1 00:00:02,000 --> 00:00:07,000 Downloaded from YTS.BZ 2 00:00:03,760 --> 00:00:05,080 [ORCHESTRAL MUSIC] 3 00:00:08,000 --> 00:00:13,000 Official YIFY movies site: YTS.BZ 4 00:00:36,120 --> 00:00:42,720 JIMMY:The first ski descent of K2 would be a monumental event. 5 00:00:43,960 --> 00:00:45,080 [ROPE SLINGING SOUND] 6 00:00:45,560 --> 00:00:47,720 ADRIAN:No one has yet proven that it's possible, 7 00:00:48,280 --> 00:00:50,640 that it could be done without dying. 8 00:00:53,520 --> 00:00:56,920 HILAREE:To do it without using any supplemental oxygen 9 00:00:57,080 --> 00:01:00,200 seems pretty unachievable. 10 00:01:05,720 --> 00:01:06,720 [PANTING] 11 00:01:08,800 --> 00:01:11,120 BASE:Andrzej, do you copy? 12 00:01:13,960 --> 00:01:15,800 -ANDRZEJ: What's up? -BASE:Where are you? 13 00:01:16,760 --> 00:01:18,520 ANDRZEJ: Approaching Camp 4. Zero visibility. 14 00:01:22,480 --> 00:01:24,560 I can't ski in these conditions. 15 00:01:27,280 --> 00:01:29,440 BASE:You need to get the f**k out of there, 16 00:01:29,600 --> 00:01:31,200 a cold front is coming, it'll be a massacre. 17 00:01:34,600 --> 00:01:38,480 BASE: Andrzej, you need to make a decision. 18 00:01:40,680 --> 00:01:41,720 ANDRZEJ: I'm going down. 19 00:02:16,560 --> 00:02:19,080 JIMMY: There is something about K2 20 00:02:19,480 --> 00:02:22,280 that makes your heart kind of skip a beat. 21 00:02:26,800 --> 00:02:28,760 HILAREE: I think about it all the time. It's this beautiful, 22 00:02:28,920 --> 00:02:31,600 incredible mountain that just draws you in. 23 00:02:40,560 --> 00:02:44,360 ADRIAN: Even for real, core, authentic climbers 24 00:02:44,520 --> 00:02:47,720 this is the dream mountain, the hardest one. 25 00:02:52,000 --> 00:02:56,360 HILAREE: K2 is an incredibly... 26 00:02:57,480 --> 00:02:58,560 scary mountain. 27 00:03:00,480 --> 00:03:04,440 ADRIAN:There have been so many accidents, so many fatalities. 28 00:03:05,960 --> 00:03:09,880 JIMMY: One in four people that have climbed K2 don't come back. 29 00:03:17,040 --> 00:03:20,760 ADRIAN: I've been a professional climber and skier for decades now, 30 00:03:20,920 --> 00:03:24,200 but I had never been to K2 until last year 31 00:03:24,360 --> 00:03:27,800 and there is no reason I would ever go there again. 32 00:03:28,840 --> 00:03:30,640 HILAREE: Andrzej definitely came out of nowhere. 33 00:03:30,800 --> 00:03:32,560 I just remember hearing his name 34 00:03:32,720 --> 00:03:35,360 and I've been in this sport for twenty years 35 00:03:35,520 --> 00:03:36,680 and I've never heard of Andrzej. 36 00:03:40,080 --> 00:03:42,560 When I heard that Andrzej was headed to K2, 37 00:03:42,720 --> 00:03:44,880 I didn't know much about him 38 00:03:45,760 --> 00:03:47,920 and I was curious. 39 00:03:58,360 --> 00:04:02,400 ANDRZEJ: During these expeditions you meet many climbers. 40 00:04:03,040 --> 00:04:08,840 Over the years, accidents occur. 41 00:04:09,080 --> 00:04:12,800 Sometimes to 42 00:04:12,960 --> 00:04:16,640 remarkable athletes. 43 00:04:21,520 --> 00:04:24,840 DARIUSZ: I followed his progress in 2010. 44 00:04:25,080 --> 00:04:28,640 I was with him 45 00:04:29,280 --> 00:04:32,440 when he attempted a K2 ski descent. 46 00:04:32,600 --> 00:04:35,520 It was incredible for me that he was skiing up there. 47 00:04:38,520 --> 00:04:40,960 There were just two people. It was foggy. 48 00:04:41,680 --> 00:04:46,960 Nobody really knows what happened. There were only assumptions. 49 00:04:47,120 --> 00:04:50,960 DARIUSZ: We think he fell off with a piece of rock 50 00:04:51,280 --> 00:04:54,840 while placing his piton. 51 00:04:57,640 --> 00:05:01,440 ANDRZEJ: Fredrick Ericsson was one of the best extreme skiers 52 00:05:01,600 --> 00:05:03,600 and also a great climber. 53 00:05:05,480 --> 00:05:09,040 It's a reminder of the dangers you face 54 00:05:09,200 --> 00:05:13,120 when climbing the walls of K2. 55 00:05:14,120 --> 00:05:17,120 It makes you question 56 00:05:17,520 --> 00:05:20,920 what you are doing. 57 00:05:27,600 --> 00:05:31,480 Expedition log, July 6th. 58 00:05:31,640 --> 00:05:34,920 Before climbing K2, my priority is to acclimatize. 59 00:05:35,840 --> 00:05:38,440 I chose Gasherbrum II, 60 00:05:39,600 --> 00:05:41,920 an 8000 meter peak, a day's trek from K2. 61 00:05:42,800 --> 00:05:45,080 After a few days it's pretty clear. 62 00:05:45,240 --> 00:05:47,040 The weather's not going to cooperate. 63 00:05:48,120 --> 00:05:50,280 I must think of a new plan. 64 00:05:51,480 --> 00:05:55,160 We couldn't go up this morning because of the weather. 65 00:05:55,320 --> 00:05:56,880 If we climbed up... 66 00:05:58,200 --> 00:06:01,280 and got snowed in, it would be sh*t. 67 00:06:01,600 --> 00:06:03,520 It's not that easy. 68 00:06:07,240 --> 00:06:11,800 JANUSZ: A meter of snow at the base is not common. 69 00:06:11,960 --> 00:06:17,400 crevasse, crack... 70 00:06:26,000 --> 00:06:27,320 ADRIAN: One of the challenges 71 00:06:27,480 --> 00:06:31,000 of 8,000 meter peak climbing is you really can't skip steps 72 00:06:31,440 --> 00:06:35,080 and acclimatization is absolutely essential. 73 00:06:35,240 --> 00:06:37,840 If you want to do it without supplemental oxygen, 74 00:06:38,000 --> 00:06:40,080 that takes more acclimatization. 75 00:06:40,240 --> 00:06:44,840 If weather or bad conditions make it impossible to acclimatize well, 76 00:06:45,000 --> 00:06:48,720 then that makes summit push much more dangerous 77 00:06:49,120 --> 00:06:50,400 and much more difficult. 78 00:06:54,920 --> 00:07:00,000 ANDRZEJ: Bartek, can you help me with the packing? 79 00:07:00,160 --> 00:07:03,280 Stop filming. It's unnecessary. 80 00:07:07,240 --> 00:07:08,760 HILAREE: What's the definition of adventure? 81 00:07:08,920 --> 00:07:13,400 Adventure only begins when the best laid plans all go wrong. 82 00:07:22,080 --> 00:07:26,160 HILAREE: Walking up the Baltoro Glacier is super complicated. 83 00:07:28,160 --> 00:07:29,800 It can be intimidating. 84 00:07:29,960 --> 00:07:31,400 It can be really awe-inspiring. 85 00:07:31,560 --> 00:07:34,280 You're walking on the rocks, you walk on the ice. It's hard. 86 00:07:38,960 --> 00:07:42,640 JIMMY: There's what I would call more popular 8,000 meter peaks 87 00:07:42,800 --> 00:07:46,720 that have much easier access and K2 is not one of them. 88 00:07:59,960 --> 00:08:02,640 ANDRZEJ: This isn't my first K2 attempt. 89 00:08:03,920 --> 00:08:07,040 In 2017, I had an expedition here. 90 00:08:08,160 --> 00:08:12,680 A few weeks in, the weather worsened. 91 00:08:12,840 --> 00:08:14,640 I had to make a decision. 92 00:08:14,840 --> 00:08:17,240 To carry on to the summit or turn around. 93 00:08:19,680 --> 00:08:20,920 I gave up. 94 00:08:22,240 --> 00:08:25,240 JIMMY: The greatest lessons come from failures. 95 00:08:25,400 --> 00:08:28,160 You've clearly found some sort of limit 96 00:08:28,640 --> 00:08:30,240 to what you're trying to do, 97 00:08:30,760 --> 00:08:34,680 but it gives you an opportunity to examine that limit. 