All but K2 had been climbed in both summer and winter. Thanks to its remote location, avalanche prone slopes, temperatures hovering around minus-60 degrees Fahrenheit, and hurricane-force winds, a winter ascent of the mountain was the last great challenge remaining for serious mountaineers.

When was K2 first climbed in winter?

It was first summited in 1954 by Italian climber Ardito Desio's team and all successful ascents since then have been in summer months. Only this year did a team of 10 Nepali climbers manage to summit K2 in the winter on 16 January.

What happened on K2 winter?

K2 – First Winter Ascent

John Snorri, Ali Sadpara and his son Sajid teamed up to attempt to become the first men in history to summit K2 in winter. On the night of February 5th, both John and Ali disappeared near the summit of K2, along with fellow climber JP Mohr of Chile, and were never seen again.