Sonnie Trotter (born 15 November 1979) is a Canadian professional climber, known for his strength in many rock climbing disciplines â particularly traditional climbing â and contributing to hundreds of first free ascents around the world.
Trotter began climbing in 1997 at age 16 and became the first Canadian to climb at grade 5.14c, and the third North American to make the first free ascent of a graded route. In later years, Trotter became known for his traditional climbing routes, and his first free ascent of the Cobra Crack in Squamish, British Columbia. In 2006, Trotter and climbing partner Matt Segal, connected The Shadow (5.13b), The Grand Wall (5.13b), and The Black Dyke (5.13b), on the Stawamus Chief in Squamish, in a single 12-hour push.
He currently works at Elevation Place in Canmore, Alberta. He lives in Canmore with his wife, daughter and son. In 2025, he published a book of his climbing experiences "Uplifted: The Evolution of a Climbing Life". In 2025, he started a YouTube interview series "Stronger than you think" about modern training techniques. Interview subjects include climbers Josh Muller, Connor Herson, Jacopo Larcher, Babsi Zangerl, Matt Samet, and Josh Wharton.
Trotter has been featured in three award-winning films. "The Cobra Crack", won the best short film at the BIMFF in 2006. "If you're not falling" won Best Short Film at BIMFF in 2008 and "First Ascent" is the winner of multiple awards. Trotter is also prominently featured in the opening scenes of the hit motion picture 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2' being chased by Bella while free soloing."