Skiing Makalu: A high-altitude guide to Nepal’s remote 8,000-metre giant

Ready to take your skiing adventure to a new level? Skiing Makalu sits at the far edge of what most skiers will ever attempt. This is one of the world’s great Himalayan giants, rising above deep valleys, dense forests, and remote villages before breaking into ice, rock, and hanging glaciers. Tackling it on skis means stepping into the world of expedition-style, high-altitude mountaineering, where every turn demands strength, judgement, and respect for the mountain. It is less a “trip” and more a long project, one that starts months or even years before you clip into your bindings on the glacier.

In recent years, a small number of elite ski mountaineers have proved that skiing Makalu is possible. In May 2022, British-American alpinist Adrian Ballinger completed the first recorded ski descent from just below the true summit along the northwest ridge, navigating sustained steep terrain in marginal weather. In 2024, Polish skier Bartek Ziemski followed with a bold no-oxygen descent over much of the mountain, skiing down to around 6,000 metres where the snow ended. These achievements highlight what is at stake: Makalu is serious, complex, and unforgiving.

This guide walks through the essentials if you are considering Makalu as a long-term goal. It covers the mountain’s basics, skiing conditions, skill and fitness requirements, safety considerations, on-the-ground logistics, and the environmental context that makes this region so special. For most readers, it will also help frame a more realistic progression: perhaps starting with trekking to Makalu Base Camp or skiing lower, safer objectives in the Himalaya before eyeing an 8,000-metre project.

Makalu Mountain basics

Makalu dominates the Makalu Barun region of eastern Nepal, anchoring a landscape that ranges from subtropical river valleys to ice-plastered summits. The peak itself is a steep pyramid of rock and ice with four sharp ridges and powerful faces that catch wind and weather.

Geography and location

Makalu sits in the Mahalangur Himal of the central Himalaya, about 19 kilometres southeast of Everest. It straddles the Nepal-Tibet Autonomous Region border and forms the highest point of Makalu Barun National Park. This protected area links tropical forests, alpine meadows, and 8,000-metre summits in a continuous corridor.

Key geographic facts:

• Range: Mahalangur Himal, eastern Himalaya
• Countries: Nepal and China (Tibet Autonomous Region)
• Protected area: Makalu Barun National Park and buffer zone
• Nearby giants: Everest, Lhotse, Baruntse, Chamlang, Mera Peak

Reaching the region typically involves flying from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, then driving and trekking through villages and tea-house settlements in Makalu Barun National Park. Trails pass terraced farmland, rhododendron forests, and steep canyon walls long before you reach the snowline.

Elevation and terrain

Makalu rises to roughly 8,463–8,485 metres (27,800+ feet) depending on the source, making it the fifth-highest mountain on Earth. At this altitude, the air contains only about a third as much oxygen as at sea level. The effect on the human body is profound: every step feels heavy, recovery is slow, and poor acclimatization can quickly become life-threatening.

Common terrain features relevant to skiers include:

• Summit shape: A four-ridged pyramid with steep faces and exposed ridgelines
• Slopes: Mixed snow, rock, and ice with many sections over 45 degrees
• Glaciers: Heavily crevassed, with seracs and icefall zones
• Snow types: Wind-affected powder, chalky hardpack, and blue ice, often within a single run

Even “mellow” sections on Makalu would qualify as serious ski terrain in most other ranges. This is high-consequence skiing, far from rescue, with no groomed lines, no avalanche control, and no infrastructure.

Skiing conditions on Makalu

The Himalayan monsoon, brutal winter cold, and the massive vertical relief between base camp and the summit shape Makalu’s skiing conditions. There are no ski resorts here, only wild snow, complex glaciers, and the changing moods of the high Himalaya.

Snowfall and seasons

The eastern Himalaya receives most of its precipitation during the summer monsoon, from roughly June to late September. At higher elevations, much of this falls as snow, layered and reworked by wind into slabs and windboard. In winter, snowstorms are colder and drier, with strong winds sculpting ridges and loading lee slopes.

For ski mountaineering, teams generally avoid the core monsoon months and aim for colder, more stable windows:

Exact timing shifts year to year, and there are no guarantees. Teams rely heavily on real-time weather forecasts, on-the-ground observations, and flexibility in their plans.

