Walter Hailes


  • Mt. Rainier, Washington (14,410') | 50+ summits
  • Denali, Alaska (20,310') | 7 expeditions
  • Aconcagua, Argentina (22832') | 4 expeditions
  • Everest, Nepal (29,032') | 1 expedition
  • Pico de Orizaba, Mexico (18,900')
  • Ixtaccihuatl, Mexico (17,340')
  • Mt. Baker, Washington (10,781')
  • Mt. Hood, Oregon (11,249')
  • Mt. Shasta, California (14,179')
  • Rock and ice climbing throughout the U.S. and Canada

Balancing the desire to challenge both my mind and body has led me to a unique place in life, where I split my time between conducting exercise physiology research at the University of Montana and climbing and guiding around the world. My research specifically explores how athletes adapt to extreme environments—whether it’s intense heat, cold, or high altitude—many of these questions are inspired by my personal experiences climbing and guiding in the mountains. Additionally, I actively apply the science behind my research to help climbers prepare for and navigate their climbing journeys, both in training and on expeditions.

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