Polish alpinist Bartosz Kacper Ziemski has achieved a historic feat in the Himalayas by successfully summiting Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen and skiing down from the summit toward base camp.
According to Seven Summit Treks, Ziemski completed the Everest summit and ski descent on May 19 in pure alpine style, climbing the world’s highest mountain without bottled oxygen and without Sherpa support. Expedition organizers described the ascent and descent as one of the most remarkable ski mountaineering achievements ever accomplished in the Himalayas.
Historic Double Achievement on Everest and Lhotse
Just one week before the Everest ascent, Ziemski had also successfully climbed and skied down Lhotse on May 12, also without supplemental oxygen. With the completion of both descents in a single climbing season, Ziemski has become the first person in history to ski down both Everest and Lhotse without oxygen during the same expedition period. Mountaineering experts say the achievement represents an extraordinary combination of endurance, technical climbing ability, and extreme-altitude skiing skill.
Alpine-Style Expedition Without Sherpa Support
Unlike many commercial Himalayan expeditions, Ziemski carried out the climbs in alpine style, relying on minimal support and climbing independently without Sherpa assistance. Climbing above 8,000 metres without supplemental oxygen significantly increases the physical and mental demands placed on mountaineers due to the extreme lack of oxygen in the “death zone.” Skiing down from such elevations adds another level of danger, requiring precise control and technical expertise on steep, icy, and unpredictable terrain.
Remarkable Himalayan Ski Mountaineering Career
The latest accomplishment adds to an already exceptional list of Himalayan ski descents completed by the Polish climber. According to Seven Summit Treks, Ziemski has previously completed ski descents from several major Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna I, Kanchenjunga, Dhaulagiri, Makalu, Manaslu, Gasherbrum I, and Broad Peak. The successful Everest and Lhotse descents now stand among the most significant milestones of his mountaineering career.
Expedition Organizer Praises Achievement
Seven Summit Treks said it was honored to organize and support the expedition, calling the achievement an inspiration for the global mountaineering community. The company praised Ziemski’s determination, resilience, and alpine climbing philosophy, describing the expedition as an extraordinary example of modern high-altitude ski mountaineering. The accomplishment also highlights Nepal’s continued importance as the center of elite Himalayan climbing and adventure sports.
