Standing at the summit of the world’s highest mountain is already an extraordinary achievement. But Polish ski mountaineer Andrzej Bargiel went even further, becoming the first person to climb and ski down Mount Everest to Base Camp without supplementary oxygen. Red Bull’s breathtaking footage captures this historic feat of endurance and determination.
At 8,849 meters above sea level, where the air is dangerously thin, Bargiel strapped on his skis and began an incredible descent through some of the most challenging mountain terrain on Earth.
The Historic Mission to Ski Down Mount Everest
On September 22, 2025, Andrzej Bargiel reached Everest’s summit after an exhausting climb that included nearly 16 hours in the mountain’s notorious “death zone,” above 8,000 meters, where oxygen levels are dangerously low.
Unlike most climbers attempting such extreme altitudes, Bargiel completed his ascent without bottled oxygen. But reaching the summit was only half the challenge. He still had to navigate the mountain’s steep, unpredictable slopes on skis.
Following the South Col route, Bargiel descended toward Camp II, where he stopped overnight because darkness made continuing too dangerous.
The following morning brought another formidable obstacle: the Khumbu Icefall, a hazardous maze of towering ice formations and deep crevasses. His brother Bartek helped guide him through the terrain using a drone.
After reaching Everest Base Camp, Bargiel completed a world-first achievement: ascending the mountain and skiing back down without supplementary oxygen. The remarkable accomplishment added another milestone to his career, following his historic ski descent of K2 in 2018.
Why We Loved This Video
The sheer scale of this achievement is difficult to comprehend. Seeing a lone skier making his way down the world’s tallest mountain, surrounded by enormous Himalayan peaks, creates an unforgettable visual experience.
What makes the footage especially compelling is knowing that every turn demands extraordinary concentration and physical endurance. This isn’t a conventional skiing adventure; it’s the culmination of years of preparation, determination, and mountaineering experience.
For anyone fascinated by extreme sports, human endurance, or remarkable real-life achievements, this is an inspiring demonstration of what dedication and skill can accomplish.
