A nine-member strong Polish mountaineering expedition led by famous Polish veteran mountaineer, Krzysztof Wielicki, left for Skardu for their attempt to make the first winter ascent of 8,047 metre high Broad Peak in the Baltoro region.
Krzysztof Wielicki, who is now 62 years old, was the fifth mountaineer to climb all 14 peaks rising above 8,000 metres between 1980 and 1996. The expedition also includes young and strong mountaineers including Adam Bielecki and Janusz Golab who created history by making the first winter ascent of Gasherbrum I (8,068 metres) on March 8, 2012. From Pakistan side the expedition is being accompanied by famous professional mountaineer and
member Alpine Club of Pakistan Shaheen Baig who hails from Shimshal, Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan. Baig has climb of three peaks rising above 8,000 metres including K-2 to his credit and has taken
part in several winter expeditions to Gasherbrum II and other peaks.
Alpine Club of Pakistan President Lieutenant Colonel (r) Manzoor Hussain in a message to the expedition has wished them success and safe return after their arduous adventure. It may be noted that during winter the Karakoram high peaks experience severe cold conditions with strong winds to the range of up to 100 kilometres an hour with temperatures dropping to 70 degrees below freezing. It may be recalled that first winter ascent of Gasherbrum II (8,035 metre) was made by an international team lead by Mr Simone Moro and that of Gasherbrum I (8,068 metres) was made in March 2012 by a Polish Expedition led by Artur Hajzer.
In addition to the Polish expedition to Braod Peak, five other foreign expeditions shall be attempting to make first ascent of the killer mountain Nanga Parbat (8,125 m) during this winter climbing season.
http://www.explorersweb.com/everest_k2/news.php?id=21233
