Zmierzch alpinizmu?

The essay presents the changes in Polish and world alpinism / Himalaya mountaineering perceived as a particular cultural practice. Commercialization of high-mountain mountaineering (symbolized by crowds of rich amateurs climbing the Mount Everest) and pursuing personal success at any price (the case of Polish Broad Pick winter expedition) lead to tragedies and erosion of ideology and ethos of this once elite sport. In spite of this high (and the highest) mountains remain an object of interest for professional alpinists and ever growing group of high-mountain tourists.