Colin O'Brady

Winter K2: Attempting the world’s first winter ascent of K2, the second tallest mountain on Earth.

Pakistan 2020/21

The History

K2 sits in the Karakoram range on the border of Pakistan and China next to neighboring 8000ers including Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II. At 8,611 metres (28,251 ft) tall, K2 has seen approximately 367 people stand on its summit as of 2020. The first ascent of K2 was made by Italian climbers, Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli, on July 31, 1954. Since then it’s been summited with and without the use of supplemental oxygen, but only in the summer season — until now.

The Stakes

K2, the second is often considered the most difficult mountain to climb. Arguably a harder mountain to summit than Mt. Everest, K2 is known to be dangerous and deadly. With hurricane force wind gusts and freezing temperatures dropping to minus 80 Farenheit, the inhospitable and unpredictable weather on K2 is perilous. Nicknamed “Savage Mountain,” the risks of frequent avalanches, high altitude and harsh weather make it a serious undertaking for even the most experienced climbers. A winter attempt only amplifies the challenges of this notorious peak.

The Journey

Colin teamed up with friend and long time climbing partner, Dr. Jon Kedrowski. Both Americans have spent countless nights in the outdoors together and on high altitude expeditions.

On January 16, 2021 a team of 10 Nepali climbers made history, successfully completing the first winter ascent of K2! Colin and Jon were there to congratulate and celebrate their successful summit and safe return down the mountain. A monumental accomplishment for the climbers and the country of Nepal — a well deserved, unparalleled feat. Huge congratulations to: Nirmal Purja, Mingma ‘G’ Gyalje Sherpa, Mingma David Sherpa, Mingma Tenzi Sherpa, Geljen Sherpa, Dawa Temba Sherpa, Pem Chiri Sherpa, Kilu Pemba Sherpa, Dawa Tenjin Sherpa and Sona Sherpa.

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December 2020 - February 2021

Winter Ascent

K2 was the last of the fourteen highest peaks, those over 8000M (26,000 ft), to be climbed in winter.

COVID Climbing

While many of the world's tallest mountains were closed for climbing during COVID, in December of 2020 Colin traveled to Pakistan to attempt to make the first winter ascent of K2. The country welcomed an array of international climbers ambitious

Triumph & Tragedy

Once the first winter ascent of K2 had been completed, Colin and Jon remained on the mountain awaiting another suitable weather window to continue their efforts at a winter ascent of K2. However, the mountain would see no more confirmed summits. Tragically, five climbers would not return home from this expedition. Friends including Sergi Mingote, Juan Pablo Mohr, John Snorri, Ali Sadpara and Atanas Skatov lost their lives on K2. They will be dearly missed and celebrated for their ambitions and love of high altitude mountaineering.

Expedition Facts

25,000

feet climbed

60+

mph winds faced

-60

degrees Celsius

2

climbers on team

60+

day expedition

This expedition is for anyone who has ever been told their dreams are impossible.

Partners

“...a climb that has long been considered impossible...one of the last remaining great prizes in mountaineering—the first winter ascent of the world’s second-tallest mountain.”

National Geographic

LIVE TRACKING

The expedition was tracked in real-time December 2020 - February 2021.

IMPACT

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FEATURED PRESS

Go Beyond

My keynotes are not just about the physical endurance required to cross Antartica alone or climb Mt. Everest...

...but instead are about the mental fortitude required to face any challenges, personal or professional. I share strategies for surpassing perceived limitations, achieving peak performance, and unlocking your potential. It’s about showing that with the right mindset, there are no limits to what we can achieve.

BOOK COLIN