Polish climbers give up winter attempt at K2

WARSAW, Poland – The head of a Polish team of climbers says they have given up their attempt to make the first ever winter ascent of the world’s second highest peak, K2.

Krzysztof Wielicki said Monday they were wrapping up their expedition, now based at 5,135 metres (16,847 feet) above sea level, at the foot of K2, which is 8,611 metres (28,252 feet) high.

Wielicki, who has scaled all 14 of the tallest Himalayan peaks, said harsh weather and security conditions have prevented the ascent before winter ends on March 21.

He said on TVN24 that his main concern was the security of the team.

In January, two team members, Denis Urubko and Adam Bielecki, saved French climber Elisabeth Revol from another Himalayan peak, the Nanga Parbat.