From Training to the Andes: Member Stories in Peru

by | Altitude Training Information, Hiking, Climbing and Mountaineering

Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen a number of Altitude members take their training beyond the gym and into some incredibly demanding environments, from high-altitude trekking routes in the Peruvian Andes to deep canyon systems filled with steep climbs, long descents, and thin air.

What’s always rewarding to see is not just where people go, but how they feel once they get there.

The goal of training here has never simply been about performing well inside four walls. It’s about building the physical and mental capacity to step into challenging environments with confidence, composure, and the ability to actually enjoy the experience.

Check out these awesome Altitude member stories from the Andes:

Donald Takes on the Salkantay Trek in Peru

The Salkantay Trek is often considered one of the most rugged and rewarding alternatives to the classic Inca Trail. Spanning roughly 70 km (43 miles) over 4–5 days, the route passes through an incredible range of environments, from alpine mountain passes covered in snow to humid cloud forests lower down the valley.

At its highest point, trekkers cross the Salkantay Pass at over 4,600 metres (15,000 ft), where the air becomes noticeably thinner and the demands on the body increase quickly.

Long days on foot, steep terrain, changing weather conditions, and cumulative fatigue make this far more than just a scenic hike. It’s a serious physical and mental challenge, even for experienced adventurers.

That’s why we loved hearing how Donald described the experience after completing the trek:

“It was great! I didn’t really have too much trouble with the hike to be completely honest. I was just sore by day 4.”

Simple. Calm. Understated.

And honestly, that’s exactly what good preparation often looks like.

When your body is prepared for the demands ahead, you’re able to focus less on surviving the environment and more on experiencing it. Donald’s trip is a great example of how consistent training can translate into real-world confidence at altitude.

Massive respect to Donald for taking on such an incredible route and for sharing part of the journey with us.

Maddy’s Journey Through Colca Canyon

For Colca Canyon, Maddy approached her trip a little differently from the start.

Located in southern Peru near Arequipa, Colca Canyon stretches through rugged mountain terrain where hikers can experience everything from intense heat at the canyon floor to thin air and high elevations along the surrounding ridgelines. The area is also famous for its massive Andean condors, which soar through the canyon on rising thermal currents.

For many travelers, Colca Canyon is far more physically demanding than expected. Long descents into the canyon are followed by steep climbs back out, often at elevations well above 10,000 feet, making endurance, pacing, and recovery incredibly important.

She didn’t just want to “get through” the hikes. She wanted to feel ready for them.

Coming from a cross-country running background, Maddy already understood the value of training and endurance. But after years of long work hours and less consistency with fitness, she described herself as “an amateur hiker at best.” With plans to head into high elevations — beginning with the physically demanding terrain of Colca Canyon — she knew preparation would matter.

Like many people preparing for altitude, she went down what she called the “altitude training rabbit hole,” researching everything from acclimatization strategies to altitude tents before eventually finding Altitude Athletic Training.

She began with a Mountain Readiness Assessment, where she learned she was more susceptible to altitude sickness above 14,000 feet. Instead of discouraging her, the assessment gave her clarity and direction.

The goal became simple:
build strength, confidence, and familiarity at elevation.

From there, training became part of her weekly routine. Early mornings. Structured sessions. A combination of strength work and cardiovascular conditioning, all tailored specifically toward her trip by her coach, Jackey.

But one of the things that stood out most to Maddy wasn’t just the programming itself. It was the environment.

Training alongside people preparing for objectives like Mount Elbrus expeditions and Himalayan treks created a sense of motivation and shared purpose. Combined with the atmosphere inside the gym — surrounded by footage of climbs, endurance races, and mountain environments — each session felt connected to something bigger.

By the time she boarded her flight to Peru, she felt ready.

And then the real test began.

After landing in Arequipa, Maddy immediately travelled through elevations as high as 16,500 feet before beginning her hikes through Colca Canyon. Surrounded by steep valley walls, winding trails, and soaring condors overhead, she quickly began to feel the effects of altitude: heavy legs, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

But instead of panic, she felt something familiar.

