Scottish Climber Kirsty Mack Conquers K2 at 41 Amid Challenges

Kirsty Mack, a 41-year-old ski instructor from Bridge of Allan, has reached the summit of K2, the world’s second-highest mountain at a staggering 8,611 m (28,251 ft). Her ascent is remarkable not only for the physical feat but also for the personal challenges she overcame, including a debilitating shoulder injury that threatened her climbing career.

Standing in the “death zone” of K2, Mack took a moment to celebrate her achievement, inspired by the memory of her late father, Thomas Mack. Despite the exhilaration of reaching the summit, the descent proved perilous. “I was very scared about the descent, really scared, and rightly so as it turned out,” she shared with BBC Scotland News.

During the descent, the dangers became all too real. Rocks fell from thousands of metres above, injuring a team member and the group’s primary medic. Mack, having completed only a one-week first aid course, was thrust into a critical role, utilizing a satellite call to her sister, a pharmacist, to assist in managing the injuries. The team successfully navigated the treacherous descent, demonstrating both their skill and resilience.

Mack’s journey to K2 was not straightforward. A fall while skiing in the Cairngorms led to a series of surgeries on her shoulder, leaving her with limited strength. “You would never really know now, except I can’t put a bag in an overhead locker on a plane,” she said, highlighting the everyday struggles she faces. Adapting her climbing technique, she relied more heavily on her legs and the support of her team.

Kirsty’s climbing experience includes summits of some of the highest peaks worldwide, such as Denali in North America and Aconcagua in South America. Yet, K2 has always represented the “ultimate challenge” for her, a mountain notorious for its harsh conditions and high fatality rate among climbers.

The expedition was dedicated to her father Thomas and her grandfather, Reuben Rogers, both of whom passed away recently. Mack’s childhood dream of climbing K2 was inspired by posters her father brought back from the Dundee Mountain Film Festival.

The ascent was not without its trials. Mack and her team spent seven weeks at K2’s base in Pakistan, waiting for weather conditions to improve. Just as they prepared to abandon their goal, a break in the weather allowed them to make their final push. “We cancelled the donkeys and went for it,” she recalled, embodying the spirit of determination that defines successful climbers.

K2, often referred to as the “savage mountain,” is known for its unpredictable weather and the absence of stable conditions for climbing. This year, the typical snowpack that helps bind the rocks was missing, leading to an increased risk of rockfalls. “The rocks come from thousands of meters above, so they have so much velocity,” Mack explained. “By the time they go past you, they make a noise like a helicopter.”

Mack’s ascent culminated in a cocktail of oxygen, Pringles, and jelly beans, which provided the energy needed to reach the summit. Upon safely returning home, she expressed gratitude for her survival and the fulfillment of her dream. “I’m a very scientific person,” she noted, reflecting on her father. “But the only time I really feel like he’s kind of still with me is when I go climbing.”

Kirsty Mack’s journey serves as an inspiring testament to overcoming personal and physical challenges, showcasing the indomitable spirit of those who pursue their dreams against all odds.