Rating: WI6
Length: 400 meters
Pitches: 6
Gordie Howe is the steep, high water flow formation in a prominent south facing drainage on Hat-Trick mountain. The route overlooks the broken lower portion of whiteout glacier.
The route starts up a large apron which leads to the bergshrund, and follows a narrow choke of ice and neve up to wi3 for 200 meters. Once up to the main amphitheater of ice, there are many options to the top. We climbed the steep middle pillar, involving an 80m pitch of wi4+, 60m of wi5, and a wild 50m pitch of wi6 to the top.
The drainage is under a significant avalanche prone slope, timing is crucial for a safe ascent.
FA: Benjamin Lieber, Thomas Kempinski; 2026-03-05
Descent: Rappel the route
Posted by: Tom Kempinski, March 20, 2026
Lat/Long: 61°10'39.9"N 148°46'32.1"W
Our party charted a Robinson 44 helicopter through Alaska Helicopter Tours. Snow machine access is possible with some shenanigans in the Knik pinch, 40+ miles from Jim creek trailhead.
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