It felt like training.

Step by step, she continued climbing steadily and confidently until reaching the summit overlooking the canyon.

“It was challenging, no doubt,” she shared, “but it reinforced how valuable my training had been for me.”

Her story is a reminder that you don’t need to be a professional mountaineer or elite athlete to take on ambitious goals.

You simply need the willingness to prepare for them.

Why These Stories Matter

What stands out most about Donald and Maddy’s trips isn’t simply the destinations themselves.

It’s the way they were able to move through those environments.

Places like the Peruvian Andes demand more than curiosity and excitement. They require durability. Fitness. Recovery capacity. Mental composure. The ability to keep moving when the terrain steepens and the air gets thinner.

That’s ultimately what we aim to help people build at Altitude.

Not just better fitness inside the gym, but the ability to step into challenging environments and feel capable in them.

Because whether the goal is a trek in Peru, a climb at altitude, a race, or simply wanting to feel stronger and healthier in everyday life, the work put in beforehand matters.

And when preparation meets opportunity, experiences like these become a whole lot more enjoyable.

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High Altitude, Higher Perspective: Willow’s Journey in Peru

by | Altitude Training Information, Hiking, Climbing and Mountaineering

Some adventures begin as a bucket-list trip. Others become something much deeper.

For Altitude member Willow, completing the 6-day Ausangate Trek in Peru became far more than just a high-altitude trek. Covering more than 80 kilometres and crossing multiple mountain passes above 5,000 metres, the journey pushed her physically, mentally, and emotionally in ways she never expected.

Facing discomfort, uncertainty, and challenge

Before training at Altitude, Willow had never experienced high altitude and had never attempted a trek remotely close to this scale.

“I honestly had no idea how my body or mind would cope once I got up into the mountains.”

 But the motivation behind the trek ran much deeper than adventure alone.

“A big part of what inspired me to do this trek was losing my dad to lung disease where his oxygen levels consistently sat in the 50’s to 70’s, so I wanted to experience what he went through for so long.”

 After losing him, Willow made a conscious decision to lean further into discomfort, uncertainty, and challenge.

 “Since losing him, I’ve really tried to leap into the unknown more and become comfortable being uncomfortable. Doing something this physically and mentally challenging felt like a way of proving to myself that I’m capable of more than I think, even when things feel uncertain or scary.”

 And the mountains delivered exactly that challenge.

High altitude takes it's toll

“The altitude shocked me. I knew it would be hard, but I don’t think anything could’ve fully prepared me for how uncomfortable and exhausting it feels climbing over 5,200m passes with barely any oxygen.”

 Like most real mountain experiences, the trek came with moments of doubt, discomfort, and unpredictability — including one particularly memorable descent from Rainbow Mountain.

 “There were definitely moments where I questioned what I’d signed myself up for… but the exposure and training sessions with you made such a difference.”

 What mattered most wasn’t eliminating the difficulty. It was arriving prepared enough to face it.

 “Because of the preparation, the altitude didn’t feel completely foreign or terrifying once I was actually there. I felt calmer, more aware of how my body responds, and more confident pacing myself through the hard moments.”

 That confidence became one of the most important takeaways from the experience.

Conquering the unknown

“I discovered I’m probably more of a ‘beer after the hike and a pub meal’ kind of girl than a ‘suffer at 5,000m+ in the freezing cold’ sipping on soup kinda girl.”

 Still, despite the suffering, exhaustion, and uncertainty, she accomplished something that once felt completely unknown.

 “I’m still incredibly proud to be able to say: hey, I did that. And I can do hard things.”

 That realization — more than any summit, statistic, or finish line — is what makes adventures like this meaningful.

We’re incredibly proud of Willow for embracing the unknown, committing to the process, and taking on one of the world’s most demanding trekking experiences. Congratulations on an unforgettable accomplishment and on proving to yourself just how capable you are.

