camp II.

7. Why is skiing Everest without oxygen so difficult?

The thin air above 8,000 meters, extreme cold, and unstable ice make it life-threatening without bottled oxygen.

8. Has anyone else skied down Everest before?

Others attempted parts of the descent, but none completed it from the summit to Base Camp without oxygen.

9. What role did drones play in the expedition?

His brother used drones to guide him through the dangerous Khumbu Icefall.

10. What other major achievements does Bargiel have?

He completed the first full ski descent of K2 in 2018 and skied down all four Karakoram 8,000ers.