98 00:08:38,560 --> 00:08:41,640 ANDRZEJ: I also did not want 99 00:08:42,240 --> 00:08:44,840 to make it a success at any price. 100 00:08:45,560 --> 00:08:47,360 ADRIAN: All the people who come to the mountains 101 00:08:47,520 --> 00:08:49,720 they've learned to be okay with failure 102 00:08:50,120 --> 00:08:52,160 and still, to try, 103 00:08:52,320 --> 00:08:54,160 still to take steps, 104 00:08:54,320 --> 00:08:55,840 still to dream big, 105 00:08:56,000 --> 00:08:58,720 even though a lot of times it doesn't work out. 106 00:08:59,200 --> 00:09:02,360 ANDRZEJ: I got a descent line from that trip. 107 00:09:03,400 --> 00:09:07,160 Based on my observations, it was possible. 108 00:09:08,240 --> 00:09:11,240 It was only a matter of time before I'd return to K2. 109 00:09:15,720 --> 00:09:18,320 ANDRZEJ:To ski from the top without taking my skis off, 110 00:09:18,480 --> 00:09:21,160 I had to combine several routes. 111 00:09:23,360 --> 00:09:25,400 From the top, I had to descend towards the shoulder 112 00:09:25,560 --> 00:09:28,160 to get out of the death zone as soon as possible. 113 00:09:29,960 --> 00:09:32,600 At this altitude the mind is not fully functioning 114 00:09:32,760 --> 00:09:34,520 and your body starts to shut down. 115 00:09:36,880 --> 00:09:39,200 Then I head south to ski down 116 00:09:39,360 --> 00:09:42,560 through a huge glacial bowl to join the Cesen route. 117 00:09:44,840 --> 00:09:46,440 This is a very risky place. 118 00:09:46,920 --> 00:09:49,440 Avalanches are common here. 119 00:09:51,840 --> 00:09:53,480 From there, through Camp 3, 120 00:09:53,640 --> 00:09:55,760 I reach the infamous Messner Traverse. 121 00:09:56,240 --> 00:09:57,840 A very difficult section. 122 00:09:58,680 --> 00:10:01,880 It's a narrow ridge with deep chasms on either side. 123 00:10:02,880 --> 00:10:05,000 Not many people have climbed that way, 124 00:10:05,160 --> 00:10:07,200 and nobody has skied down that way. 125 00:10:08,440 --> 00:10:10,520 This is the only route 126 00:10:10,680 --> 00:10:13,520 that will allow me to descend the Polish route, 127 00:10:14,000 --> 00:10:16,280 and on to the base of K2. 128 00:10:17,800 --> 00:10:20,880 There are many hidden cliffs and chasms waiting for me. 129 00:10:21,920 --> 00:10:24,400 A wrong turn and I fall several hundred meters. 130 00:10:33,560 --> 00:10:35,920 ANDRZEJ:My team help me to plan the route. 131 00:10:37,960 --> 00:10:40,840 I choose people I know and like. 132 00:10:41,000 --> 00:10:45,120 After all, we spend time together. It's not a punishment. 133 00:10:45,880 --> 00:10:47,720 The atmosphere is crucial. 134 00:10:47,880 --> 00:10:52,840 We may not succeed, but since we are here for a month, 135 00:10:53,000 --> 00:10:56,280 it's important to have fun and make good memories. 136 00:11:01,160 --> 00:11:03,400 ANDRZEJ: There's no expedition leader. 137 00:11:05,240 --> 00:11:06,600 We manage somehow. 138 00:11:07,080 --> 00:11:12,160 ANDRZEJ: There's Janusz Gołąb, our safety support. 139 00:11:12,960 --> 00:11:15,480 JANUSZ: We'll go down and rest for a day. It's not far. 140 00:11:15,640 --> 00:11:16,640 I mean, it's far, but... 141 00:11:16,800 --> 00:11:20,360 ANDRZEJ: Relax, Janusz, we're tough as hell. Remember? 142 00:11:24,320 --> 00:11:27,440 ANDRZEJ: Marek Ogień, the photographer. 143 00:11:28,000 --> 00:11:29,440 MAREK: It's the wrong radio. 144 00:11:31,200 --> 00:11:35,320 My younger brother, the drone operator. 145 00:11:35,480 --> 00:11:37,240 BARTEK: You should start a fan page. 146 00:11:37,400 --> 00:11:38,400 ANDRZEJ: I did. 147 00:11:39,560 --> 00:11:43,640 BARTEK: 1500 new likes. 148 00:11:48,320 --> 00:11:50,520 ANDRZEJ: The terrain is very complicated. 149 00:11:50,920 --> 00:11:53,880 You need to "read" the mountain wall. 150 00:11:54,040 --> 00:11:55,680 You need all the data. 151 00:11:55,840 --> 00:11:58,000 The drone is crucial 152 00:11:58,160 --> 00:12:00,720 to help see something 153 00:12:00,880 --> 00:12:03,840 without having to go there. 154 00:12:06,480 --> 00:12:09,800 BARTEK: There have been expeditions that have used drones before. 155 00:12:09,960 --> 00:12:16,080 But nobody had succeeded 156 00:12:16,240 --> 00:12:19,520 in getting a drone above an eight-thousander. 157 00:12:20,160 --> 00:12:25,360 I changed the drone's software, to remove the height restrictions 158 00:12:25,520 --> 00:12:27,440 and increased its speed. 159 00:12:31,000 --> 00:12:36,440 JIMMY: You want to use everything in your advantage to achieve your goal. 160 00:12:36,600 --> 00:12:39,000 There has been sort of a generational shift 161 00:12:39,160 --> 00:12:40,760 in the use of technology 162 00:12:40,920 --> 00:12:45,000 to assist in very difficult objectives in the mountains. 163 00:12:47,680 --> 00:12:52,120 ANDRZEJ: I'm interested in this slope, even from a distance. 164 00:12:52,640 --> 00:12:56,280 Can you approach it from the other side? 165 00:12:57,480 --> 00:13:01,320 BARTEK: Right, to the bowl, and left. 166 00:13:04,200 --> 00:13:07,720 My family supports me. 167 00:13:07,880 --> 00:13:09,440 I know not everyone has this. 168 00:13:14,920 --> 00:13:18,880 MAREK: Andrzej B is saving his brother's feet. 169 00:13:19,480 --> 00:13:24,400 Bartek washed all his socks and forgot to leave one pair. 170 00:13:24,560 --> 00:13:28,440 His brother came to the rescue with fluffy slippers... 171 00:13:28,600 --> 00:13:31,720 MAREK: and feet warmers. ANDRZEJ: That's right. 172 00:13:32,560 --> 00:13:36,120 ANDRZEJ:Having my little brother here means everything. 173 00:13:37,280 --> 00:13:41,320 When you have ten siblings 174 00:13:41,480 --> 00:13:43,760 looking out for each other comes naturally. 175 00:13:47,040 --> 00:13:48,960 ANDRZEJ: I grew up in a village called Łętownia, 176 00:13:49,120 --> 00:13:51,480 between Krakow and Zakopane. 177 00:13:54,400 --> 00:13:59,800 Everything was about the farm run by our parents. 178 00:13:59,960 --> 00:14:02,800 We supported and helped them. 179 00:14:03,800 --> 00:14:10,480 I had a big family. Everybody wanted to have something to call their own. 180 00:14:13,280 --> 00:14:19,000 My first skis were really long. 190 cm to 2 m long. 181 00:14:19,160 --> 00:14:24,640 I traded my ping pong bats and my pocket knife for them. 182 00:14:25,840 --> 00:14:28,200 I remember cutting them in half just to make them useable. 183 00:14:29,920 --> 00:14:33,120 It was the deal of a lifetime now that you look at it. 184 00:14:34,280 --> 00:14:37,320 Grzegorz showed me the Tatra Mountains 185 00:14:37,480 --> 00:14:39,440 and the things that you could do there. 186 00:14:42,040 --> 00:14:44,680 Naturally, it rubbed off on Andrzej. 187 00:14:45,120 --> 00:14:48,920 I didn't really teach him specifics, 188 00:14:49,080 --> 00:14:51,960 he just showed up and did what I did. 189 00:14:52,120 --> 00:14:56,080 He got so into it that he just ran with it. 190 00:15:00,720 --> 00:15:03,120 A difficult moment came for me 191 00:15:03,280 --> 00:15:05,680 and even more so for Andrzej. 