Fitness Training
The challenge of summiting peaks over 8,000m without supplemental oxygen is already an extraordinary feat. But the real game-changer? Skiing back down. Andrzej Bargiel explains how he does it.
Poland's Andrzej Bargiel has embraced a new level of daring, creating his own niche in the world of mountaineering and skiing. In 2023, he became the first person to ski down all four of Karakoram's towering eight-thousanders: Broad Peak, K2, Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II. And guess what? He’s not stopping there. His eyes are now locked on Everest. But the world’s highest peak isn’t the only challenge on his horizon, he’s already ventured through the rugged landscapes of the Andes and Patagonia.
Bargiel’s groundbreaking success is rooted in consistency and passion for trying the impossible. “If we do what we love and invest time in it, it can lead to unforgettable moments,” he says. With each new expedition, he doesn’t just stretch human endurance – he rewrites the playbook on what’s possible in the world of ski mountaineering.
The Polish mountaineer’s name is synonymous with pushing boundaries. From ski competitions to high-mountain expeditions, he’s been on a relentless journey of breaking through every ceiling. In 2013, he launched his project, Hic Sunt Leones (meaning “here are the lions”) to prove that skiing the highest peaks in the world wasn’t just a dream. In 2018, he did the unimaginable: he became the first person to ski from the summit of K2, the second-highest mountain on Earth. “At the bottom, I was as happy as a child... I felt great relief and joy,” he recalls, remembering that historic descent. Since then, his list of accomplishments has only grown – skiing all four eight-thousanders in the Karakoram, as well as Manaslu and Lhotse – and tackling new challenges in the Andes and Alps.
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If you weren't born with it, work for it
But here’s the thing: Bargiel wasn’t born with some supernatural gift, just like most of us. He built his body, his mind and his skills to handle the extremes. “I had to work on that,” he admits. “I wasn’t born in very high mountains, but I’ve definitely put a lot of work in self-development.” For Bargiel, it’s not just about physical strength – it’s about mental endurance and constantly testing his own limits. He has a natural predisposition when it comes to endurance sports but as he dived deeper into mountaineering, he had to experiment – learning how to function without oxygen at extreme altitudes. “All the previous expeditions allowed me to test my limits, so I could find out how far I can really push it,” he says. This consistent self-testing honed not just his body, but his mind.
Bargiel’s approach to ski mountaineering is a dynamic fusion of three essential disciplines: mountain running, extreme off-piste skiing and climbing. “The basis for skiing mountaineering is combining these three disciplines,” he says. “Combining these and achieving a high level in them allows you to be independent, which is necessary to function in the mountains.” This fusion of skills forms the backbone of his training. It’s where the magic happens.
He is known to prepare with an intensity that mirrors the extreme conditions he faces in the mountains, often pushing himself through drastic elevation changes of 3,000-4,000m each day. “It wouldn’t be possible [to complete projects] without enduring those height differences during the training sessions,” Bargeil explains. Alongside this high-elevation training, Bargiel emphasises the importance of gym work, weight training, and exercises involving intervals, tempo runs, and accelerations. “Gym is very important. And during this preparation period, I go to the gym twice a week,” he shares. His method is clear: mixing various sports – cycling, running in the mountains, gym workouts and climbing – keeping his body ready for whatever mountains throw at him.
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Non-negotiables: mental strength and resilience
But strength alone isn’t enough. Bargiel’s mental resilience is what truly sets him apart. Reflecting on his journey to conquer K2, he says, “It was a process that required long-term commitment – thinking about it and consistently learning what I can allow myself for there.” Mental toughness is just as crucial as the muscle behind every move.
Recovery is also a big part of Bargiel’s routine. It’s not all about pushing – it’s about resting and recharging. Stretching, eight hours of sleep and a healthy diet are all vital components to his recovery. “Stretching is more important because it speeds up regeneration, and flexibility of our muscles is crucial,” he explains.
When it comes to at-home workouts, Bargiel suggests keeping it straightforward and effective. Squats for leg strength, sit-ups for core stability and balance exercises are key to improving movement in the mountains. “Balance allows us to move around the mountains more economically,” he says. And pull-ups for back strength? Non-negotiable. For endurance, he recommends stair climbing or interval training, proving that you don’t need fancy gear to build strength for high-altitude expeditions. “Nothing will replace long outdoor training sessions,” he adds, always emphasising the importance of real-mountain experience.
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Conquering your inner K2
Bargiel’s journey shows that success isn’t just about physical prowess. “When a project is risky, we need to distance ourselves and stop assuming that we will make it very quick,” he explains. Timing and patience are just as important as the push for success. And ultimately, success comes from blending strategic planning and relentless action to conquer our own “K2s” in life.
“If we want to achieve something, we need to believe in it ourselves,” he says. “That faith is the key to maintain motivation for self-development on a daily basis.” He proves that limits are often self-imposed and can be conquered with the right mindset. He states, “It’s very important that you don’t give up and continue to work on yourself – every day should get you a bit closer to success.” And that’s exactly how Bargiel keeps pushing the limits – one ski descent at a time.