Senior Guide

Walter Hailes

With RMI

Home Town

Missoula

First Summit

Glacier Peak, North Cascades

Hobbies

Rock Climbing, Mtn. Biking, Travel

About

Balancing the need to challenge my mind and body has brought me to a point in my life where I divide my time between exercise physiology research at the University of Montana and climbing and guiding throughout the world. My research focuses on the athletes’ ability to endure challenging (hot, cold, hypoxic) environments and many of these research questions are based on my experience climbing and guiding in the mountains. I also actively use the science to guide climbers in preparation for and during their climbing adventures.

Best part of my Job

Meeting new people and helping them climb mountains

Off Season Activities

Rock climbing, mtn biking, travel with my wife

Why RMI?

I hope the climbers that join me in the mountains go home with a love for the challenge, beauty and culture surrounding the big peaks we guide.

Walter HailesWalter Hailes action image

Climbing Resumé

50+ | Mt. Rainier, Washington, USA | 14,410'

7 | Mt. McKinley, Alaska, USA | 20,310' (expeditions)

4 | Aconcagua, Argentina | 22,832' (expeditions)

1 | Mt. Everest, Nepal | 29,032' (expedition)

1 | Pico de Orizaba, Mexico | 18,900'

1 | Ixtaccihuatl, Mexico | 17,340'

1 | Mt. Baker, Washington, USA | 10,781'

1 | Mt. Hood, Oregon, USA | 11,249'

1 | Mt. Shasta, California, USA | 14,179'

Multiple | Rock & Ice Climbing (United States & Canada)

Certifications

Our Standard

RMI Expeditions Guides are required to hold a number of certifications, but many go above and beyond with their technical and outdoor training. We actively encourage (and provide funding for) our guides' continuing education.

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Walter Hailes

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