Whether we’re in our backyard in the Sierra, on vacation in AK, or chasing penguins in Antarctica, Jones Snowboards is dedicated to the pursuit of freeriding the world’s most incredible peaks. So when we heard about Polish rider Marcin Jaskolka’s Himalayan expedition to Nanga Parbat we jumped at the chance to support him on his quest to ride down this magnificent 8000-meter mountain in Pakistan.

Here is Marcin’s first post, detailing his goals for the expedition:

Nanga Parbat (8125 meters)

Ride down Nanga Parbat? Why not!

Interestingly, the plan was born after my shoulder surgery. I used my free time after the surgery well by looking at hundreds of photographs of Nanga Parbat and planning the snowboarding route. I also knew that the mountain is not technically easy and in combination with the strong wind, which often occurs at the top, the snowboard attached to my backpack will be a great load during the expedition. I think that the number of miles I’ve ran has at least doubled. Running has been, beside riding and climbing, the base of my preparation. Condition, condition, and again, condition! I know that if I want to take the board with me I have to be two times stronger than the average climber without a board.


Nanga Parbat (8125 meters) –The Diamir Wall

A few details about the project: Nanga Parbat forms the western anchor of the Himalayan Range and is the westernmost eight-thousand meter peak. It’s name translates to “Naked Mountain” in English. I plan to climb the peak via the 1962 Kinshofer (German) route which ascends a buttress on the left side of the Diamir Face. This face is one of the largest in the world – towering over four thousand meters above base camp! After I summit, I’m going to try to ride from the peak on a snowboard.

I will choose the exact snowboard route while climbing, taking a few things into consideration like the risk of avalanches and places lacking in snow because of wind-blown. For the expedition I’ve chosen The Flagship 161 cm, which should be ideal for the rough Himalayan conditions. The project starts in the end of June and will last approximately 2 months. Keep your fingers crossed for a successful mission!

- Marcin Jaskolka