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A Shared Summit: Four Altitude Members Reach Kilimanjaro

by | Altitude Training Information, Hiking, Climbing and Mountaineering

We’re proud to share the story of four members of the Altitude community—Jennifer, Jodi, Rebecca, and Susan—who successfully summited Mount Kilimanjaro this past March.

Their journey to 19,341 feet was defined by long days, unpredictable weather, and the kind of physical and mental demands that only a mountain like Kilimanjaro can deliver. But through it all, they moved forward the same way every successful ascent happens—one step at a time.

What made this climb especially meaningful wasn’t just the summit itself, but how they got there: through consistency in training, trust in the process, and a shared commitment to supporting one another along the way.

Where the Journey Began

For Jennifer, Jodi, Rebecca, and Susan, the journey to Mount Kilimanjaro began long before they set foot on the mountain. Months of dedicated training, hours on the generators at Altitude, and unwavering commitment throughout the preparation process, led them to the base – ready to take on 19,341 ft.  For some, like Rebecca, the goal had been years in the making:

“Kilimanjaro has been on my list for a long time… it took 13 years to finally stand at the base of that mountain, ready to take it on.”

Despite their different starting points, they all arrived with sights on the adventure ahead, eager to achieve their goal of reaching the top. After a week of volunteering in Tanzania before the climb, the group set out together toward the mountain – grounded by purpose, strengthened by their shared experience, and ready to begin the ascent.

Supporting Each Other Along the Way

From the very beginning, the close dynamic of the group shaped the experience.

“We had a fantastic group that was incredibly supportive,” Susan said. “We got to know each other’s strengths which was really beneficial on the mountain.”

Through every challenge they faced, that bond only grew stronger. Whether it was encouraging one another during long days or sharing dry gear after relentless rain, the team dynamic became essential. No part of their journey to the summit was attributed to individual success.

Rebecca described it beautifully:

“It’s in the shared experience — leaning on the people around you, supporting each other, embracing what our group leader called our mutual challenge.”

Resilience Through Tough Conditions

The climb tested them in ways none of them fully anticipated. Unusually severe weather turned the trek into a battle against the elements. Heavy rain dominated the early days, followed by freezing temperatures, snow, and even hail as they approached the summit. Their lead guide, who had summited Kilimanjaro over 1,000 times, had never experienced conditions like this before.

 

The relentless environment demanded not just physical strength, but mental resilience. They were challenged to stay present through the discomfort, concentrating on each step as it brought them closer to their goal. Progress became less about pace and more about persistence, embracing the “pole pole” mindset: slow, steady, and forward.

“Despite the conditions, we made it up “pole pole” and reached the summit.” – Jodi

Reaching the Summit

After days of effort, the team began their final ascent through the night, pushing upward for hours in the dark.

 Just after sunrise, they reached the summit together.

 The moment was powerful, even without clear skies. Snow and fog covered the peak, and shielded the sunrise, but didn’t take away from the significance of what they had accomplished. As Rebecca reflected, 

“It wasn’t about one perfect moment—it was about everything it took to get there.”

 For Susan, the summit is where an impactful realization set in – recognizing that all her hard work had paid off and she had achieved something she had set out to do.

 It was a shared victory, shaped as much by the journey as the destination.

Grateful for Their Training at Altitude

A consistent theme across all four women was the impact of their preparation prior to Kilimanjaro. Training at Altitude gave them more than just fitness – it provided structure, confidence, and the ability to adapt to one of the most unpredictable elements of the climb: elevation.

 Jennifer noted that the training helped her maintain strong oxygen levels throughout the ascent, giving her confidence as they climbed higher. Susan credited it with building both the strength and resilience she needed to continue, even when conditions became more difficult. For Rebecca, training removed a major unknown. Learning how her body responded to altitude through her time spent in the chamber made her feel more confident and prepared going into summit night.

Takeaways from the Mountain

While reaching the summit marked a major achievement, the most meaningful impact for the group came from the lessons gained along the journey. The experience deepened a collective sense of inner strength, revealing a greater level of resilience and capability than expected.

