Valery Rozov — Russian high‑altitude wingsuit and BASE jumping pioneer

Career and techniques

Rozov began as a parachutist and quickly moved into BASE jumping and wingsuit flying, disciplines that allow horizontal glide as well as vertical descent. His approach blended traditional mountaineering — climbing to remote high camps and assessing terrain — with customized wingsuits and parachute systems adapted for thin air and extreme cold. High‑altitude jumps demand attention to acclimatization, launch-site preparation, and the complex aerodynamics of wingsuits in low‑density air; Rozov became known for planning and executing missions that addressed these factors.

Notable jumps

Rozov's most widely reported achievement came on 5 May 2013, when he jumped from the north peak of the Everest massif, Changtse, descending from an altitude of about 7,220 metres. He glided down toward the Rongbuk glacier more than a thousand metres below, setting a world record for the highest wingsuit jump at the time. Many of his expeditions involved international teams, logistical support and careful risk management to move gear and personnel into remote high camps near Mount Everest.

Death and legacy

On 11 November 2017 Rozov died during a wingsuit jump from Ama Dablam in Nepal, at an altitude reported to be around 6,812 metres. His passing underscored the extreme risks inherent in high‑altitude wingsuit flying. Despite the danger, Rozov influenced a generation of jumpers by demonstrating the possibilities of combining alpine ascent with aerial descent, advancing equipment design and expedition practices for other athletes attempting similar feats.

Notable facts

• Rozov helped popularize high‑altitude wingsuit flights and brought broader public attention to the sport.
• His projects required collaboration between climbers, pilots, medical staff and technical specialists.
• He is remembered both for record attempts and for raising questions about safety and ethics in extreme sports.

Rozov's career is often cited when discussing the intersection of alpinism and aerial sports: his jumps expanded the perceived limits of where wingsuit flying could be conducted, while also highlighting the heightened hazards of operating at the edge of human and environmental limits.