192 00:15:05,840 --> 00:15:08,200 At 15, I moved out 193 00:15:08,360 --> 00:15:10,480 and tried to make it on my own. 194 00:15:10,640 --> 00:15:14,320 I apologized to him and told him he'd have to manage 195 00:15:20,880 --> 00:15:25,280 I can see now that this motivated him even further. 196 00:15:28,480 --> 00:15:32,600 GRZEGORZ : Whenever he visited I was out and about. 197 00:15:32,760 --> 00:15:34,920 I gave him the equipment I used in competitions. 198 00:15:35,080 --> 00:15:38,600 He would ski-tour all day. 199 00:15:41,920 --> 00:15:45,000 ANDRZEJ: There were many of us in our house, 200 00:15:45,160 --> 00:15:49,960 so training provided a personal space 201 00:15:50,120 --> 00:15:52,920 where I could go to find peace of mind. 202 00:15:53,440 --> 00:15:57,080 I liked it so much, the next time I ski toured, it was in a competition. 203 00:15:58,000 --> 00:16:00,200 This sport was for me. 204 00:16:00,360 --> 00:16:02,000 So I trained every day in the village. 205 00:16:17,120 --> 00:16:18,520 July 9th. 206 00:16:19,800 --> 00:16:23,080 Meter by meter we're exploring the slopes of K2. 207 00:16:24,760 --> 00:16:27,600 We had to mark a descent line from the top. 208 00:16:32,280 --> 00:16:38,160 JANUSZ: When we reached K2 we planned to take the Basque route 209 00:16:38,320 --> 00:16:40,720 until it intersects the Abruzzi route 210 00:16:40,880 --> 00:16:43,640 at the shoulder of K2 at 7800 meters. 211 00:16:43,800 --> 00:16:47,360 The descent line was different. 212 00:16:48,800 --> 00:16:53,080 ANDRZEJ: There aren't real experts to instruct you, 213 00:16:53,240 --> 00:16:56,840 to tell you what's possible and what's impossible. 214 00:16:57,000 --> 00:16:58,160 This is not how it works. 215 00:16:58,480 --> 00:17:00,560 You learn these things by yourself. 216 00:17:10,920 --> 00:17:16,160 JANUSZ: A chef from a neighboring expedition came to our base. 217 00:17:17,360 --> 00:17:21,080 He said he saw a person through binoculars. 218 00:17:22,600 --> 00:17:27,520 It turned out to be a climber in a place he definitely shouldn't be. 219 00:17:28,360 --> 00:17:32,160 ANDRZEJ: The climber was extremely exhausted, 220 00:17:32,320 --> 00:17:35,680 hanging on to his ice axes above a two kilometer crevasse. 221 00:17:35,840 --> 00:17:42,320 There are no rescue services here. You need to help each other. 222 00:17:44,560 --> 00:17:46,640 JANUSZ: Bartek flew there with a drone. 223 00:17:50,640 --> 00:17:54,400 BARTEK: I didn't expect the drone to be so helpful. 224 00:17:54,560 --> 00:17:56,720 I tweaked the engine speed parameters. 225 00:17:56,880 --> 00:18:02,200 The air is thinner there so the engine has to work harder. 226 00:18:04,280 --> 00:18:08,640 MAREK: The vertical wall, on the left there is a range covered with snow. 227 00:18:08,800 --> 00:18:10,760 JANUSZ: It's completely obvious. 228 00:18:10,920 --> 00:18:16,080 If someone calls for help, we set our goal aside. 229 00:18:16,960 --> 00:18:21,440 ANDRZEJ: It turned out that one of the three climbers had got lost. 230 00:18:32,000 --> 00:18:33,200 JANUZ: Can you see him? 231 00:18:34,760 --> 00:18:35,760 BARTEK: Yes. 232 00:18:37,600 --> 00:18:41,880 We came up with an idea. To use the drone to guide him. 233 00:18:43,280 --> 00:18:45,720 JANUSZ: Bartek took a clever approach 234 00:18:45,880 --> 00:18:49,480 and flew the drone about four meters back and forth. 235 00:18:50,840 --> 00:18:54,080 As soon as the man moved, he flew a bit further. 236 00:18:54,240 --> 00:18:58,120 As a result, the climber started following it. 237 00:19:00,120 --> 00:19:03,440 ANDRZEJ: He realized that someone can see him. 238 00:19:03,600 --> 00:19:07,400 He was in a very poor state, extremely tired. 239 00:19:08,560 --> 00:19:13,360 But he got himself out of there in a few hours. 240 00:19:14,600 --> 00:19:18,360 It was ground-breaking, Bartek did an amazing job. 241 00:19:20,640 --> 00:19:23,960 I have a large family that helps each other out. 242 00:19:24,280 --> 00:19:28,560 So we know when someone needs help. 243 00:19:28,720 --> 00:19:30,080 GRZEGORZ: Unbelievable pride. 244 00:19:30,240 --> 00:19:32,680 I was proud of my brothers for helping. 245 00:19:32,840 --> 00:19:36,240 They proved a sense of maturity towards the mountains. 246 00:19:36,560 --> 00:19:41,800 They know that nothing comes before a life. 247 00:19:47,400 --> 00:19:51,280 ADRIAN: I think this is maybe the next big step in mountaineering 248 00:19:51,440 --> 00:19:54,200 and some people will like it and some people will hate it. 249 00:19:54,760 --> 00:19:58,520 Drones are going to add a lot of safety and information 250 00:19:58,680 --> 00:19:59,880 to our climbing and skiing. 251 00:20:19,280 --> 00:20:23,360 JANUSZ: The time came for Andrzej to address the Messner Traverse. 252 00:20:24,320 --> 00:20:28,000 Where the Basque route intersects the Polish line. 253 00:20:28,160 --> 00:20:31,840 ANDRZEJ: For me it was the only way 254 00:20:32,000 --> 00:20:34,240 to complete a full descent. 255 00:20:34,400 --> 00:20:39,840 I didn't know if it's possible to ski down this route. 256 00:20:40,480 --> 00:20:44,640 I planned to go up the Cesen route, straight to Camp 3. 257 00:20:44,800 --> 00:20:51,480 Then, to the Polish route via the Messner Traverse. 258 00:20:51,640 --> 00:20:54,280 It was all a big unknown. 259 00:20:59,120 --> 00:21:00,880 ANDRZEJ:Is Janusz there? 260 00:21:02,440 --> 00:21:03,560 JANUSZ:Hey, Andrzej. 261 00:21:06,560 --> 00:21:09,040 I'm here. What's up? You're good? Safe and sound? 262 00:21:10,520 --> 00:21:11,960 JANUSZ:I'm good, it's f**king cold, 263 00:21:12,120 --> 00:21:15,480 but I'm sure it's worse where you are. 264 00:21:17,080 --> 00:21:21,360 Tomorrow I want to attempt the Messner Traverse. 265 00:21:23,400 --> 00:21:27,560 ANDRZEJ: Even Reinhold Messner didn't get through his own route. 266 00:21:27,720 --> 00:21:30,960 He was weary of this place. 267 00:21:32,360 --> 00:21:34,920 I knew no one had ever been there before. 268 00:21:35,080 --> 00:21:37,800 Those seracs are shiny. 269 00:21:37,960 --> 00:21:40,720 It hurts to look at them. Sometimes they break off. 270 00:21:40,880 --> 00:21:45,280 You see avalanches with ice, a lot of snow and rocks. 271 00:21:46,000 --> 00:21:48,960 JANUSZ: We didn't know if a full descent 272 00:21:49,120 --> 00:21:51,200 on skis was even possible... 273 00:21:51,360 --> 00:21:57,280 that he could connect the traverse and Polish route 274 00:21:57,440 --> 00:21:59,680 without removing his skis. 275 00:21:59,840 --> 00:22:05,600 I'm sure all this combined made for the most difficult descent on Earth. 276 00:22:07,000 --> 00:22:09,640 ANDRZEJ:I hope you're already fed and well-rested. 277 00:22:09,800 --> 00:22:11,720 JANUSZ:Be careful, Andrzej. 278 00:22:21,120 --> 00:22:24,520 ANDRZEJ: My journey in alpine skiing 279 00:22:24,680 --> 00:22:28,520 began when I was 17 years old. 280 00:22:29,000 --> 00:22:31,760 I took part in competitions. 