Polish alpinist Bartosz Kacper Ziemski has completed a ski descent from Mount Lhotse after becoming the first climber this season to summit the world’s fourth-highest peak on the afternoon of May 12, 2026. According to Chhang Dawa Sherpa, Expedition Director at Seven Summit Treks, Ziemski achieved an extraordinary solo ascent and ski descent, marking one of the standout performances of the current climbing season.
Solo Alpine Style Ascent Without Sherpa Support
Officials said Ziemski climbed in pure alpine style from Camp IV to the summit without Sherpa support. He successfully reached the summit of Lhotse (8,516m) and then completed a continuous ski descent all the way back to Base Camp. He arrived at Base Camp at around 4:38 pm after the successful descent, according to Khim Lal Gautam, chief at the Department of Tourism field office at Everest Base Camp.
First Summit of Lhotse This Season
Ziemski became the first climber to summit Lhotse in the current season. Officials and expedition organizers congratulated him for the achievement, calling it an exceptional display of endurance and technical skill.
Five 8,000-Meter Peaks with Ski Descents by Climber
With this accomplishment, Ziemski has now summited and skied down five 8,000-meter peaks, including Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Kangchenjunga, Mount Makalu, and Lhotse. Expedition organizers said this feat ranks among the most remarkable high-altitude skiing performances of the season.