“I realized that I am stronger than I give myself credit for” – Susan

The journey to Kilimanjaro also fostered an appreciation for patience and presence – the recognition that growth takes time and often comes from simply continuing forward, one step at a time. Stepping into the unknown proved to be transformative, showing that meaningful change can emerge from challenging and unfamiliar experiences.

 

“Climbing a mountain is nothing short of life changing” – Jennifer

Thank you Jennifer, Jodi, Rebecca, and Susan for sharing your reflections from your experiences summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. We are very proud of your achievement and thrilled to share your success with the Altitude community!

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Kilimanjaro Season: Inside a Month of Summits

by | Altitude Training Information, Hiking, Climbing and Mountaineering

Different Climbs, Shared Outcome

To kick off 2026, multiple Altitude members stood on the Roof of Africa. Each journey looked different, but the outcome was the same—successful summits built on months of deliberate, structured preparation.

Kilimanjaro has a way of revealing what preparation really means. At 19,341 feet, it’s not just a physical challenge—it’s an environment where pacing, resilience, and the ability to adapt matter just as much as fitness.

The work that shows up on summit day is built long before you ever step onto the mountain. Take a look at some of these summit success stories in Tanzania:

Waiyee on the Roof of Africa

When Waiyee set her sights on the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, she knew the journey would demand patience, preparation, and resilience. What she discovered along the way was just how powerful consistent training and the right mindset can be.

“The trek was challenging but incredibly rewarding,” she shared. “Reaching the summit was proof that consistency with preparation and patience really do pay off.”

 Stacking long days at altitude is no small task, but Waiyee felt steady rather than depleted as the climb progressed. Her structured altitude training played a key role in supporting both acclimatization and overall endurance, allowing her to move confidently as the days accumulated.

One of her biggest victories came from overcoming uncertainty. After previously struggling with an ankle injury, multi-day trekking had felt like a question mark. “

The biggest win was realizing my ankle held up without any flare-ups,” she said. “Moving confidently day after day was huge for me.”

Waiyee had adapted to her changing needs, whether navigating an ankle flare-up or fine-tuning specific weaknesses. That adaptability of her training built more than strength — it built resilience.

“Anything can happen while you’re out on the trail. Being prepared to handle less than ideal situations is part of how I stay resilient in the moment. Training at Altitude helped put me in a mindset of resiliency over perfection, which I believe played a big part in helping me reach the summit.”

Waiyee’s story is a reminder that summits aren’t just reached on the mountain, they’re built day by day in the work you put in beforehand.

Congratulations, Waiyee. The summit was earned.

Riley's Kilimanjaro Journey

When Riley committed to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, he didn’t leave acclimatization to chance.

“By the time I landed in Tanzania, I felt calm about the altitude instead of anxious,” Riley shared.

 “On summit night, while others were really struggling, I felt steady, controlled, and confident in my breathing. That doesn’t happen by accident.”

That sense of control came from preparation. The training wasn’t just about exposure — it was about understanding what was happening physiologically and building trust in the process. Riley credits the team’s knowledge and investment in his journey as a key factor in his success.

Riley summited Kilimanjaro via the 8-day Lemosho route and knows the structured altitude training played a significant role in how well he acclimatized and performed throughout the expedition.

His message is simple: If you’re serious about altitude goals, prepare seriously.

Riley showed up, put in the work, and stood on the Roof of Africa.

Congratulations, Riley, and thank you for trusting the process.

Mario's Redemption and His Beyond Human Pursuit

We recently had the opportunity to work with Mario Rigby — a Canadian explorer, endurance athlete, and speaker known globally for completing a 12,000 km journey across Africa entirely on foot.

 Over two years, he traveled from Cape Town to Cairo using human power alone, navigating deserts, jungles, and complex border crossings. The expedition demanded not only physical durability, but cultural awareness, logistical precision, and relentless resilience.

