Moonwalking | Behind the scenes of Sean Villanueva’s solo Fitz Roy traverse

Over five days in February 2021, Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll completed the first solo traverse of the Fitz Roy massif in Patagonia. He set out on February 5th with borrowed gear, a borrowed rope, and a few essentials—including his tin whistle—to accomplish what is now being called one of the most impressive climbs ever done in Patagonia. With a nod to the first ascent of the Fitz Traverse by Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold from the north end of the massif to south in 2014, Sean called his south-to-north route The Moonwalk Traverse. Sean captured his celebration of every peak (and his 40th birthday) so we join him at the highpoints of his achievement.