281 00:22:33,000 --> 00:22:36,800 GRZEGORZ: As a junior, he wasn't allowed on longer routes. 282 00:22:36,960 --> 00:22:39,480 But after completing the junior competition, 283 00:22:39,640 --> 00:22:42,040 he would sneak in to the senior competition, 284 00:22:42,200 --> 00:22:45,040 and sometimes beat them. 285 00:22:47,600 --> 00:22:49,480 I wanted to compete with the best. 286 00:22:51,160 --> 00:22:54,240 GRZEGORZ: He is determined and when he comes up with an idea, 287 00:22:54,400 --> 00:22:58,520 he works hard and doesn't give up. 288 00:22:59,280 --> 00:23:03,120 He began representing Poland at ski touring events. 289 00:23:04,200 --> 00:23:08,440 He took part in the World Championships 290 00:23:08,600 --> 00:23:11,160 and other big ski alpine events. 291 00:23:11,320 --> 00:23:13,800 If you're going to compete, you may as well win. 292 00:23:27,760 --> 00:23:30,600 ANDRZEJ: It was difficult to maintain this high level 293 00:23:30,760 --> 00:23:34,360 without financial support. 294 00:23:35,320 --> 00:23:38,160 We took photos of the French team's equipment 295 00:23:38,320 --> 00:23:42,320 and looked for people who could sew us the same suits. 296 00:23:50,080 --> 00:23:53,120 ANDRZEJ: Just when the sport was about 297 00:23:53,280 --> 00:23:55,960 to be accepted into the Olympics, 298 00:23:56,120 --> 00:23:58,040 an avalanche occurred. 299 00:24:02,160 --> 00:24:06,600 Around a dozen people were buried, including me. 300 00:24:11,800 --> 00:24:15,480 ANDRZEJ: The pressure is so great, it tears off your clothes. 301 00:24:15,640 --> 00:24:20,120 It's not like you can make a hole. You can't even move your finger. 302 00:24:22,400 --> 00:24:27,400 ANDRZEJ: Just when I was losing consciousness, 303 00:24:28,040 --> 00:24:32,880 they quickly dug me out. 304 00:24:39,160 --> 00:24:41,480 ANDRZEJ: Ultimately, I think this prevented 305 00:24:41,640 --> 00:24:45,440 the sport's inclusion at the Olympics. 306 00:24:47,720 --> 00:24:51,120 It was a turning point for me. I stopped competing. 307 00:24:51,280 --> 00:24:53,560 I didn't really know what I would do. 308 00:24:54,200 --> 00:24:57,680 If I were to commit to the mountains, I'd have to do it on my own way. 309 00:25:03,160 --> 00:25:04,560 ANDRZEJ:July 12th. 310 00:25:06,440 --> 00:25:09,480 After a night spent above 7000 meters 311 00:25:09,640 --> 00:25:13,440 I prepare the most dangerous part of my route. 312 00:25:30,240 --> 00:25:33,040 JANUSZ: Horror. It's a dangerous place. 313 00:25:33,480 --> 00:25:36,680 Above the traverse hangs a 300 meter serac. 314 00:25:36,840 --> 00:25:40,360 You never know if a huge avalanche will occur. 315 00:25:45,160 --> 00:25:49,120 ANDRZEJ: It's very steep. Around 75 degrees. 316 00:25:52,240 --> 00:25:58,200 Here, the anchor points are key. 317 00:25:59,280 --> 00:26:03,640 ANDRZEJ: You need enough rope to reach the second point. 318 00:26:03,800 --> 00:26:09,360 And a clear path down 319 00:26:09,520 --> 00:26:15,800 when you run out. 320 00:27:06,400 --> 00:27:09,360 When I'm afraid... it means I'm not prepared... 321 00:27:09,520 --> 00:27:15,200 I don't know what to expect... I'm not safe. 322 00:27:15,760 --> 00:27:20,000 [SLIDING SOUND] 323 00:27:31,280 --> 00:27:33,560 HILAREE: The steeper terrain you're in, 324 00:27:33,720 --> 00:27:35,760 the harder it is to stop yourself. 325 00:27:35,920 --> 00:27:40,640 So you really have to stay on your edges and be very controlled. 326 00:27:40,800 --> 00:27:43,560 You make one mistake, you lose an edge, and you're gone. 327 00:27:53,960 --> 00:27:58,280 BARTEK: He went down through a narrow couloir on the left. 328 00:27:58,440 --> 00:28:01,840 He's going out of vision. 329 00:28:02,960 --> 00:28:04,800 JIMMY: When you're executing something for the first time 330 00:28:04,960 --> 00:28:06,760 a human has ever done it, 331 00:28:07,000 --> 00:28:11,360 that's a mental barrier that has been literally taken down. 332 00:28:23,120 --> 00:28:25,440 You move the line, you know. 333 00:28:25,600 --> 00:28:28,720 What was possible used to be here, and now it's here. 334 00:28:53,720 --> 00:28:59,680 ANDRZEJ: It was the first time I believed the route made sense. 335 00:29:05,480 --> 00:29:09,040 Breakfast was waiting. I could take a shower. 336 00:29:09,200 --> 00:29:11,640 Every return to base camp is a positive one. 337 00:29:11,800 --> 00:29:13,920 it's warm, pleasant, and calm. 338 00:29:25,800 --> 00:29:27,320 ANDRZEJ:July 15th. 339 00:29:29,720 --> 00:29:34,840 Before the summit push I have to acclimatize at 8000 meters. 340 00:29:37,120 --> 00:29:39,160 I'm heading up the mountain again. 341 00:29:41,320 --> 00:29:44,480 On the climb up, I'm always planning my ski down. 342 00:29:51,960 --> 00:29:57,880 ANDRZEJ: I'm on the Abruzzi route. That was my idea for acclimatization. 343 00:29:58,040 --> 00:29:59,960 I set off at 5 am. 344 00:30:00,120 --> 00:30:02,760 A long descent ahead of me. 345 00:30:03,280 --> 00:30:07,480 I thought it would be better to set off early without skis 346 00:30:07,640 --> 00:30:09,440 not to risk anything. 347 00:30:09,600 --> 00:30:11,440 The Abruzzi route is well-prepared. 348 00:30:11,600 --> 00:30:17,440 I don't want to miss the best window 349 00:30:17,600 --> 00:30:19,280 for the summit push. 350 00:30:28,120 --> 00:30:29,760 ANDRZEJ: In 2010 351 00:30:30,200 --> 00:30:36,240 I took part in a race up Mount Elbrus. 352 00:30:36,800 --> 00:30:40,560 There were several dozen competitors from all over the world. 353 00:30:43,240 --> 00:30:46,600 He wasn't used to such altitudes, and all of a sudden he's at 5600. 354 00:30:47,880 --> 00:30:50,240 Even though I had travelled a lot to the Alps, 355 00:30:50,400 --> 00:30:52,720 I had never been above 4500 meters. 356 00:30:56,040 --> 00:30:58,200 I managed to beat the judges 357 00:30:58,360 --> 00:31:02,040 before they even made it to the finish line. 358 00:31:02,200 --> 00:31:04,960 They thought it was impossible to get there so fast. 359 00:31:08,000 --> 00:31:10,720 MAN: Come on, come on! 360 00:31:12,880 --> 00:31:16,160 ANDRZEJ: I had to repeat the run across the finish line 361 00:31:16,320 --> 00:31:19,040 in order for them to capture it on camera. 362 00:31:24,360 --> 00:31:26,040 MAN: Here's our winner. 363 00:31:27,880 --> 00:31:30,200 Drinking carbs and proteins. 364 00:31:32,680 --> 00:31:33,920 As a result, 365 00:31:34,280 --> 00:31:37,880 mountaineers wanted me... 366 00:31:39,040 --> 00:31:42,280 to join their expeditions. 367 00:31:45,280 --> 00:31:48,640 I joined national expeditions 368 00:31:48,800 --> 00:31:51,680 on two eight-thousanders, Manaslu and Lhotse, 369 00:31:52,000 --> 00:31:55,840 on the condition that I could take my skis 370 00:31:56,000 --> 00:32:01,680 to see if skiing that high was possible. 371 00:32:02,320 --> 00:32:04,920 After taking part in two expeditions 372 00:32:05,080 --> 00:32:08,200 I realized this wasn't for me, 373 00:32:08,680 --> 00:32:10,720 and that I have to do it my own way. 374 00:32:11,960 --> 00:32:16,960 Dreams can lead you to unexpected places. 