Hannah McGowan
Hannah is loosely based in Seattle and spends her time throughout the year climbing and skiing in a wide variety of terrain. She typically spends the fall months rock climbing in the American desert southwest, and springtime in Alaska working as a heli ski guide in the Chugach. She spends early summer in the Alaska Range, before returning to the Cascades to enjoy alpine climbing for the rest of the summer months. Hannah is also an Aquarius who loves long walks on the beach (especially ones with tidepools) live music, strong beer/coffee and wearing flip flops.
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?
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not guiding?
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.
Significant Ascents
Denali – 6 expeditions, 5 summits
Aconcagua – 3 expeditions, 2 summits
Pico de Orizaba
Iztaccihuatl
Rainier – 30+ summits via 3 routes
Baker via 2 routes
Mount Hood, ski descent
Mount Shuksan via 2 routes
Saipal (7031m, Nepal) expedition
Ski traverse, Pika Glacier to Denali Basecamp
Trek to Everest Basecamp
Personal expedition to the Ruth Gorge, AK Range
Personal expedition to the Pika Glacier, AK Range
10 day solo kayaking trip Valdez to Whittier, Prince William Sound, AK
Rock climbs in the western US, Canada, Argentina, Mexico, Thailand and Australia
Certifications
Wilderness First Responder / CPR
Emergency Medical Technician
Avalanche Pro 2
AIARE Avalanche Instructor
AMGA Certified Rock Guide
AMGA Certified Ski Guide
AMGA Alpine Guide Course
AMGA Ice Instructor Course
Leave No Trace Trainer
Just a quick note to tell you what a wonderful time I had on the Mexican Volcanoes Expedition. The program was excellent throughout, and exceeded my expectations. Willi is a fine guide and leader, and I would not hesitate to climb with him again.