 

Yet even during that historic crossing, one aspiration remained unfinished.

When Mario reached East Africa, he summited Mount Kenya (5,199 m / 17,057 ft), but did not climb Mount Kilimanjaro— the highest free-standing mountain in the world. That moment stayed with him.

“Being able to go back to Africa and summit Mount Kilimanjaro has always been a huge aspiration for me,” Mario shared.

This year, he returned. Kilimanjaro became more than a climb, it was redemption. It marked his first high-altitude expedition since recommitting to mountain travel and served as a deliberate test piece for something much larger.

 

The Beyond Human Project

Mario’s long-term vision, the Beyond Human Project, is a bold reimagining of what the Seven Summits can represent. Rather than flying between continents, Mario plans to link each mountain through continuous human-powered travel: hiking, cycling, skiing, sailing, and climbing his way around the globe.

 

The objective includes summiting Mount Everest, Aconcagua, Denali, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Vinson, Mont Blanc, and Puncak Jaya (*depending on the Seven Summits variation followed).

 

This is not simply a mountaineering goal, it is an expedition at the frontier of modern human-powered exploration. It will require mastery across disciplines: high-altitude alpinism, polar travel, long-distance cycling, offshore sailing, and complex international logistics. It is a project measured not in weeks, but in years, and built through patient preparation and community support.

 

The Why Behind It

Mario’s work consistently centres on something deeper than summit photos. His expeditions aim to expand representation in exploration spaces, demonstrate what sustainable, human-powered travel can look like, and inspire resilience through disciplined, long-term effort. The Beyond Human Project challenges the idea that speed and convenience define achievement. Instead, it embraces intention, endurance, and the belief that extraordinary outcomes are built through consistent preparation.

 

Kilimanjaro as a Benchmark

His recent summit of Kilimanjaro served as a critical benchmark. It allowed him to assess high-altitude adaptation, reestablish expedition pacing, stress-test systems, and rebuild confidence in alpine environments. More than a symbolic return, it was a strategic step toward the larger objective.

 

We’re proud that Altitude could play a role in preparing Mario for this climb and for the next phase of his training. Over the coming months, he will continue refining skills, building alpine exposure, and developing the logistical framework required for a global human-powered expedition.

 

Some goals stretch the body. Some stretch the mind. Mario’s stretches what we believe is possible.

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Island Peak: Altitude Members in the Himalayas

by | Altitude Training Information, Hiking, Climbing and Mountaineering

In late 2025, a group of Altitude members travelled to Nepal’s Khumbu region to take on one of the Himalayas’ classic alpine objectives: Island Peak (6,189 m).

Set deep within the Everest region, the climb combines high-altitude trekking with technical mountaineering, demanding not just physical fitness, but patience, adaptability, and the ability to perform as the environment becomes progressively more unforgiving.

For Harry, Maia, Craig, and Thomas, the journey was not defined by a single moment on the summit, but by everything that led up to it—days of steady movement through the Khumbu Valley, the cumulative effects of altitude, and the quiet, focused work required to move safely and confidently above 6,000 metres.

What follows is a look inside their experience.

The Road to the Peak: Harry

Island Peak climb Nepal

Altitude member Harry alongside members Thomas, Maia, and Craig travelled to the Khumbu region of Nepal and successfully summited Island Peak (6,189 metres)—a demanding alpine objective. 

His experience reflects something we see often at Altitude: when preparation meets purpose, people discover capabilities they didn’t know they still had.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, Harry was immediately immersed in the intensity of Nepal, from the colour, noise, movement, and underlying stillness that defines the place. The trek began with a flight into Lukla, followed by gradual movement through Phakding and up to Namche Bazaar. As the team moved through Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche, each day layered beauty with cumulative fatigue.

 Before reaching Everest Base Camp, the group crossed the Changri Shar Glacier moraine, which is a narrow, unstable traverse with significant exposure. Reaching Everest Base Camp was significant, but for Harry, it was not the finish line.

