Scottish Climber Overcomes Odds to Summit K2 at 8,611 Meters

Standing atop K2, the world’s second-highest peak at 8,611 meters (28,251 feet), Kirsty Mack celebrated a remarkable achievement. Motivated by her late father and driven by the desire to conquer her own physical limitations, the 41-year-old ski instructor from Bridge of Allan became a pioneer, believed to be the first female Scot to reach this daunting summit.

K2, located on the border between China and Pakistan, is notorious for its perilous conditions and is often referred to as the “savage mountain.” After a brief moment of triumph, Kirsty faced the harsh reality of her descent. “I was very scared about the descent, really scared, and rightly so as it turned out,” she told BBC Scotland News. As she navigated the treacherous terrain, rocks plummeted from above, striking a team member and leaving the group’s primary medic injured.

With limited experience in first aid and a single week-long training course behind her, Kirsty stepped up to assist her injured companions. Using a satellite call to reach her sister, a pharmacist, she coordinated efforts to ensure their safe return. This moment underscored the resilience and resourcefulness that have characterized her journey.

Kirsty’s path to K2 has been fraught with challenges. A seemingly innocuous fall while skiing in the Cairngorms led to years of debilitating shoulder pain and multiple surgeries. Although she has regained mobility, she still faces limitations. “You would never really know now, except I can’t put a bag in an overhead locker on a plane and silly things like that,” she explained. Adaptation has become essential; she now relies more on her legs and the support of her climbing team.

Her climbing career has spanned the globe, with successful ascents including Everest, Manaslu, Ama Dablam, and Denali, North America’s highest mountain. Despite this impressive list, K2 has always represented the ultimate challenge for Kirsty. Known for its unpredictable weather and treacherous conditions, it has claimed the lives of many seasoned climbers.

Kirsty’s fascination with K2 began in childhood, inspired by posters brought back by her father, Thomas Mack, from the Dundee Mountain Film Festival. The expedition was a tribute to both her father and her grandfather, Reuben Rogers, who passed away within months of each other.

Initially, it appeared that her dream of summiting K2 might not come to fruition. She and her team spent seven weeks at the base, waiting for weather conditions to improve. As hopes began to dwindle, they prepared to abandon their quest. Then, just in time, a break in the weather offered a fleeting chance. “We cancelled the donkeys and went for it,” Kirsty recalled.

Climbing K2 is notoriously dangerous, and this year, the absence of a solid snowpack increased the risks. Falling rocks descended with alarming speed, creating a cacophony that added to the peril. “By the time they go past you, they make a noise like a helicopter. They zoom past you like bullets,” she described. “It’s the most scared I’ve ever been in my entire life.”

Despite the harrowing conditions, Kirsty pushed through, fueled by a combination of jelly beans and Pringles to sustain her energy levels. Upon reaching the summit, she entered the “death zone,” where oxygen levels are critically low. The euphoria of the summit was tempered by the knowledge that a treacherous descent awaited.

Having successfully navigated the descent and returned home safely, Kirsty reflected on her journey and her father’s enduring influence. “I’m a very scientific person,” she said, “but the only time I really feel like he’s kind of still with me, is when I go climbing.” Her extraordinary feat serves as a testament not only to her tenacity but also to the lasting bond of family inspiration.