sad news from Everest

Alex Bolotov Russian climber died this morning in Khumbu icefall at 5600 m (18,372 feet).

Alexey and his team mate Danis Urubko were to attempt their final attak on the Southwest Face of Everest via a new route in pure alpine style.

After leaving a Base Camp early in the morning he probably fell down during descent when his rope broke on the edge of a rock. Alexey fell 300 m and he died instantaneous in case of serious injuries. 

R.I.P. Alexey

Backwards Magazine Photo Contest

Today I'd like to ask you to vote on my photo. Please "Like it" on Facebook. 
You know this photo cause I added it on my blog last month. To remind...

I' d like to prove to all male riders that girls are also good at backcountry skiing. 

Link below:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=449622908465703&set=a.449425658485428.1073741845.139831336111530&type=3&theater

Thank you for your vote

Martyna

Friend's edit from Beskidy mountains

April in Poland brought a heavy snowfall and as a result some good pics and edits made by my freeride friends. 

Below I'd like to show one of my favourite edit by Sandro. 
Majorly thanks to him I decided to develop my freeride skills. Thanks Sandro :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soGqpDloe3A&feature=share

21 anniversary of death of Polish female climber

21 years ago 05.13.1992 Wanda Rutkiewicz - the Polish mountain climber, first woman who summited K2, died while climbing Kangchenjunga.

She participated in the first ascent of Gasherbrum III (7952m) in 1975. It was the highest first ascent by women. On October 16th, 1978, Wanda summited Mount Everest; exactly on the same day, the first Polish Pope in history was elected. This very impressive synchronicity was noticed by John Paul II, who was a passionate climber himself. He asked the next Polish expedition to Everest to leave a blessed rosary on top of Everest. So during the first winter ascent of Everest on February 17th, 1980 Krzysztof Wielicki and Leszek Cichy placed this rosary on the top. 
Wanda Rutkiewicz also ascended Nanga Parbat in 1985, K2 in 1986, Shisha Pangma in 1987, Gasherbrum II in 1989, Gasherbrum I in 1990 and Cho Oyu and Annapurna I in 1991. 

She died on Kangchenjunga, aged 49.

Here you can find a movie trailer about Polish women in high mountains. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1pbcEkHKIQ

Polish riders in action

Today I'd like to share a new edit of my Polish freeride friends. 
Respect guys and we're waiting for more

http://vimeo.com/65548106

summer activities

In Poland - temperature above 25°C, snow has already melted, only some ravines in Tatras don't let us forget about skiing and winter conditions.

It' s high time to think about trekking, climbing and some other summer activities which let us keep in good form before the next season.

Today I'd like to list some activities I get used to do after and before winter season:
- tennis - my favourite; lets us keep in good condition, develops endurance, speed and strengh
- climbing - good for developing muscle strengh, balance and reducing acrophobia that is very helpful for winter explaration on skis
- windsurfing - to develop balance and strengh (esp. arms)
- trekking - to show how to move in mountain conditions and use some equipments helpful in winter i.e. rope, harness, cramps, ice-axe esp. if we do some trekking on glaciers; there is no better preparation to ski-touring
- rollerblading - in my opinion the most similar sport to skiing and if you do some ski slalom, you can also do the same on rolller skates.
- running - I couldn't come around to running so far. I'm really not able to enjoy running despite the fact it's the easiest, most available and cheepest way to be in good form.
That's why I made up my mind to try again and go on at least for 3 weeks. They say after minimum 2 weeks of regular running it'll bring a joy and satisfaction. 
We'll see....

long time ago

Hello again

One month ago I had the best day of the season. Real Polish Japan.

Today everything is green and I replaced my skis with tennis racket.

But...Let's come back to the 1st of April. This year we had the most snowy Easter in my entire life. 

Deep, fresh pow made me feel high. Fortunately I managed to enjoy myself before all freeriders of Silesian region came to Szczyrk. I had impression this day there were more freeriders than usual skiers. 

Below, some shots of this fantastic day: