Sean Villanueva: Scarpa Climbing team

Climbing - Belgium

Sean Villanueva

The real summit is not on the top of the mountain, it's inside yourself.

Sean Villanueva started climbing at the age of 13, immediately drawn to the adventurous spirit of the sport. Since then, climbing has become his way of exploring both the world and himself.

Over the past 15 years, he has tackled big walls in free climbing style across some of the most remote and wild regions on Earth: from Patagonia to Pakistan, Greenland to Baffin Island, and from Venezuela to China. Each expedition is a deep immersion in nature—an experience that goes far beyond the realm of sport.

Sean thrives on the unpredictability of adventure, the raw connection with the elements, and the long periods of waiting shaped by wind and snow. In those moments, he always carries his tin whistle. Playing music helps him stay present, release tension, and embrace the now—especially during long storms in the mountains.

When not on expedition, he trains for the next journey, travels to climbing areas, and spends time editing films to share the stories that unfold out there—where the road ends, and the unknown begins.

FAVOURITE PRODUCT

VELOCE

Indoor climbing shoe with velcro closure

"Playing reminds you to fully experience the moment, to enjoy it, and to remember that the next pitch isn’t the most important thing."

Sean Villanueva

Sean’s Most Iconic Achievements

Creative Spirit – Always carrying his tin whistle, Sean blends climbing, music, and humor to bring a unique, joyful energy to the vertical world—captured in films like Vertical Sailing and The Asgard Jamming.

2021 – MoonWalk Traverse - First solo traverse of the Fitz Roy Massif (Patagonia): A groundbreaking, self-supported ascent across seven peaks in one of the most demanding alpine environments on Earth. His second Piolet d’Or.

2010 – Greenland Big Wall Trilogy (Ukpik, Nalumasortoq, Ulamertorsuaq): Free ascents of three massive walls with Nico Favresse and team, earning them the Piolet d’Or for style and commitment.

Pakistan Expeditions – Opened new routes and freed existing lines on legendary walls like Great Trango Tower and Shipton Spire, climbing in pure alpine style.

Multi-Pitch Climbing Shoes