Introduction

Sanni McCandless is far more than the wife of legendary free solo climber Alex Honnold. She is a life coach, outdoor entrepreneur, author-in-progress, and emotional anchor behind one of the world’s most daring athletes. While Honnold continues to redefine what is possible in human endurance—most recently scaling Taiwan’s 101-floor Taipei 101 skyscraper without ropes or safety equipment—Sanni McCandless stands as a powerful figure of resilience, balance, and purpose.

This biography explores who Sanni McCandless truly is, her journey, her relationship with Alex Honnold, and why her story matters now more than ever.

Who Is Sanni McCandless?

Sanni McCandless is an American life coach, outdoor retreat founder, and writer best known as the wife of Free Solo star Alex Honnold. She co-founded the outdoor retreat series Outwild, runs Sanni McCandless Coaching, and is currently writing a children’s book titled Be a Mountain.

Her work centers on helping people realign their values, reconnect with nature, and design intentional lives.

Their Connection to Alex Honnold

Sanni is married to Alex Honnold, the world-famous climber who rose to global fame after his rope-free ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite, captured in the Oscar-winning documentary Free Solo (2018).

They met in 2015 at one of Alex’s book signings in Seattle. Sanni, who didn’t even know who he was at the time, left her phone number after finding him “cute and funny.” That simple moment began one of the most compelling love stories in modern adventure culture.

Why Sanni Is Relevant Now

Recently, Alex Honnold made headlines after successfully climbing Taiwan’s Taipei 101, a 508-meter (1,667-foot) skyscraper, without ropes, harnesses, or safety equipment. The climb was streamed live on Netflix with a delay mechanism in place in case of emergency.

While millions watched in awe and fear, Sanni stood at the base and later at the 60th floor, offering calm support. Her composed reaction—“I’m breezy”—captured the strength she has developed living beside someone who constantly dances with danger.

Early Life & Childhood

Sanni McCandless was born in Washington State. She spent her childhood hiking and backpacking with her family. At age 11, her family relocated to North Carolina due to her father’s work, where she lived for the next 11 years.

She has described her upbringing as deeply grounding, though she hadn’t yet discovered climbing during that period.

Family Background, Parents & Siblings

Sanni has kept details about her parents largely private, but she credits them for cultivating her love of nature and independence.
She has a sister who introduced her to rock climbing, which eventually became central to her relationship with Alex and her own lifestyle.

Her family background reflects balance: structured values mixed with adventure and emotional awareness.

Education

Sanni attended college in North Carolina, though the specific institution has not been publicly disclosed. Her education laid the foundation for her later transition from tech to coaching and entrepreneurship.

Career & Profession

Before becoming a life coach, Sanni worked at an energy-efficiency-focused tech startup in Seattle. Feeling disconnected from corporate life, she left her job to travel and reassess her direction.

She later earned certification as a life coach and founded Sanni McCandless Coaching, specializing in:

• Value alignment

• Mindset clarity

• Life transitions

• Communication

In 2018, she co-founded Outwild alongside Courtney Sanford and Jeremy Jensen. Outwild hosts immersive outdoor retreats designed to help participants reset emotionally and reconnect with purpose through nature.

Connection to Alex Honnold

After meeting in 2015, Sanni quit her job in 2016 to travel across Europe with Alex. Their bond deepened through adventure, vulnerability, and honest conversations.

They married in September 2020 in a small lakeside ceremony.

Alex once admitted he feared choosing between “love or greatness.” Sanni famously responded:
“Why not both?”

That philosophy now defines their marriage.

Personal Life & Children

Sanni and Alex have two daughters:

• June Honnold, born in 2022

• Alice Honnold, born in 2024

They live in Las Vegas, chosen for its unmatched access to world-class climbing.

Despite Alex’s extreme pursuits, Sanni balances motherhood, entrepreneurship, and emotional grounding with remarkable calm.

Net Worth

Sanni McCandless’ estimated net worth ranges between $500,000 and $1 million, derived from coaching, retreats, partnerships, and publishing work.

Alex Honnold’s net worth is estimated between $3 million and $5 million.

Interesting Facts

• She left her phone number for Alex on a table after their first meeting.

• She once officiated her best friend’s wedding while unknowingly pregnant.

• She is writing a children’s book titled Be a Mountain.

• She co-founded Outwild to get people “away from desks and into self-discovery.”

• She watched Alex climb Taipei 101 live from inside the building.

 

Recent News

In January 2026, Alex Honnold became the fastest person to free solo climb Taipei 101, completing the ascent in 1 hour and 31 minutes, beating Alain Robert’s four-hour record.

Sanni was present throughout the climb, expressing concern over heat and wind while maintaining emotional calm. Taiwan’s Vice-President even acknowledged the intensity of watching the feat.

Conclusion

Sanni McCandless is not merely the wife of a world-famous climber. She is a grounded leader, emotional strategist, and creative force shaping a life built on courage, intention, and partnership.

As Alex Honnold continues making history, Sanni stands as the quiet power behind the fearlessness—proof that strength isn’t always about climbing higher, but about holding steady when everything hangs in the balance.

FAQ

Who is Sanni McCandless?
Sanni McCandless is a life coach, entrepreneur, author, and the wife of Free Solo climber Alex Honnold.

How did Sanni McCandless meet Alex Honnold?
They met at a book signing in Seattle in 2015, where she left her phone number after hearing him speak.

What does Sanni McCandless do for a living?
She runs a coaching practice and co-founded Outwild, an outdoor retreat company.

How many children do Sanni McCandless and Alex Honnold have?
They have two daughters: June and Alice.

Why is Sanni McCandless trending now?
Because Alex Honnold recently scaled Taipei 101 without safety equipment, and Sanni was present throughout the historic climb.