Best windows for a ski expedition

Most expeditions to Makalu, whether focused on climbing or skiing, target pre-monsoon (spring) or post-monsoon (autumn) windows. For skiing specifically:

• Late autumn (late October–November): Often considered for colder, more settled conditions and firm snow higher up. Lower valleys can already feel wintry.
• Late winter to early spring (February–March): Potentially good snow coverage, but temperatures remain severe and storms can be intense.

Choosing a window depends on your objective (summit versus high-camp descents), risk tolerance, and the style of your expedition. A high-level, ski-focused ascent may favour a period with colder, more predictable snow over deep, storm-driven dumps.

Weather challenges

The weather on Makalu is harsh even by Himalayan standards. Bitter cold, violent winds, and rapid changes in visibility are the norm, not the exception. Common weather-related challenges include:

• Extreme cold: Temperatures can plunge well below −20°C at high camps, with much colder wind chills.
• High winds: Jet-stream winds can hammer the summit ridge, stripping snow, creating ice, and making skiing extremely serious.
• Sudden storms: Fast-moving systems can bring whiteout conditions, heavy snowfall, and avalanche hazard in a matter of hours.
• Altitude stress: Thin air amplifies the effects of cold and fatigue, while slowing decision-making and reaction time.

On a mountain like Makalu, you plan for the best window you can, then build in patience and backup options when conditions shut things down.

Ski routes and styles on Makalu

Unlike classic ski peaks with multiple well-documented lines, Makalu has seen very few ski descents. The routes that do exist are the domain of highly experienced ski mountaineers with full expedition support. Any description here is high-level and for context only; detailed route planning must come from recent trip reports, local logistics partners, and professional guides.

Northwest ridge and upper slopes

The normal climbing route on Makalu follows the northwest ridge, weaving between steep faces, snowfields, and technical sections. This line underpinned Adrian Ballinger’s 2022 descent, where he began skiing about 15 metres below the true summit due to crowding, then worked his way down through exposed ridges and the French Couloir before continuing toward lower camps.

Broad characteristics of this style of descent:

• Steep, exposed snow above 8,000 metres
• Mixed rock and ice sections that may require down-climbing or rappels
• Complex route-finding around seracs and crevasses
• Long, sustained descent all the way back to advanced base camp or below

Even on the “standard” line, sections may be unskiable in a given year. Teams often combine skiing with technical down-climbing and rappelling.

Technical couloirs and faces

Makalu’s flanks feature couloirs and hanging faces that appeal to skiers with a taste for steep, technical lines. These are usually secondary objectives reached only after thorough reconnaissance and often after a primary summit push.

Typical challenges on these steeper lines include:

• Narrow runnels with exposure above cliffs or crevasses
• Hard, icy surfaces and thin snow over rock
• Serious avalanche potential when slabs form in confined terrain
• Difficult anchor placement for rappels or belayed skiing

Given the stakes, these lines see very few attempts, and then only by teams with deep experience on similar terrain elsewhere (for example, the steep faces of the Alps or Andes).

High-altitude freeride sections

Below the steep upper mountain, some glaciers and bowls provide more “freeride-style” skiing, where slopes open up and turns feel more fluid. These sections are still remote, glaciated, and avalanche-prone, yet they allow for slightly more playful skiing once you have navigated the most serious terrain.

Expect:

• Variable surfaces: windbuff, chalk, pockets of powder
• Crevasse fields that require careful probing and rope management
• Long, committing runs with no quick way out if conditions deteriorate

For many strong skiers, basing a project around these mid-mountain zones or nearby peaks may be a more realistic and rewarding goal than a full summit-to-base descent.

Skills and preparation

Skiing Makalu is the culmination of years of progression through ski touring, steep skiing, and technical alpine climbing. It is not an objective for first-time expeditioners or those new to glaciated terrain.

Physical conditioning

Expedition-level fitness is non-negotiable. You need the capacity to carry heavy loads, climb for hours at altitude, and still ski with precision when tired. Plan for at least several months of structured training before departure.

Focus your preparation on:

• Endurance: Long efforts like trail running, cycling, uphill hiking, and ski touring
• Strength: Emphasis on legs, hips, and core for stability under heavy packs
• Balance and agility: Single-leg work, dynamic movements, and balance drills
• Recovery habits: Sleep, mobility, and nutrition that support high training volume

A simple weekly pattern might include two endurance days, two strength sessions, one mixed day (like ski touring or weighted hiking), and dedicated recovery time. Adjust volume and intensity with professional guidance if possible.