From Dingboche, seven climbers carried on toward Island Peak. As the trail narrowed and quieted, Island Peak came fully into view. This is where Harry saw the steep, technical, and unmistakably serious climb ahead of him come into view.

 For Harry, this objective represented more than a summit. He dedicated the climb to first responders carrying invisible injuries and to anyone rebuilding themselves after trauma.

 The summit push began around 12:30 a.m. When first light reached the mountain, the internal noise quieted. Movement became deliberate. The final headwall demanded sustained effort, coordination, and calm execution—every element Harry had trained for. He reached the summit exhausted, emotional, and deeply grateful.

Harry did not return from Nepal feeling triumphant, he returned feeling clear. The mountains stripped things down to what mattered: breath, movement, awareness, and trust in preparation, in partners, and in oneself.

Beyond the Summit: Maia & Craig in the Himalayas

Altitude members Maia and Craig, alongside Harry and Thomas, took part in the Everest Base Camp trek with AGA Adventures, joining a Toronto-based group for the expedition.

“Nepal had been on our list for years, and this expedition exceeded every expectation.”

Supported by experienced guides, including Gelje Sherpa, the group travelled from village to village, navigating suspension bridges, long stair sections, and a variety of terrain, while staying in local tea houses along the route. As the trek progressed, days became more physically demanding with increasing altitude.

While Craig unfortunately had to pause due to illness, Maia continued on to take on Island Peak.

After nearly nine hours of climbing, Maia reached the summit — a meaningful milestone after a long and demanding day. The team then began the careful descent, returning to base camp after an additional five hours.

It was a long day on the mountain, and the group finished tired but proud of what had been achieved.

Guiding the Way: Thomas on Island Peak

Island Peak climb Nepal

This year, Thomas returned to Nepal, successfully summiting Island Peak alongside Maia and Harry. On this trip, he reinforced the idea that these environments are not just physical terrain, but places shaped by generations of Sherpa knowledge, resilience, and stewardship.

Throughout the season, he played a dual role, one as a climber and one as a mentor. Whether pacing a summit push, offering quiet reassurance in difficult moments, or knowing when to step back and let others find their rhythm.

None of this work happens by accident.

Thomas credits much of his confidence and consistency at altitude to the foundation built at Altitude.

“None of this would have been possible without the foundation built at Altitude Athletic Training in Toronto. Having access to a gym and coaching environment that truly understands the physical and mental demands of mountaineering is something I am deeply thankful for.”

Structured programming, heavy pack work, long aerobic sessions, and a training environment that understands the real demands of mountaineering translated directly to safety and decision-making above 6,000 metres. When conditions become serious, preparation was not optional, it was everything.

“As I reflect on this season, I feel nothing but gratitude—for the mountains, the people, the training, and the chance to share the journey.”

What the Mountains Give Back

Across each of these experiences, a consistent theme emerges.

The mountains don’t just test physical capacity—they refine it. They strip away distraction and bring focus back to the fundamentals: breath, movement, awareness, and trust. Trust in preparation. Trust in the people around you. And ultimately, trust in yourself.

An Island Peak climb in Nepal is not defined by a single moment on the summit. It’s shaped by everything that comes before it—the days spent moving through the Khumbu region, the progression through the Everest Base Camp trek, and the ability to continue performing as altitude increases and conditions become more demanding.

Above 6,000 metres, small decisions carry weight. Preparation becomes the difference between reacting and responding.

For this group, the summit was not the only outcome that mattered.

It was the clarity gained through the process. The resilience built along the way. And the confidence that comes from knowing you can operate in environments that once felt uncertain.

As they return from Nepal, the mountain stays with them—not as a single achievement, but as a reference point for what is possible when preparation meets purpose—and what it truly takes to prepare for a high-altitude expedition.

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How Altitude Member Agnes Trained for — and Summited — Manaslu (8,163 m)

by | Altitude Training Information, Hiking, Climbing and Mountaineering

Altitude member Agnes reached the summit of Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth-highest peak in the world, capping off a life long dream and years of dedication, discipline, and months of focused preparation.

