Happy roof of the world

Michał, your trip to Everest starts on April 10, 2025. What are your feelings before this challenge?

It is a mixture, excitement, humility and concentration before what awaits me. Everest is a peak that attracts mountaineers from around the world, but is also one of the most demanding in terms of strength. Of course, he fell victim to his popularity and today over 500 people are trying to get it a year. This is a lot if we have a narrow weather window, but not enough compared to Kilimanjaro, where the peak tries to win 35,000 a year. people. Preparations for such a trip can be counted in total in the years. This is all previous experience and accumulation of training from recent months. I feel ready, although I know that the mountains can be unpredictable.

When in 2016 you said officially that you were moving to the Crown of the Earth (note by the challenge of conquering the highest peaks of individual continents) did you imagine that you would reach this moment?

I think I wanted to believe it then. Today, in retrospect, I know how bold it was. Obtaining 9 of the highest peaks, because we are talking about the version of the extended Crown of the Earth, but this is a real challenge. Everything can happen at every stage. Motivation to make one challenge for 8 years is extremely important. Today I am closer than ever. I conquered seven peaks, at the eighth I was twice without success (Denali in Alaska), now it’s time for Everest.

Tell more about your cooperation with the Happy Kids Foundation?

The foundation deals with 20 family orphanages. They are fantastic people and extraordinary pupils. Since we joined forces, we organized several climbing camps financed by sponsors, we organized numerous collections, many times managed to redirect the attention of large companies to the foundation’s activities and obtaining important material support for them. In addition, I visit the Foundation and Pupils, we tell joint stories about trips and travel. I would never think that my story will go like that that I will create such a mountain-charity project. This has become a very important part of my life.

Will you do something together during the trip to Everest?

Definitely. We run the collection before the expedition, which will be active throughout the expedition. The goal is to help and support the Foundation’s Fascasodings Program, i.e. youth support (15+) in activities related to entering adulthood. The cost of such a program for one person is about PLN 15,000 a year, so we will try to collect as much multiple of this amount as possible.

Do you have your favorite memories of previous expeditions?

One of my favorite memories is to get the Vinson massif in an agent. It was a breakthrough moment for me, full of emotions and pride. I will never forget the view that stretched before me. It was an amazing test of strong will and motivation, because Covid made me not be able to go on the time on the expedition to Antarctica and had to postpone the whole for a year.

What are your preparations for this expedition?

Preparations for the trip to Everest are very intense and versatile. They make up both physical and mental training. I spend a lot of time during training, improving my strength and strength. Equally important are hypoxia trainings, i.e. conditions with reduced oxygen content. I think that the last eight years of trips to the high mountains and many adventures, not necessarily the most pleasant, have prepared me for what I can experience on the way to the roof of the world.

What about the equipment, what equipment do you take with you on this trip?

The equipment that I take to Everest is primarily the latest generation of climbing clothing and equipment. The clothing must be very warm, but at the same time light and breathable. I use special high -mountain shoes that ensure thermal insulation at the highest level. GPS communication and navigation devices. The trip lasts about 60 days, so planning equipment and clothing for such a long time is very important for the success of the entire undertaking.

What motivates you to take on this challenge?

My motivation to climb Everest is multi -faceted. First of all, it is a dream that was born with the “7 happy summits” project, i.e. the Crown of the Earth with the Happy Kids Foundation. Everest is of course the highest mountain on Earth, but for me it is also the eighth of nine peaks in this project.

How do you deal with mental difficulties during long trips?

Mental difficulties are an integral part of high -mountain expeditions. Doubts, longing, swirling, like dementors, black thoughts. You have to deal with all this on such an expedition. It is key to maintaining a positive attitude and concentration on the goal. Meditation and breathing techniques help me remain peace and balance.

Who supports you on this trip?

I am very lucky that I have many people around me who support me. First of all, my family, my wonderful wife and friends who believe in me and encourage me. In addition, I work with fantastic sponsors who provide me with the necessary equipment and financial support. Without their help, this trip would not be possible. I am also looked after by extremely talented trainers and doctors who make sure that my body reaches “200% power” until the trip to Everest.

What are your plans after returning from Everest?

After returning from Everest, I would like to spend as much time with my family as much as possible. 60 days of separation sounds hard. I will probably want to share my experiences and inspirations with others. I will definitely visit the charges of the Happy Kids Foundation.

What next? What if you get the roof of the world?

I am currently only focused on this trip. I know statistics and I know that this is a very difficult task. I don’t want to distract myself with thinking about the future. Certainly, in the case of success, I would like to close the capture of the Earth in 2026 by entering the Earth. This will be my third attempt at this peak.

Finally, what advice would you give yourself from the time you started your adventure with mountaineering?

I would be able to always believe in my abilities and not be afraid of challenges. It is also important to appreciate every step on the way to the goal and enjoy the journey itself, not just reaching the peak.