375 00:32:17,120 --> 00:32:19,920 Mine led me to K2. 376 00:32:29,560 --> 00:32:32,400 ANDRZEJ:July 15th, 7pm. 377 00:32:35,160 --> 00:32:37,720 The weather is perfect for a summit push 378 00:32:38,640 --> 00:32:41,400 but it can turn at any moment. 379 00:32:42,920 --> 00:32:46,000 My summit window is rapidly closing. 380 00:32:49,640 --> 00:32:51,920 I must be prepared for the final summit push. 381 00:33:00,280 --> 00:33:03,800 ANDRZEJ:Just when I had successfully acclimatized 382 00:33:03,960 --> 00:33:07,200 we heard about our friend's accident. 383 00:33:07,360 --> 00:33:11,400 They wanted to mark a new route at Broad Peak. 384 00:33:13,040 --> 00:33:16,000 A member of the group was injured by a falling piece of ice. 385 00:33:16,160 --> 00:33:18,480 It cut his thigh wide open. 386 00:33:19,080 --> 00:33:20,840 MAN:We are at the scene of the accident 387 00:33:21,000 --> 00:33:22,360 so we'll now see if he can walk. 388 00:33:22,600 --> 00:33:27,280 ANDRZEJ: Is he in pain, or is he in shock and feeling nothing? 389 00:33:27,920 --> 00:33:29,040 MAN:He's in a lot of pain. 390 00:33:29,200 --> 00:33:32,960 ANDRZEJ: Is it just a cut, or did he injure his joint, bone? 391 00:33:33,120 --> 00:33:35,720 MALE VOICE:It's a deep cut. I can see his bone. 392 00:33:35,880 --> 00:33:37,960 ANDRZEJ: Large hemorrhage? 393 00:33:38,760 --> 00:33:39,760 MALE VOICE:Yes. 394 00:33:41,440 --> 00:33:43,000 ADRIAN: In the Karakoram 395 00:33:43,160 --> 00:33:45,640 you can't have a guarantee of a rescue 396 00:33:45,800 --> 00:33:46,840 when things go wrong. 397 00:33:47,240 --> 00:33:49,760 The good thing is, in the mountains there is still 398 00:33:49,920 --> 00:33:52,760 like a brotherhood amongst teams, 399 00:33:52,920 --> 00:33:54,520 even competitive teams. 400 00:33:55,920 --> 00:33:59,920 ANDRZEJ: Let us know, we'll try to prepare something. 401 00:34:00,080 --> 00:34:05,240 We quickly organized a rescue. 402 00:34:21,120 --> 00:34:24,600 After three hours, we saw their headlights. 403 00:34:24,760 --> 00:34:28,000 We'd reached them. 404 00:34:36,480 --> 00:34:38,760 JANUSZ: I put a pressure dressing over it, 405 00:34:38,920 --> 00:34:41,400 and I splint his leg in case it was broken. 406 00:34:51,160 --> 00:34:53,960 ANDRZEJ: Does anyone have anything to secure it? 407 00:34:58,160 --> 00:35:01,840 Carrying him was the biggest problem. 408 00:35:02,000 --> 00:35:05,560 The terrain is uneven, 409 00:35:05,720 --> 00:35:09,440 everything was moving from side to side. 410 00:35:15,160 --> 00:35:17,800 JANUSZ: We got to the base at dawn 411 00:35:17,960 --> 00:35:21,320 and the doctor took care of his leg. 412 00:35:21,880 --> 00:35:23,080 [MOTOR SOUND] 413 00:35:27,680 --> 00:35:29,160 [BACKGROUND TALKING] 414 00:35:38,880 --> 00:35:40,320 ANDRZEJ: Take care of yourself. 415 00:35:45,400 --> 00:35:47,360 MAN: A real western. 416 00:35:52,760 --> 00:35:56,560 HILAREE: A rescue of someone else's life 417 00:35:56,720 --> 00:36:01,400 very much compromises your own personal goals, 418 00:36:01,960 --> 00:36:03,840 your timeline, your health, 419 00:36:04,000 --> 00:36:06,120 but you're called in to rescue, 420 00:36:06,280 --> 00:36:09,000 you're called in to do rescue, and you do it. 421 00:36:21,760 --> 00:36:23,440 ANDRZEJ:July 17th. 422 00:36:26,000 --> 00:36:28,400 We approach the final stage of the expedition. 423 00:36:31,000 --> 00:36:33,200 In a few days we plan to make a summit bid. 424 00:36:36,840 --> 00:36:42,120 I hope nothing gets in our way. Many small things can go wrong. 425 00:36:47,560 --> 00:36:50,280 Now we just wait for the right moment. 426 00:36:59,840 --> 00:37:01,880 Five centimeters of snow in the morning, 427 00:37:02,040 --> 00:37:04,280 three in the afternoon, seventeen at night. 428 00:37:06,520 --> 00:37:08,240 ANDRZEJ: How cloudy is it at 8000 meters? 429 00:37:08,400 --> 00:37:09,400 Let me see. 430 00:37:09,840 --> 00:37:13,200 Base Camp, over. What about the weather? 431 00:37:15,360 --> 00:37:19,560 BASE:It's snowing, it's windy also. 432 00:37:20,040 --> 00:37:22,520 Very strong wind and snowing. 433 00:37:24,800 --> 00:37:27,080 HILAREE: What people don't see from the outside... 434 00:37:28,240 --> 00:37:30,560 is the waiting, and there's so much time, 435 00:37:30,720 --> 00:37:34,080 especially on 8,000 meter peaks where you're doing nothing. 436 00:37:34,760 --> 00:37:37,200 You're sitting at base camp and you're looking at the mountain 437 00:37:37,720 --> 00:37:40,440 and calculating, 438 00:37:40,600 --> 00:37:42,400 and trying to figure out the best... 439 00:37:43,120 --> 00:37:45,800 method of attack, and sometimes that method of attack is... 440 00:37:46,760 --> 00:37:47,880 doing nothing. 441 00:38:05,160 --> 00:38:06,440 ANDRZEJ:July 19th. 442 00:38:07,880 --> 00:38:12,080 With every day I wait, my chances dwindle. 443 00:38:14,200 --> 00:38:17,480 I must make a decision. It's now or never. 444 00:38:25,000 --> 00:38:29,040 I had to be focused, pack my backpack. 445 00:38:29,200 --> 00:38:31,400 It was difficult because 446 00:38:31,560 --> 00:38:35,280 I didn't know how many days I was going to spend up there. 447 00:38:35,760 --> 00:38:41,800 Sometimes even one little thing may be crucial for your safety, 448 00:38:41,960 --> 00:38:44,440 or even your life. 449 00:38:47,920 --> 00:38:50,000 Is my snowsuit up there? 450 00:38:51,320 --> 00:38:54,080 I have the thin one here. Will it be enough? 451 00:38:54,920 --> 00:38:56,640 JANUSZ: You'll be moving, right? 452 00:39:01,120 --> 00:39:04,160 ANDRZEJ: The weather forecasts aren't 100% accurate. 453 00:39:04,320 --> 00:39:06,640 They have to be assessed on a regular basis. 454 00:39:06,800 --> 00:39:09,440 I decided it was worth a go. 455 00:39:09,600 --> 00:39:13,520 If the weather worsens, I can go back. 456 00:39:13,680 --> 00:39:14,720 MAREK: This is the start. 457 00:39:17,960 --> 00:39:23,080 Let the K2 summit push begin. 458 00:39:44,400 --> 00:39:47,040 JIMMY: There are certain codes, 459 00:39:48,000 --> 00:39:51,960 certain ethics around how you do something. 460 00:39:57,000 --> 00:40:01,160 And what I really appreciate about Andrzej's style is that, 461 00:40:01,320 --> 00:40:03,240 it's very self-reliant. 462 00:40:09,600 --> 00:40:12,120 He decided not to use oxygen 463 00:40:12,280 --> 00:40:15,160 and he's carrying his skis on his back. 464 00:40:20,800 --> 00:40:25,320 ANDRZEJ: The plan was for Janusz to leave earlier, 465 00:40:25,480 --> 00:40:30,480 and to meet up at Camp 3 We'd make the summit bid together. 466 00:40:30,920 --> 00:40:33,040 We'd take the Cesen route. 467 00:40:34,520 --> 00:40:38,360 ANDRZEJ: Janusz is a remarkable alpinist. 468 00:40:38,720 --> 00:40:43,360 His achievements include summiting Gasherbrum in Winter. 469 00:40:43,960 --> 00:40:46,960 Having him 470 00:40:47,120 --> 00:40:51,680 greatly improved the chances of my success. 