Training at Altitude, Agnes committed herself fully to the process. She completed over 50+ hours of simulated altitude generator sessions and followed a structured altitude training program to prepare her body and mind for the demands of a true Himalayan giant. Her summit is not only a testament to her strength, but also to what’s possible when purposeful training meets unwavering determination.

The Moment That Stays With Her

For Agnes, the memory she replays most often is the stillness at the top:

“Sitting at the summit of Manaslu, waiting my turn to take a photo so high in the mountains—it felt surreal. Watching the sunrise from the summit was incredible.”

It was a strange contrast, she said, to experience both awe and the unexpected normalcy of standing in line at 8,163 meters.

The Journey Begins at Manaslu Base Camp

Arriving at Base Camp after a long climb from 3,500 m to 4,900 m, Agnes was understandably exhausted.

That night, she returned to fundamentals: hydrating, moving slowly, getting fresh air, eating what she could.

“I forced myself to drink plenty of tea and water… and I gradually started to feel better. I also stopped checking my oxygen saturation so often.”

Those simple, steady choices helped her recover and continue upward.

The Hardest Day on the Mountain

The stretch between Camp 1 and Camp 2 during rotations proved to be the most demanding for Agnes.

“There were many long sections requiring a jumar, and we weren’t fully acclimatized yet.”

It was a reminder for her that even the “routine” days on an 8,000m mountain require strength, patience, and resilience.

Advice She’d Give Herself Before the Climb

If she could go back, Agnes would remind herself to slow down:

“I should have hiked to Base Camp more slowly. I’m used to pushing myself in competitive sport, at high altitude, that doesn’t work for me. I had to find my pace.”

And, she added with a smile:

“Take more pictures… and don’t forget your Gore-Tex pants.”

Did the Altitude Prep Help?

Her team included climbers from all kinds of training backgrounds, and on an 8,000-meter peak, no one is immune to tough days. But while everyone tackled their own challenges, Agnes’s Altitude prep gave her a genuine advantage and the fitness, confidence, and resilience needed for an expedition like Manaslu. And for Agnes, the journey was never a solo one:

 

“The teamwork meant so much: the team that prepared me—Altitude, JF Plouffe, a French nutritionist, my triathlon coach of 10 years—and the Elite Exped guides and the climbers who were with me during the ascent.”

What It Felt Like to Stand on the Summit

The emotion didn’t fully sink in until the next day.

“We descended all the way to Base Camp after summiting, so it was a long day. When I saw the photos and videos afterward, some felt almost unreal. Just thinking that I was actually there…”

Focused on safety and the unfamiliar feeling of climbing with supplemental oxygen, she said she believes she’ll savour the moment even more on her next summit.

But the sunrise on summit day? 

“Magnificent.”

What Manaslu Means to Her Now

Now that Agnes is back at home, the achievement carries great personal meaning.

“It was a long-held goal finally achieved. I’ve dreamed of climbing an 8,000-meter peak for many years. I come from the mountains—I love being in the mountains.”

Agnes’ Manaslu summit is a powerful reminder that big mountains are never conquered by training alone. Her months of consistent and structured preparation at Altitude played a role, but they were only one part of a much larger equation.

 

Reaching 8,163 meters also took a window of good weather, the strength and camaraderie of the climbers around her, and the support systems she’s built over months and years: her guides, her coaches, her nutrition team, and the community that helped her believe in the goal long before the expedition began.

 

Agnes’ story reflects what makes high-altitude success truly special, a blend of preparation, opportunity, teamwork, and heart. And we’re grateful to have been one piece of that journey.

 

Thank you Agnes for sharing your reflections about Manaslu, from the preparation, to the summit, to the impact it has had on you. We are incredibly proud of your achievement! 

Book Your Manaslu Training Consult

Are you planning an expedition to Manaslu or another peak in the Himalayas? Book a complimentary consultation with an expert Altitude coach and discuss your preparation.

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