Climber sets new world record with oxygen-free Everest descent

Andrzej Bargiel has made history by becoming the first person to both climb Everest and ski all the way down without using supplemental oxygen.

The 37‑year‑old completed the feat on September 22, 2025, ascending Mount Everest to its summit and then beginning his ski descent. Bargiel spent almost 16 hours in the mountain’s notorious “death zone” 8,000 meters above sea level, where oxygen is scarce, before beginning his downhill run.

While skiers have traversed the mountain before, Bargiel’s feat marks the first instance of an individual descending the world’s highest point without using any form of additional oxygen.

Third time’s the charm

Bargiel had attempted this same self-set challenge twice previously, in 2019 and 2022, ultimately having to cut each short. In a September 27 X/Twitter post, news outlet NEXTA said Bargiel was caught in a snowstorm during his attempt.

Celebrating his fellow countryman’s successful attempt, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on X: “Sky is the limit? Not for Poles! Andrzej Bargiel just skied down Mount Everest.”