K2 Paragliders Share Their Epic Flight Experience
Here’s the thrilling update on Jean-Yves Fredriksen, Benjamin Vedrines, Liv Sansoz, and Zeb Roche’s groundbreaking paragliding journey from the summit of K2.
On July 28, this remarkable team ascended the world’s second-highest peak without supplemental oxygen or any external support. Benjamin Vedrines was the first to launch his paraglider, soaring from the top. Following his ascent, Liv Sansoz and Zeb Roche achieved a historic milestone with the first-ever tandem paragliding flight from K2’s summit.
Vedrines described his accomplishment as a “big dream” realized. He reached the summit of K2 in a record-setting 11 hours, without supplemental oxygen. At the 8,611-meter peak, he launched his paraglider under what he called “exceptional conditions,” using a specially designed 17-meter wing.
Fredriksen, who reached the summit two hours later, faced much more challenging conditions. With the wind entirely still, he had to wait 90 minutes for even a gentle breeze before he could finally take off.
Unexpected Rescue
The following day, Vedrines and photographer Seb Montaz returned to Camp 2 to retrieve their tent and gear. During their ascent, they came across Marco Majori from Italy, who had gotten into a serious predicament. Marco had been skiing in dense fog and, unfortunately, fell 10 meters into a crevasse below Camp 4, dislocating his shoulder in the process. Vedrines and Montaz quickly came to his aid, lending their expertise and support to help him out of the difficult situation.
Marco Majori and his climbing partner, Federico Secchi, reached Camp 3, but were left without tents or supplies upon arrival.
Secchi took to social media to express his deep gratitude for the French climbers who came to their rescue. “The French climbers were incredible,” he wrote. Without hesitation, they brought us food, a tent, medicine, and even an oxygen bottle to Camp 3. Their support was crucial in ensuring that Marco could safely make his descent the next day.”
The Two-Person Paragliding Adventure
Sansoz and Roche reached the summit just as Jean Yves Fredriksen was ready to take flight. Moments later, around 5 p.m., they joined him in the air, soaring for about 30 minutes among the majestic peaks of the Karakoram.
“It was an absolutely magical flight, surrounded by breathtaking height and beauty,” Sansoz recalled. Even now, just thinking about it gives us chills!
Their customized tandem glider was incredibly lightweight, weighing just 2.43 kg, while Fredriksen’s was even lighter at a mere 1.1 kg.