Andrzej Bargiel Makes Historic Ski Descent of Nanga Parbat Without Supplemental Oxygen

Andrzej Bargiel: The First to Ski Down Nanga Parbat Without Supplemental Oxygen

On June 30, 2026, Polish athlete Andrzej Bargiel achieved a remarkable feat in the world of extreme skiing by becoming the first person to ascend and then ski down the famed Nanga Parbat in a single continuous descent without using supplemental oxygen. This legendary mountain, with a towering height of 8,126 meters, is infamous for its treacherous conditions and has long been regarded as one of the most dangerous peaks in the Himalayas.

Bargiel, affiliated with Red Bull, undertook this challenge as part of his expedition dubbed "Hic Sunt Leones – Nanga Parbat Ski Challenge 2026," where he aimed to conquer the mountain and ski down the perilous routes of its Diamir Face. Despite various attempts by previous climbers, none had successfully completed a full descent from the summit all the way to the snow line before Bargiel.

The adventure began at the Nanga Parbat base camp, located at 4,200 meters. Bargiel left the camp early on June 28, setting out at 6 AM without bottled oxygen to make his ascent. After spending a night at Camp II (6,200 m) and another at Camp III (6,850 m), he reached the summit on June 30. He spent approximately 45 minutes at the top, taking in the stunning views and preparing himself for the challenging descent that awaited him.

Once he strapped on his skis, Bargiel descended via the Messner Route, which is notorious for its vertical drops and hazardous ice formations known as seracs. In fact, this descent has previously forced other climbers to turn back due to its challenges. Yet, with determination and skill, he navigated these dangers and reached an altitude of 4,400 meters, just below Camp I, where he completed his stunning descent at around 3 PM.

During the entire climb and descent, Bargiel spent about two hours in the so-called “death zone” above 7,900 meters—an area where the lack of oxygen poses severe risks to climbers. The overall journey took him two days and nine hours, a testament to his endurance and preparation.

Reflecting on his success, Bargiel commented, "I knew that the success of this project depended on finding the right timing and conditions in the mountains. I'm glad we found a route that allowed us to complete the entire descent safely. I want to thank the entire team and Red Bull for their support."

With this achievement, Andrzej Bargiel joins an elite group of climbers who have summited some of the world's highest peaks without supplemental oxygen. His previous feats include conquering Broad Peak, K2, Gasherbrum I and II, and Mount Everest—all accomplished with only the vital air available at high altitude.

This historic achievement not only highlights Bargiel's incredible skills and commitment to the sport but also serves as an inspiration for many in the climbing and skiing communities. His tenacity, along with thoughtful planning, demonstrates what can be accomplished when limits are tested and barriers broken.

As extreme skiing continues to evolve, athletes like Bargiel redefine what is possible in high-altitude sports. His success on Nanga Parbat sets a new benchmark for adventurers worldwide and ignites excitement for future explorations into the unknown.

For more information on Andrzej Bargiel and his latest accomplishments, stay tuned to updates from Red Bull and other climbing news outlets.