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Andrzej Bargiel, a Polish adventurer, has made remarkable progress in his quest to conquer Mount Everest without supplementary oxygen and subsequently ski down to Base Camp. After only two weeks on the world's highest peak, Bargiel successfully ascended to the South Col, located at an elevation of approximately 8,000 meters. Following this significant acclimatization climb, he executed a ski descent back to Base Camp, showcasing his exceptional skill and endurance in the challenging Himalayan environment.

Bargiel's strategy involves thorough acclimatization, and his recent push to the South Col is a critical step. He documented his journey, detailing a night spent at Camp 2, followed by an ascent to around 7,000 meters below the Geneva Spur for a bivouac. The subsequent morning saw him reach the South Col before his descent on skis. While the specifics of his passage through the formidable Khumbu Icefall on skis remain undisclosed, his rapid pace suggests he is well on track for a potential summit attempt, possibly after one more acclimatization rotation to Camp 4, though his precise timeline is yet to be revealed.

Skiing down Everest presents unique and extreme challenges, far surpassing the technical demands of climbing it. Bargiel's decision to forgo bottled oxygen, echoing his historic K2 ski descent in 2018, adds another layer of difficulty, as Everest's increased altitude intensifies the physical strain. The mountain's exposed ridges and technical obstacles, such as the Hillary Step and the traverse to the South Summit, pose significant hurdles for skiers. Unlike previous Everest skiers who utilized ropes for these sections, Bargiel's approach to such segments remains a key point of interest. His endeavor brings to mind Davo Karnicar's groundbreaking uninterrupted ski descent of Everest 25 years ago, a feat achieved without removing skis or using rappels. Karnicar's success, which involved navigating a continuous ski line around the Khumbu Icefall, highlights the potential, yet extreme risks, especially the heightened avalanche danger during the post-monsoon season that both skiers favored for its snow coverage. Bargiel's ongoing reconnaissance of potential ski routes indicates his meticulous preparation for this monumental undertaking.

Andrzej Bargiel's bold expedition embodies the relentless pursuit of human limits and the spirit of exploration. His journey is a testament to the power of preparation, resilience, and the unwavering courage required to confront nature's most formidable challenges. By pushing the boundaries of what is thought possible on skis at extreme altitudes, Bargiel inspires us to embrace our own aspirations with determination and to continuously seek new horizons.