Andrzej Bargiel begins Dhaulagiri ski descent expedition

Polish ski alpinist Andrzej Bargiel has departed for a new expedition in the Himalayas as part of his ‘Hic Sunt Leones’ project. The objective of the Dhaulagiri Ski Challenge is to summit Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and descend the mountain on skis without the use of supplemental oxygen.

Dhaulagiri, located in Nepal, is considered one of the most demanding 8,000-meter peaks due to its steep terrain, icy conditions, and high avalanche risk. Bargiel aims to become only the second person to complete a full ski descent from the summit, following Bartek Ziemski in 2023.

The expedition team includes Jakub Poburka (sports support), Maciej Sulima (camera and drone operator), Bartłomiej Pawlikowski (photographer), and Pasang Rinzee Sherpa (camera operator). Bargiel, who is supported by Red Bull, emphasized that safety and strategic decision-making are paramount, particularly when operating in the ‘Death Zone’ above 8,000 meters.