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Extreme skier Fredrik Ericsson

The world’s second highest mountain after Mount Everest, K2 in the Karakoram range in Pakistan is nicknamed the “savage mountain” due to the high number of deaths which have occurred on its seemingly perpendicular slopes.

For Fredrik Ericsson, the peak’s alter ego is only too real after his climbing companion Michele Fait fell to his death in June 2009 whilst the pair where attempting the first ever ski descent from the summit of the 8611m mountain.

Swedish-born Ericsson – whose ski descents have included the 8000m plus mountain Dhaulagiri – is however about to embark on an another attempt to summit and make a ski descent of K2 as part of a two year project that will also include Mount Everest and Kangchenjunga.

“I have already skied on five mountains higher than 8000m” commented Ericsson, who will be making his attempt of K2 with American alpine journalist Trey Cook. “During these adventures I gained critical experience that will apply towards my goal of skiing the absolute highest”.

Ericsson and Cook leave for Pakistan over the UK bank holiday weekend where they will set up base camp and undertake several acclimatisation climbs before making the final arduous push to the summit of K2 in mid-July.

The climb is considered one of the hardest ascents and is further complicated by unpredictable weather systems. In addition, Ericsson will be climbing in ski touring boots, carrying his ski equipment; “this makes the climb much more challenging but also more rewarding”.

Once the summit is reached, the ski descent is expected to take five hours with a vertical drop of almost 3500m to the base camp. “To ski at 8000 meters is very strenuous” commented Ericsson, “after four to five turns I’m as exhausted as after skiing 1000 vertical meters in the Alps”.

To follow Ericsson and Cook’s progress on K2, visit www.fredrikericsson.com where there will be regular blog updates. A video of Ericsson’s expedition on Dhaulagiri “The White Mountain”, as well as other inspirational ski films can be found on SkiTV.