471 00:41:10,360 --> 00:41:12,880 JANUSZ: Something weird happened that evening 472 00:41:13,040 --> 00:41:15,000 and I had to tell Andrzej about it. 473 00:41:15,160 --> 00:41:18,480 Janusz was in trouble. 474 00:41:19,480 --> 00:41:21,720 He couldn't move. 475 00:41:23,760 --> 00:41:27,360 ANDRZEJ: We contacted the doctors at Broad Peak. 476 00:41:28,720 --> 00:41:30,560 DOCTOR:Broad Peak reporting to K2. 477 00:41:31,800 --> 00:41:35,760 BARTEK: Hi, Paweł. Janusz has a problem. 478 00:41:35,920 --> 00:41:40,240 We'll try to put him through, so that you can hear him. 479 00:41:40,600 --> 00:41:42,640 JANUSZ:I can't get up. 480 00:41:42,800 --> 00:41:47,000 I wanted to go outside to pee, but I couldn't. 481 00:41:47,160 --> 00:41:48,280 I felt a sharp pain. 482 00:41:48,840 --> 00:41:52,560 My lower back really hurt. 483 00:41:52,720 --> 00:41:55,360 Andrzej had to help me lay down again. 484 00:41:58,080 --> 00:42:01,480 DOCTOR: Where is Janusz? At which camp? 485 00:42:01,720 --> 00:42:04,440 BARTEK: At Camp 3, 7000 meters. 486 00:42:04,600 --> 00:42:07,920 Can Janusz go down on his own? 487 00:42:10,240 --> 00:42:12,560 DOCTOR: That's the million dollar question. 488 00:42:12,720 --> 00:42:14,480 I can't answer that. 489 00:42:14,640 --> 00:42:18,000 If he can barely walk, he will need someone else's support. 490 00:42:18,800 --> 00:42:23,440 The pain may decrease tomorrow, but it may not. 491 00:42:23,600 --> 00:42:25,440 Time will tell. 492 00:42:27,000 --> 00:42:28,200 Okay, thanks. 493 00:42:47,440 --> 00:42:49,480 JANUSZ: It was clear I couldn't make it to the summit. 494 00:42:50,520 --> 00:42:54,400 And we were so close. 495 00:42:58,600 --> 00:43:02,120 ANDRZEJ: I'd spent a day and a half with him. 496 00:43:02,280 --> 00:43:07,080 Here is a person you are very worried about. 497 00:43:10,360 --> 00:43:12,400 JANUSZ: It was concerning for Andrzej. 498 00:43:12,560 --> 00:43:14,480 His climbing partner couldn't move. 499 00:43:19,120 --> 00:43:25,960 We got messages of northerly low-pressure fronts headed our way. 500 00:43:26,120 --> 00:43:30,360 It was worrying. 501 00:43:30,520 --> 00:43:34,560 I thought I wouldn't be able to go down 502 00:43:34,720 --> 00:43:38,560 and would be stuck here for a week. 503 00:43:41,360 --> 00:43:46,360 The whole expedition is there for Andrzej to summit, 504 00:43:46,520 --> 00:43:50,200 and suddenly it can all turn upside down... 505 00:43:51,640 --> 00:43:54,000 because he has to help someone. 506 00:43:54,160 --> 00:43:57,120 This is impossible to foresee. 507 00:44:01,920 --> 00:44:06,480 JANUSZ:At the base, they had medications for me. 508 00:44:06,640 --> 00:44:09,280 We came up with the idea to use a drone. 509 00:44:13,080 --> 00:44:17,600 BARTEK: We packed Tramal, Paracetamol and a few other things. 510 00:44:17,760 --> 00:44:21,560 The drone will fly up to 7000 meters with medicine. 511 00:44:22,400 --> 00:44:29,160 Before that, the drone was never needed to transport anything. 512 00:44:29,320 --> 00:44:35,600 I didn't know if it could fly with the added weight. 513 00:44:46,280 --> 00:44:50,760 BARTEK: I had to fly above the clouds in order to get to Camp 3. 514 00:44:53,240 --> 00:44:58,920 It was a very difficult flight. Poor conditions... 515 00:45:07,520 --> 00:45:08,960 But I succeeded 516 00:45:17,040 --> 00:45:21,920 HILAREE: To see them use a drone to deliver medicine to a high camp? 517 00:45:22,080 --> 00:45:23,080 That is... 518 00:45:23,720 --> 00:45:27,160 I mean, I'm speechless. Like, it's such a game changer. 519 00:45:32,800 --> 00:45:34,120 BARTEK: I never thought 520 00:45:34,280 --> 00:45:39,520 the drone would be used to save lives 521 00:45:40,320 --> 00:45:42,160 or deliver medication. 522 00:45:42,840 --> 00:45:47,840 Next time we have to send a cow to Camp 3. 523 00:46:01,320 --> 00:46:03,200 JANUSZ: I started to feel better. 524 00:46:05,120 --> 00:46:07,560 I wanted to go to the top. 525 00:46:07,720 --> 00:46:09,920 I'd have become one a few people to make it twice. 526 00:46:10,080 --> 00:46:15,960 But I couldn't even roll on one side. I was in a lot of pain. 527 00:46:16,120 --> 00:46:18,840 Janusz has so much experience and knowledge. 528 00:46:19,000 --> 00:46:23,080 Such a person is vital. 529 00:46:23,240 --> 00:46:25,680 I felt lost. 530 00:46:29,080 --> 00:46:31,400 HILAREE: All of a sudden you are really alone 531 00:46:32,480 --> 00:46:33,880 and it's all on you 532 00:46:34,040 --> 00:46:36,280 to decide how you're going to proceed. 533 00:46:37,160 --> 00:46:38,520 That's scary. 534 00:46:39,800 --> 00:46:42,640 JANUSZ: When we backed out in 2017 535 00:46:42,800 --> 00:46:46,560 and decided we were not going to make it, 536 00:46:46,720 --> 00:46:50,480 we knew something stayed with Andrzej. 537 00:46:53,080 --> 00:46:55,760 ANDRZEJ: I decided to give it a try. 538 00:46:55,920 --> 00:46:59,160 I would summit alone. 539 00:47:01,800 --> 00:47:04,360 JANUSZ: If something is wrong, go back. 540 00:47:05,160 --> 00:47:06,160 ANDRZEJ: What? 541 00:47:06,320 --> 00:47:07,640 JANUSZ: If something is wrong, go back. 542 00:47:10,680 --> 00:47:11,920 ADRIAN: It's hard for me to imagine 543 00:47:12,080 --> 00:47:14,520 how he could have that mental strength 544 00:47:14,680 --> 00:47:15,840 and physical strength. 545 00:47:16,000 --> 00:47:17,960 He was solo 546 00:47:18,120 --> 00:47:21,520 and that demands a lot of respect. 547 00:47:34,240 --> 00:47:39,400 Solitude isn't a problem for me. 548 00:47:46,760 --> 00:47:50,520 ANDRZEJ: Years of training have prepared me for it. 549 00:47:51,880 --> 00:47:57,400 I'm not scared to be alone in the mountains. 550 00:47:58,120 --> 00:48:02,960 Sport was always a solitary process for me. 551 00:48:21,800 --> 00:48:26,600 I left Camp 4 around 6 am. 552 00:48:34,080 --> 00:48:38,520 The Abruzzi route is a popular route for climbers. 553 00:48:38,680 --> 00:48:42,400 Many were shocked when I passed them 554 00:48:42,560 --> 00:48:44,440 because I showed up out of nowhere 555 00:48:44,600 --> 00:48:45,880 without an oxygen tank. 556 00:48:53,000 --> 00:48:55,120 ADRIAN: When your brain starts to not get enough oxygen 557 00:48:55,280 --> 00:48:57,040 it starts to build pressure 558 00:48:57,200 --> 00:48:58,960 and that pressure starts to push on parts of the brain 559 00:48:59,120 --> 00:49:01,360 and makes those parts of the brain not work. 560 00:49:02,720 --> 00:49:05,560 Everyone I've ever seen at those altitudes 561 00:49:05,720 --> 00:49:08,200 without supplemental oxygen are struggling 562 00:49:08,360 --> 00:49:10,080 just to put one foot in front of the other. 563 00:49:11,720 --> 00:49:13,960 ANDRZEJ: I am almost at the top. 564 00:49:14,400 --> 00:49:17,400 [PANTING] 565 00:49:17,840 --> 00:49:20,360 I don't have much strength left. 566 00:49:22,760 --> 00:49:24,440 The weather is getting bad. 567 00:49:26,720 --> 00:49:31,200 Your brain isn't aware of how slow you're moving. 