Meet Our Team
Hayley Welch
Front Desk
Q: Who are you? Where are you from? What do you do in the gym?
A: Hi! I'm Hayley. I grew up in Connecticut and went to school in Vermont before I moved out to Colorado in 2020. I work at the Front Desk!
Q: When not a Whetstone, where might we find you?
A: You can either find me somewhere outside (usually with my dog, Winooski), or at one of my other jobs. I also work as a preschool teacher, an EMT, and a Single Pitch Rock Climbing Guide.
Q: A favorite non-climbing activity?
A: I really enjoy splitboarding, mountain biking, and cooking!
Q: What are you most stoked about these days?
A: I made quite a few lofty climbing goals for 2024. So hopefully I'll be able to get those done! I'm also hoping to Guide a bunch this coming Summer!
Q: Have any projects? Climbing or Non-Climbing?
A: This year I'm hoping to send 5 different invert Off Width boulders in Vedauwoo, climb Road Warrior (10+) on The Black Wall, and climb my first 11 on gear!
Q: How did you get involved with the gym?
A: I've been in the climbing gym industry for over 2 years. Working at Whetstone helps expand my involvement in the Fort Collins climbing community!
Q: Best thing about FoCo / NoCo:
A: The proximity! So many outdoor spaces are within reach!
Q: What’s a low-key flex you can boast about?
A: I used to be a sponsored freestyle snowboarder.
Q: Favorite spot to recreate in.
A: Bear's Lodge (Devil's Tower, WY) or Vedauwoo are my favorite places on Earth.
Q: How does climbing foster community?
A: Climbing draws you to places you'd never think to go. You cross paths with so many individuals who you would've never encountered otherwise. I love hearing the stories that others have to share.
Q: What has climbing taught you?
A: That I can surprise myself with my own abilities.
Q: Climbing in five words... Go!
A: "Thinking happens on the ground."
Q: Favorite climbing style?
A: Trad/Alpine or Off Width!