Zoja Skubis, a 19-year-old internet influencer from Poland, has made history by becoming the youngest Polish woman to scale Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world. The news, celebrated by mountaineering enthusiasts and her social media followers alike, was shared by Skubis on her Instagram account, marking yet another significant milestone in her adventurous life.
Manaslu, standing at 8,163 meters, is known for its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather, making the ascent a remarkable achievement for even the most experienced mountaineers. Skubis reached the summit at 5:09 a.m., after a grueling four-day summit push. Her year-long preparation and three weeks of acclimatization at the base camp proved critical to her success. “It’s been a long road, but I made it,” Zoja posted on Instagram, accompanied by images from the climb.
In her post, she reflected on the physical and mental challenges leading up to this moment, noting that it was a journey requiring perseverance and strength. Fellow mountaineer Kuba Patecki, who summited Mount Everest at 26, shared his congratulations, adding to the celebrations among Poland’s climbing community. Skubis is not only an influencer known for sharing her travels and sporting adventures on platforms like TikTok and Instagram but also an emerging symbol of resilience for young women who follow her journey.
Skubis’ love for adventure runs deep in her family. Her passion for climbing and exploration was ignited by her late father, who passed away when she was 14 during an expedition to the Caucasus Mountains. In an emotional post honoring him, she shared, “Though I had only 14 years with my dad, he gave me the gift of determination and a love for the world. A part of him continues to live on in me.”
This is not Skubis’ first extraordinary feat. In January, she completed a half-marathon in the Arctic Circle, a brutal 21-kilometer run in temperatures plunging to -40°C. Such exploits have drawn attention to her unwavering determination and adventurous spirit.
The journey to Manaslu is part of Skubis’ growing list of goals, with the next one already in sight. She plans to participate in the Antarctica Marathon, set against the icy and challenging backdrop of the frozen continent.
Her achievements have inspired many across Poland and beyond. As she continues to set new records, she stands as a testament to what can be achieved with passion, dedication, and a fearless approach to life’s toughest challenges.
Manaslu, located in the Nepalese Himalayas, is the eighth-highest mountain in the world. It has long been a coveted peak for serious climbers due to its technical difficulty and often dangerous conditions. Zoja Skubis’ recent accomplishment places her among the youngest women globally to reach the summit, continuing Poland’s rich tradition in high-altitude mountaineering.