568 00:49:53,600 --> 00:49:56,040 DARIUSZ:Hi, Andrzej. We can hear you at the base. 569 00:49:57,720 --> 00:49:59,200 ANDRZEJ:I'm at the top. 570 00:50:02,200 --> 00:50:03,520 [CHEERING] 571 00:50:09,040 --> 00:50:11,400 [CHEERING] 572 00:50:11,560 --> 00:50:13,560 DARIUSZ:Great, that's awesome! 573 00:50:20,000 --> 00:50:23,080 HILAREE: You get to enjoy the summit but you also have to understand that 574 00:50:23,240 --> 00:50:25,560 the hardest part of your task is still ahead of you. 575 00:50:25,720 --> 00:50:26,880 You can't stay there 576 00:50:27,280 --> 00:50:29,440 for an extended period of time. You have to keep moving. 577 00:50:32,000 --> 00:50:34,160 ANDRZEJ:The clouds are moving fast. 578 00:50:35,880 --> 00:50:40,560 DARIUSZ: The wind is blowing from the left. Your right, facing us. 579 00:50:44,440 --> 00:50:48,480 I was at the summit for less than half an hour I think. 580 00:50:55,800 --> 00:50:58,920 HILAREE: It is the death zone, your body is dying 581 00:50:59,080 --> 00:51:03,040 but your rational brain knows that 582 00:51:03,200 --> 00:51:07,480 you have this crazy athletic mental requirement 583 00:51:07,640 --> 00:51:08,680 still ahead of you. 584 00:51:14,240 --> 00:51:18,240 JIMMY: Now you have to perform very technical skiing. 585 00:51:22,800 --> 00:51:24,640 ADRIAN: I've always skied with oxygen, 586 00:51:25,240 --> 00:51:28,320 to do it without is just a completely different level. 587 00:51:30,600 --> 00:51:32,880 ANDRZEJ: The moment I clicked into my skis 588 00:51:33,040 --> 00:51:35,040 I realized the worst part was ahead. 589 00:51:36,680 --> 00:51:40,760 BASE CAMP:I think it's clearing up. How are you feeling? 590 00:51:41,760 --> 00:51:43,480 ANDRZEJ: I want to get the f**k out of here. 591 00:51:44,840 --> 00:51:45,840 BASE CAMP:Get out of there. 592 00:51:47,920 --> 00:51:52,560 ANDRZEJ:I start for the shoulder. I must escape the death zone quickly. 593 00:51:55,240 --> 00:51:57,320 [PANTING] 594 00:52:07,880 --> 00:52:11,080 HILAREE: All of a sudden your whole body switches. 595 00:52:11,720 --> 00:52:14,560 You're starting over from scratch, because you're not climbing any more. 596 00:52:15,880 --> 00:52:17,440 You're using different muscles, 597 00:52:17,600 --> 00:52:22,640 you're using different brain waves, different fear pathways. 598 00:52:23,400 --> 00:52:24,400 [PANTING] 599 00:52:32,400 --> 00:52:35,280 ANDRZEJ: The first meters down were tough. 600 00:52:35,440 --> 00:52:36,880 The snow was very wet. 601 00:52:37,040 --> 00:52:38,680 I was scared that something would give way. 602 00:52:48,520 --> 00:52:50,360 JIMMY: When you're in the big mountains 603 00:52:50,520 --> 00:52:52,200 in the Himalayas and in the Karakorum, 604 00:52:52,360 --> 00:52:55,760 there is potential from massive avalanches. 605 00:52:55,920 --> 00:52:58,080 Class four, five avalanche that could take out a town. 606 00:52:58,480 --> 00:53:00,840 You just don't know what's going to happen. 607 00:53:01,000 --> 00:53:03,000 It's a very unstable environment. 608 00:53:07,240 --> 00:53:09,760 ANDRZEJ: I will go to the right side, ok? 609 00:53:10,480 --> 00:53:13,440 I had to cross the climbers' route. 610 00:53:13,600 --> 00:53:17,240 I risked triggering an avalanche on them. 611 00:53:22,000 --> 00:53:23,600 JIMMY: It's a very delicate balance, 612 00:53:24,640 --> 00:53:30,800 which means that your capacity to assess your terrain 613 00:53:30,960 --> 00:53:35,800 and your level of situational awareness has to be a very, 614 00:53:35,960 --> 00:53:38,200 very elite level. 615 00:53:43,080 --> 00:53:45,240 ADRIAN: You know, of course we are at very high altitudes, 616 00:53:45,400 --> 00:53:48,240 lack of oxygen makes decision making quite difficult, 617 00:53:48,400 --> 00:53:51,400 your brain feels foggy or like you were drunk 618 00:53:51,560 --> 00:53:55,080 and so this adds a lot of risk to everything you do. 619 00:54:02,880 --> 00:54:06,000 The thing about K2 is if the snow is firm 620 00:54:06,160 --> 00:54:08,280 pretty much every single place on K2, 621 00:54:08,440 --> 00:54:10,640 if you fall, you will go to the bottom. 622 00:54:10,920 --> 00:54:12,160 There is nowhere to stop. 623 00:54:15,680 --> 00:54:18,400 This means that any small mistake will be fatal 624 00:54:19,280 --> 00:54:20,360 [SLIDING SOUND] 625 00:54:39,080 --> 00:54:42,800 ANDRZEJ:I've now spent almost 20 hours in the death zone. 626 00:54:45,000 --> 00:54:47,120 I need to keep moving. 627 00:54:47,280 --> 00:54:50,120 The most challenging section still awaits. 628 00:54:50,520 --> 00:54:51,920 The Messner Traverse. 629 00:55:04,400 --> 00:55:08,360 I didn't know what it was, because it wasn't forecasted. 630 00:55:10,600 --> 00:55:14,280 HILAREE: He descended into a cloud. White out. 631 00:55:14,440 --> 00:55:16,400 And if you can imagine snow is white, 632 00:55:17,000 --> 00:55:21,320 you have white clouds, it changes everything. 633 00:55:23,120 --> 00:55:25,280 BASE CAMP: Hello, Andrzej. Report to base. 634 00:55:29,520 --> 00:55:32,760 A cold front is coming with the clouds. 635 00:55:39,240 --> 00:55:41,320 Hello, Andrzej. Report to base. 636 00:55:42,400 --> 00:55:44,040 -ANDRZEJ: What's up? -BASE CAMP:Where are you? 637 00:55:45,200 --> 00:55:47,920 ANDRZEJ: Approaching Camp 4. No visibility. 638 00:55:49,080 --> 00:55:50,960 I can't ski in these conditions. 639 00:55:59,280 --> 00:56:02,480 JANUSZ: In unknown terrain you need good visibility. 640 00:56:09,280 --> 00:56:10,760 BARTEK: I was worried about him. 641 00:56:11,320 --> 00:56:15,360 I knew he acclimatized and was well-prepared, 642 00:56:15,720 --> 00:56:20,880 but I knew each hour up there 643 00:56:21,040 --> 00:56:24,280 would drain his energy to ski down. 644 00:56:28,880 --> 00:56:31,520 HILAREE: You get vertigo, so you're trying to descend, 645 00:56:31,680 --> 00:56:33,120 but you can't tell if you're moving 646 00:56:33,280 --> 00:56:34,360 or you're standing still. 647 00:56:34,520 --> 00:56:38,360 You can't tell if you're going faster, slower. 648 00:56:38,520 --> 00:56:41,240 You can't tell if the slope falls away, 649 00:56:41,400 --> 00:56:42,680 if it flattens out. 650 00:56:43,320 --> 00:56:44,800 You can't see crevasses. 651 00:56:45,360 --> 00:56:48,280 That's one of the most dangerous conditions you can have. 652 00:56:48,600 --> 00:56:50,480 ANDRZEJ:How much time do I have? 653 00:56:51,040 --> 00:56:52,480 DARIUSZ:Okay, listen. 654 00:56:53,480 --> 00:56:55,800 The bottom of the shoulder looks okay, 655 00:56:55,960 --> 00:56:58,280 just the top is covered in clouds. 656 00:56:59,520 --> 00:57:01,880 He needs to get the f**k out of there. 657 00:57:02,040 --> 00:57:03,280 It'll be a massacre. 658 00:57:05,560 --> 00:57:09,040 Andrzej, make a decision. 