ANDRZEJ BARGIEL // K2SKICHALLENGE

The K2 summit was reached by Andrzej around 11:28 am local time and shortly after he strapped on his skis and started the historic descent.

The ski descent route was prepared in advance and checked for potential difficulties and threats, but still Andrzej encountered some problems. In the higher parts of the mountain there was poor visibility, and Andrzej had to stay in the fourth camp for about an hour and wait for the clear weather. The descent from the summit led through the shoulder to the Cessen's route, from where Andrzej made the passage below the huge seracs that loom above the so-called Messner's traverse, to reach the ridge on the Kukuczka-Piotrowski route few moments later. Andrzej returned to the base camp around 7:30 pm. He fulfilled his great dream, going down in the history of mountaineering! Andrzej would like to dedicate this feat in memory of 100th anniversary of regaining independence by Poland.

The expedition members were Janusz Gołąb, Piotr Pawlus, Marek Ogień and Andrzej’s brother - Bartłomiej Bargiel who had flown his drone to an impressive altitude to film Andrzej standing on the summit and then follow him during this historical descent. Apart from that Bartek used his drone during this expedition to help in rescuing 65-year-old Scotman Rick Allen on Broad Peak.

The main sponsors of this year's expedition were Bank Pekao S.A. and Mercedes-Benz Sobiesław Zasada Automotive. The technical partner of Andrzej Bargiel was Salomon. The expedition suit was once again provided by Pajak and Enel-Sport became a medical partner just as during last year's expedition. The expedition was also supported by the Institute of Media Monitoring. Storytel joined the group of this year's sponsors. The effect of this cooperation is the ATAK2 audiobook, thanks to which we can hear the report from the course of action during the K2 Ski Challenge 2018. Red Bull is Andrzej Bargiel’s partner.