Hannah McGowan

Based out of Seattle, Hannah follows the seasons across a wide range of climbing and skiing terrain. Each year she spends spring guiding heli-skiing in Alaska’s Chugach, early summer spearheading our mountaineering schools and Denali expeditions in the Alaska Range, and the remainder of the summer season in the Washington Cascades pursuing everything from technical alpine rock objectives to foundational courses in the North Cascades. In the fall, she can often be found on the sandstone walls of the desert Southwest, blending professional guiding with personal climbing adventures before heading to Mexico for our Alpine Ascents Volcanoes of Mexico expeditions.

Hannah has a gift for building strong and competent mountaineers, and fostering a sense of community on her expeditions whether three days or three weeks long. Her mix of technical ability, calm leadership, and enthusiasm for the mountains make her a steady presence in challenging environments. In 2025, Hannah joined the elite ranks of American IFMGA Guides. She is the 18th female American guide to earn the highest credential attainable by a professional mountain guide, affectionately known as her “PHD in guiding.”

Outside of guiding, Hannah enjoys live music, exploring tidepools and beaches, strong coffee (and beer), and flip-flop weather whenever she can find it.

Take 5 with the Guide

What’s always in your snack bag?
Japanese style peanuts! (which is actually a Mexican snack)

If you could be stuck with anyone (past or present) at base camp for a week, who would you choose?
Beyonce. duh.

What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not guiding?
I’m rock climbing, skiing, sleeping in, and staying up late hanging out with friends 

Most people don’t know that…
I have synesthesia, so I involuntarily see colors with other sensory input

One piece of advice for aspiring mountaineers
The lighter your mind is, the less work your body has to do.