Everest: first winter ascent

On 17 February 1980, the Poles Krzysztof Wielicki and Leszek Cichy became the first to reach the summit of Everest (8,848 m) in winter. This was also the first winter ascent of an eight-thousander. The ascent followed the classic route via the Kumbu Valley, the South Col and the south-east ridge. Four base camps were established for the ascent.