Technical skiing and mountaineering skills

Makalu requires a comprehensive toolkit that integrates advanced skiing with high-altitude mountaineering. Before you even consider an 8,000-metre project, you should already be comfortable with:

• Confident, controlled skiing on 45°+ slopes in variable snow
• Skiing on glaciers while roped and managing crevasse risk
• Using crampons and ice tools on steep snow and ice
• Building and using anchors for rappels with skis on or off
• Avalanche assessment, rescue, and decision-making in complex terrain

To build toward that level, most skiers first tackle:

• Multi-day ski tours in their home ranges
• Technical alpine routes that require the use of ice tools and crampons
• Steeper ski descents in the Alps, Rockies, or Andes
• Guided courses in crevasse rescue and avalanche education

A qualified IFMGA guide or a similarly experienced leader can help you assess your readiness and set a realistic progression plan.

Altitude acclimatization

Makalu’s upper camps are deep in the “death zone,” where the body slowly deteriorates no matter how strong you are. Even lower elevations, such as base camp at around 4,800 metres, can be challenging for those unaccustomed to thin air.

Sound acclimatization principles include:

• Climb high, sleep low: Use rotations to slightly higher camps, then descend to rest.
• Gradual gain: Avoid sharp jumps in sleeping altitude whenever possible.
• Hydration and nutrition: Drink plenty, eat enough calories, and monitor appetite.
• Honest monitoring: Watch for headaches, nausea, confusion, or poor coordination.

Sample high-level acclimatization pattern (exact plans vary by team and route):

Supplementary oxygen is standard for many summit-focused expeditions on 8,000-metre peaks, though some elite athletes choose to climb and ski without it. Either way, altitude-related risk is significant and must be treated with caution and humility.

Safety considerations

The seriousness of Makalu cannot be overstated. Accidents at this altitude are challenging to manage, and rescue options are limited by weather, terrain, and helicopter access. Safety planning is as important as route planning.

Avalanche awareness

Big Himalayan faces and bowls often look inviting, but snowpack structure can be highly complex. Wind slabs, persistent weak layers, and storm slabs can all be present on the same slope.

Key avalanche considerations include:

• Recent heavy snowfall or strong winds that create loaded lee slopes
• Rapid warming that turns snow wet and unstable on sun-exposed aspects
• Convex rolls, couloir entrances, and terrain traps such as gullies and crevasses
• Thin, faceted layers buried deep in the pack after long dry spells

Travel choices matter more than any single test or pit. On an 8,000-metre mountain, the safest decision is often to turn around.

Emergency and rescue planning

There is no ski patrol on Makalu, and helicopter evacuations can be delayed or impossible due to weather, altitude, or terrain. That reality makes self-reliance essential.

Plan for:

• A clear communication system (satellite phone, radio, or both)
• Agreed protocols within your team if someone is injured or missing
• Redundant navigation tools (GPS, maps, compass)
• A robust medical and trauma kit tailored to cold, altitude, and remote care

Every team member should know how to:

• Perform basic and intermediate first aid
• Coordinate a crevasse rescue
• Give clear location information to a helicopter pilot or rescue agency
• Make conservative decisions when someone’s health declines

Essential equipment checklist

A Makalu ski expedition requires technical ski gear in addition to a complete high-altitude mountaineering kit. Items will vary by style and season, but core categories include:

Work with experienced guides or logistics providers to refine this list to your style and season.

Local support, logistics, and accommodation

Makalu may be remote, but you are not moving through an empty landscape. Local communities, porters, and guides are central to any successful expedition here.

Guides, Sherpas, and local teams

Expeditions to Makalu typically rely on a mix of high-altitude Sherpa climbers, local porters, cooks, and, at times, IFMGA-certified guides. Their knowledge of the terrain, weather patterns, and logistics is invaluable.

Local support can help with:

• Organizing permits and park entry fees
• Planning the approach trek and setting up base camp
• Carrying loads between camps and managing supplies
• Advising on real-time snow conditions and objective hazards

Choosing reputable Nepal-based expedition operators and treating staff fairly, with appropriate pay and equipment, is both ethical and practical. Their safety matters as much as your own.