659 00:57:09,760 --> 00:57:11,200 Holy sh*t. 660 00:57:12,080 --> 00:57:14,120 Bartek is flying up to you, just start going down. 661 00:57:15,040 --> 00:57:16,040 ANDRZEJ: I'm going down. 662 00:57:29,360 --> 00:57:32,480 DARIUSZ: He put all his chips on one hand. 663 00:57:32,640 --> 00:57:36,880 He was wearing a thin snow suit, with just underwear underneath it, 664 00:57:37,040 --> 00:57:38,640 and it was -30 degrees outside. 665 00:57:46,440 --> 00:57:49,600 ANDRZEJ: At last, I'd left the death zone. 666 00:57:52,320 --> 00:57:54,160 There's a lot more oxygen in the air now. 667 00:57:55,600 --> 00:57:59,200 Soon, I'll reach Janusz at Camp 3. 668 00:57:59,760 --> 00:58:01,040 Meanwhile, I must hurry. 669 00:58:01,240 --> 00:58:03,840 This glacial cirque looks very dangerous. 670 00:58:12,560 --> 00:58:15,240 ADRIAN: In the 8000 meters ski descents, 671 00:58:15,400 --> 00:58:18,120 I think the most dangerous part is if and when 672 00:58:18,280 --> 00:58:20,760 you need to leave the climbing line 673 00:58:20,920 --> 00:58:22,240 and take the risk to go on slopes 674 00:58:22,400 --> 00:58:24,520 that you have not tested on the way up 675 00:58:24,680 --> 00:58:27,440 and no longer have an easy escape. 676 00:58:28,680 --> 00:58:32,400 BASE CAMP:Look for rocks below. You have to pass them from the right. 677 00:58:32,560 --> 00:58:35,880 I'll give directions from your perspective. your right. 678 00:58:37,720 --> 00:58:39,800 It's very, very high stakes in terms of 679 00:58:39,960 --> 00:58:42,640 just kind of your logistical planning 680 00:58:42,800 --> 00:58:44,280 and understanding of the ski descent. 681 00:58:49,760 --> 00:58:52,960 DARIUSZ:Look for rocks below. 682 00:58:53,120 --> 00:58:56,960 You have to pass them from the right. 683 00:58:57,560 --> 00:58:58,560 Below you. 684 00:59:04,680 --> 00:59:10,160 JIMMY: You have to have a mental map of where you're going, 685 00:59:10,320 --> 00:59:15,520 because you're literally mapping the route out for yourself, 686 00:59:15,760 --> 00:59:17,480 when you're going down. 687 00:59:18,240 --> 00:59:20,840 DARIUSZ: There are crevasses below you. 688 00:59:21,000 --> 00:59:23,360 And a serac, so you can't go there. 689 00:59:25,280 --> 00:59:29,760 JIMMY: It's important to have that mental map and clarity because 690 00:59:29,920 --> 00:59:32,240 that couloir that looks just like that couloir 691 00:59:32,400 --> 00:59:33,960 ends in a thousand-foot cliff. 692 00:59:35,800 --> 00:59:37,840 DARIUSZ:Andrzej, go left. Your left! 693 00:59:39,840 --> 00:59:42,520 ANDRZEJ: It's simply too dangerous there. 694 00:59:42,720 --> 00:59:45,320 DARIUSZ: There are crevasses below you. 695 00:59:45,480 --> 00:59:47,600 ANDRZEJ: I can see them, don't worry. 696 00:59:50,200 --> 00:59:54,680 When I was there, I knew the route by heart. 697 00:59:54,840 --> 00:59:56,880 I just needed good visibility. 698 00:59:57,040 --> 01:00:00,120 You can anticipate things, 699 01:00:00,280 --> 01:00:03,880 but the expanse is so large and unique 700 01:00:04,040 --> 01:00:07,600 that you have to evaluate the dangers yourself, 701 01:00:07,760 --> 01:00:09,640 because you feel the snow. 702 01:00:10,080 --> 01:00:11,800 ADRIAN: This is maybe the part I love the most 703 01:00:11,960 --> 01:00:13,600 about the skiing in the high mountains 704 01:00:13,760 --> 01:00:18,080 because your focus has to be 100%. 705 01:00:18,240 --> 01:00:21,240 This level of hazard below you 706 01:00:21,400 --> 01:00:23,680 means you are here and nowhere else. 707 01:00:23,840 --> 01:00:27,880 It's just you and your skills and your decision making every turn. 708 01:00:49,040 --> 01:00:50,480 ANDRZEJ: Thanks. 709 01:00:51,800 --> 01:00:56,240 I reunited with Janusz at Camp 3. 710 01:00:56,800 --> 01:00:57,960 F**k! 711 01:00:58,600 --> 01:01:00,680 I ate three gels today. 712 01:01:01,520 --> 01:01:04,080 When Andrzej arrived, I was happy he'd reached the summit. 713 01:01:04,240 --> 01:01:05,280 But also in style. 714 01:01:05,440 --> 01:01:09,080 The first Pole to reach the summit via the Basque route. 715 01:01:09,240 --> 01:01:12,400 There were only a few technical parts left 716 01:01:12,560 --> 01:01:15,160 and that horrible Messner Traverse. 717 01:01:22,400 --> 01:01:25,920 HILAREE: To push into that unknown space, 718 01:01:26,080 --> 01:01:28,600 having people you can rely on 719 01:01:28,760 --> 01:01:30,240 and trust is important. 720 01:01:30,960 --> 01:01:32,560 You need everything to get down. 721 01:01:36,680 --> 01:01:38,320 JANUSZ: Before the expedition you said 722 01:01:38,480 --> 01:01:42,000 that it is the most difficult thing you'd ever do. 723 01:01:42,440 --> 01:01:43,840 You’re almost there. 724 01:01:44,000 --> 01:01:45,400 Just a little more focus and you'll be fine. 725 01:01:59,080 --> 01:02:04,960 [ORCHESTRAL MUSIC] 726 01:02:10,160 --> 01:02:15,280 [ORCHESTRAL MUSIC] 727 01:02:28,720 --> 01:02:34,680 [ORCHESTRAL MUSIC] 728 01:03:00,400 --> 01:03:01,400 MAREK: Beautiful. 729 01:03:01,760 --> 01:03:04,120 The first Ski descent from K2. 730 01:03:04,280 --> 01:03:06,200 We can go home now. 731 01:03:06,840 --> 01:03:08,160 What an amazing day. 732 01:03:11,000 --> 01:03:13,680 JANUSZ: This put Andrzej in to this mountain's history, 733 01:03:13,840 --> 01:03:15,200 and the history of skiing. 734 01:03:16,720 --> 01:03:20,160 JIMMY: He is part of this next generation 735 01:03:20,320 --> 01:03:24,720 that is going to be pushing the edge of the human potential. 736 01:03:26,920 --> 01:03:29,600 HILAREE: I thought it was impossible. This can't be true. 737 01:03:30,400 --> 01:03:32,920 He couldn't have done it like that and he did. 738 01:03:34,000 --> 01:03:36,000 ADRIAN: We are starting to see the possibilities 739 01:03:36,160 --> 01:03:37,920 of what drones could do. 740 01:03:42,280 --> 01:03:43,280 BARTEK: Congratulations. 741 01:03:43,440 --> 01:03:46,880 -ANDRZEJ: Good job. -BARTEK: I'm glad you’re back. 742 01:03:49,160 --> 01:03:51,480 HILAREE: Equipment has just made it possible 743 01:03:51,640 --> 01:03:53,120 to do what Andrzej has done. 744 01:03:53,280 --> 01:03:54,760 It's a complete game changer. 745 01:03:55,760 --> 01:03:57,000 ANDRZEJ: I'm so tired. 746 01:03:57,640 --> 01:03:59,520 BARTEK: This was fantastic. 747 01:04:01,720 --> 01:04:02,760 High five. 748 01:04:05,720 --> 01:04:07,120 ANDRZEJ: A long time ago 749 01:04:07,280 --> 01:04:11,720 I realized that dreams don't come true by themselves. 750 01:04:11,880 --> 01:04:16,120 You must realize them. 751 01:04:17,560 --> 01:04:19,920 And that’s it. It’s crucial. 752 01:04:20,400 --> 01:04:26,640 Stars don’t just fall out of the sky. 753 01:04:31,000 --> 01:04:33,680 JIMMY: What Andrzej achieved was truly remarkable 754 01:04:33,840 --> 01:04:35,160 and it was inspiring for me. 755 01:04:39,240 --> 01:04:41,800 ANDRZEJ: My mum gave birth to eleven children. 756 01:04:42,200 --> 01:04:47,520 That challenge can’t be compared to skiing down K2. 757 01:04:51,960 --> 01:04:52,960 And next... 758 01:05:05,160 --> 01:05:08,360 JIMMY:To get to where we are, we've had to take risks. 759 01:05:08,800 --> 01:05:11,200 We are built with that instinct.