With film parts in The Approach and Faction’s Abstract , Rouches is re-setting the bar for up-and-coming skiers in the Pacific Northwest. Rouches has also witnessed what is possible with her roles in the ski film series, The Approach , which features a diverse set of ski athletes collaborating to access new terrain and experiences. In the series, director and editor Anne Cleary empowers Rouches and the other athletes to have a say in how their footage is used, in order to show a more authentic representation of all that goes into getting the glory shots of perfect turns in untouched snow under cloudless skies. Cleary said, “All too often, brands have a pre-existing idea of the role they want female pros to play. They don’t ask the athlete what they would like to accomplish with a shoot. But Sophia’s own unique perspective on skiing is way more interesting and relevant—and makes for a better film.” The Approach series shows Rouches jumping the Baker road gap but also details the crew of skiers encouraging each other through their uncertainties and the unfortunate risk of “The Falcon,” Rouches’ 1990 converted campervan, running out of fuel due to a broken gas gauge. And all of this happens alongside the mentorship and companionship of Backstrom. “Sophia is so gifted and skis so beautifully,” Backstrom says. “But she still puts in the work, whether she’s out there building a jump, digging a pit to evaluate avy danger or backing up someone else so they can progress to their next level. She just loves skiing for all of the right reasons—and that really comes through.” Since The Approach first came out, it cracked open a new space in ski media with a subsequent increase in new female-led ski films. The audience is out there. They just needed to be shown what was possible. And, within that, the definitions of what makes a successful ski pro can continue to evolve. In Rouches’ world, it’s no longer just about conquering peak experiences, but setting an authentic, sustainable track for others to follow. “We still have a long way to go,” Rouches says. “But I’m trying to play the game well enough to support myself and leverage that to bring in others. Step-by-step we’ll update the game itself.” 080 The Ski Journal
The Ski Journal Volume 17, Issue 4: Page 80