Equipment access and rentals

There are no dedicated ski rentals at Makalu Base Camp or in the villages along the approach. Any ski-specific gear must be:

• Brought from home, or
• Rented or purchased in Kathmandu, where a small but growing number of shops cater to mountaineers and backcountry skiers heading into the Himalaya.

Standard trekking and climbing gear (down jackets, sleeping bags, base layers) can often be rented or purchased in Kathmandu, but expedition-grade ski gear is more specialized. Plan ahead, test everything before the trip, and carry spares for critical items like bindings and skins.

Tea houses, lodges, and base camp

Makalu Barun National Park has seen an expansion of basic tea houses and homestays along the classic base-camp trekking route. These provide simple meals and shelter en route, although conditions remain much more rustic than in better-known regions like Everest or Annapurna.

Typical lodging pattern:

• Lower trail: Local guesthouses and homestays in villages such as Num and Seduwa
• Higher trail: Very simple tea houses and lodges, sometimes with limited menu options and intermittent power
• Base camp and higher: Full expedition camping, with tents, dining shelters, and logistics handled by your team

Booking is handled through your chosen operator rather than online platforms, and options are continually evolving as more teahouses open. All of this underscores the importance of working with up-to-date local partners.

Environmental impact and responsible travel

Makalu Barun National Park is one of the most ecologically rich and vertically dramatic protected areas on the planet. It spans tropical forests, temperate woodlands, alpine meadows, and glaciated summits in a single sweep of terrain and is home to species like the red panda, snow leopard, and hundreds of bird species.

Conservation context

The park was established in 1992 as an extension of Sagarmatha National Park, with an explicit goal of combining biodiversity protection with community-based development. Local communities, many of them subsistence farmers, live in and around the buffer zone and have a direct stake in how trekking and climbing are managed.

For visiting skiers, this means:

• Respecting park rules and any seasonal closures
• Using registered local guides and services where possible
• Recognizing that your expedition moves through someone else’s home, not a wilderness theme park

Low-impact skiing practices

You may be chasing a cutting-edge ski descent, but you can still keep your environmental footprint as light as possible.

Good practices include:

• Packing out all non-biodegradable waste, including batteries and broken gear
• Minimizing reliance on single-use plastics and favouring refillable containers
• Using human-waste systems in high camps where feasible
• Staying on established trails on the approach to reduce erosion
• Respecting wildlife and giving animals plenty of space

Supporting local conservation groups or contributing to community projects linked to Makalu Barun is another meaningful way to give back.

Notable ski expeditions on Makalu

Because so few people have skied Makalu, each successful descent shifts what is considered possible in high-altitude ski mountaineering.

Two especially important milestones:

• 2022 – Adrian Ballinger (USA)

  • Completed the first recorded ski descent from just below the true summit of Makalu via the northwest ridge and French Couloir, using supplemental oxygen.

• 2024 – Bartek Ziemski (Poland)

  • Skied from the summit area without supplemental oxygen, stepping out of skis in unskiable sections such as parts of the French Couloir and skiing down to around 6,000 metres where the snow ended.

Both expeditions highlight a few core truths:

• Conditions change constantly, and even world-class athletes mix skiing with down-climbing and rappels.
• The mental burden of decision-making at that altitude is enormous.
• Every line remains an experiment; there is no fixed “standard” ski descent the way there might be in more travelled ranges.

For anyone dreaming of following in these tracks, studying these expeditions in detail and understanding the context behind their decisions is a crucial starting point.

Answering the call of Makalu

Skiing Makalu is not about chasing a notch on a belt. It is about stepping into one of the most powerful mountain environments on Earth and accepting that your plans must bend to its reality. The approach through Makalu Barun’s forests and stone villages, the days spent ferrying loads between camps, and the long nights watching spindrift whip across the summit are all part of the story. Even reaching base camp is an achievement that changes how you see the Himalaya.

For many skiers, Makalu will remain a distant aspiration rather than an immediate objective, and that is entirely valid. You might start by trekking to base camp and skiing lower-risk lines on nearby peaks, or by building your skills on alpine faces closer to home. If, one day, you do point your skis down the flanks of this 8,000-metre giant, you will bring with you not only technical ability, but years of respect, preparation, and partnership with the people who call this region home. That combination is what turns a bold idea into a thoughtful, committed expedition worthy of Makalu.