Sean Villanueva O'Driscoll

About

Belgium

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Sean started sport climbing in Belgium at the age of 13 and progressed to what is now his specialty, free climbing big walls and off-width cracks in preferably harsh conditions and playing his Irish flute. He received a Piolet d'Or in 2010 for his big wall first ascents in Greenland. He made the first reverse ascent of the Fitz Traverse, solo, in 2021.

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Latest News & Articles

News posts and Articles featuring Sean

News Sean Villanueva O'Driscoll makes solo completion of new Torres del Paine traverse

Sean Villanueva O'Driscoll has completed a four-day solo traverse across the Torres del Paine skyline.

4 14 Mar

Fri Night Vid Slabducation - La Pedriza

This week's Friday Night Video is a trip to one of the world's most brutal climbing areas: La Pedriza, Spain. Sharp rock, long run outs and a complete lack of holds often strike fear into the hearts of climbers but are also among some of the factors that...

6 3 Feb, 2023

News 2021 - A Year of Climbing News

The second year of the pandemic was another strange one. The year began with another lockdown in the UK; climbing walls were shut and advice was to stay local - another tough time for anyone who loves the outdoors. But there were some positives throughout the...

30 Dec, 2021

The Ticklist #24 - Women on a Rampage and New Alpine Routes

This week's ticklist is female-led, with some bouldering and alpine ascents thrown in for good...

9 Apr, 2021

News Reverse Fitz Traverse Solo by Sean Villanueva O'Driscoll

Belgian climber and musician Sean Villanueva O'Driscoll has made the second ascent of the...

24 12 Feb, 2021

Latest Reviews for Sean's Sponsors

Reviews from the UKC editorial team

Scarpa Mescalito TRK Pro GTX Men's and Women's Boots

"This feels like a nice 3-season walking boot that Scarpa have tried to winterise, without actually making it properly crampon compatible..." say Graham Uney and Sharon Kennedy. But for largely non-snowy use, and assuming the lack of half sizes...

5 26 Feb

Performance Headtorches - Petzl Nao RL, Silva FREE and Black Diamond Distance 1500

Torch technology moves on fast, and the latest generation of high power models are mind-bogglingly bright. Here we compare three headtorches that feature a dazzling 1000+ lumens of output. While they all...

26 2 Feb

Patagonia Super Free Alpine Jacket

Making use of Gore's new PFC-free technology, this is an interesting lightweight mountain shell, says Dan Bailey - and one that treads that bit lighter on the planet, too. But is he entirely sold on the cut..?

7 Jan

Scarpa Veloce Lace - Intermediate Performance Meets Beginner Comfort

On paper, perhaps the Veloce Lace shouldn't work, says Tim Hill; and yet it really does....

15 15 Dec, 2023

Gear of the Year 2023

Our reviewers see a lot of gear, and while most is pretty good there will always be a few real stand-outs. Looking back over the last...

6 Dec, 2023

Patagonia Triolet Jacket - PFC-Free, and Built to Take Abuse

Featuring Gore's new PFC-free ePE membrane, the Triolet is a superb and very burly shell, says Rob...

12 3 Nov, 2023

Recycled Gear - Reducing Our Impact

With a growing awareness of environmental issues, and the urgent need for greater sustainability, many outdoor brands...

3 3 Oct, 2023

Latest News from Sean's Sponsors

Announcements direct from manufacturers

CWIF 16-17th March 2024 - Registration now open!

Join us on Saturday 16th - Sunday 17th March, climb alongside some of the best climbers in the world on problems set by some of the world's best routesetters.

8 Mar

Scarpa Mescalito Mids - Save 35%

Save 35% and pick up a pair of comfortable, lightweight, three-season hiking boots for just £149! Get ready for summer trekking, hiking and walking adventures.

17 May, 2023

SCARPA steps forward to sponsor mountain running events

SCARPA has signed up as title sponsor of the Great Lakeland 3Day for the next three editions of the event. In addition, the brand will become the exclusive footwear sponsor of the Montane Dragon's Back Race. Both are organised by...

31 Oct, 2022