In this interview, we meet Roser Sánchez, a true #OutdoorLover who takes us by the hand on this exciting personal journey in which outdoor sports and nature form a key part of her day-to-day life.
Tell me a bit about yourself and how you got into the outdoor world
Roser, who has always been in love and passionate about outdoor sports, reflects on how they have influenced her life.
Roser: From a very young age, I have always been a restless ass, full of curiosity and with a passion for adventure and sport. When I was only three years old, I started skiing and skating, and since then I haven’t stopped: I’ve jumped from sport to sport, always looking for new challenges and thrills.
Handball taught me the importance of teamwork, swimming gave me strength and endurance, while boxing helped me connect with my inner strength. I am not only attracted to the physical aspect of the activity, but also to the sense of freedom and connection with nature that I experience every time I go outdoors.
Running on forest trails, doing via ferratas in natural environments or scuba diving makes me feel full of energy. Monotony has no place in my life, I am always looking for new challenges and new adventures.
Thanks to working in RocRoi, I have had the opportunity to try out activities such as mushing, snowmobiling, canyoning and rafting. Each of these experiences has been an incredible and fun adventure that has allowed me to get closer to the outdoor world.
What is your favourite adventure sport and why?
Roser: My favourite adventure sport would definitely be skiing. There is something special about gliding down the snowy mountains that I haven’t found in any other activity. Maybe it’s because it’s the sport I’ve been doing for the longest time, and it always brings back the best memories with my family and friends.
The feeling of speed combined with the freedom to move through the winter landscape is simply unmatched. It’s as if all my problems evaporate while I’m on the slopes, and I have a smile on my face the whole time.
But when the temperatures melt the snow, there is nothing that makes me feel freer than mountain hiking and vias ferratas. The feeling of being alone in front of the immensity of the landscape in front of me is simply indescribable.
Could you share your best memory or experience practicing this sport?
Roser: One of the most unforgettable skiing experiences I have ever had was during the snow season in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada in 2019. After saving for two long years, I was finally able to make my dream of skiing in one of the most iconic places in the world come true.
With my visa in hand, I set off for this magical place and found a job in a hotel near the Blackcomb ski slopes. Throughout the season, I had the opportunity to ski every day after work. Those months were a period of pure happiness and excitement.
The Whistler mountains offered me breathtaking scenery, with landscapes that took my breath away. The snow was so dense and abundant that I had to rediscover my skiing technique.
That season was a perfect combination of work, adventure and personal discovery. Every time I think back to those days, my heart fills with joy. It is a memory that I will carry with me forever and ever as one of the most valuable and enriching experiences of my life.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the outdoor sector (or your sport) today?
Roser reflects on the current situation faced by the sector and stresses the important role we play in the conservation and protection of our natural environment.
Roser: The biggest challenges facing the outdoor sector, and in particular the world of skiing, are undoubtedly the impacts of climate change. It is becoming increasingly evident how the climate is changing: winters are warmer, snowfalls are less frequent and snow seasons are shorter.
As a nature lover and sports enthusiast, seeing the effects of climate change first-hand is worrying. Higher temperatures and lack of consistent snowfall affect not only the conditions on the ski slopes, but also the flora and fauna of our natural environments.
It is important to recognise this reality and work collectively to preserve our natural spaces and ensure that future generations can enjoy the same experiences that we have had. Climate change forces us to rethink the way we interact with our environment and reminds us of the fragility and importance of nature in our daily lives.
What advice would you give to someone who has never practiced this adventure sport?
Roser: One of the most important aspects is to keep an open and positive attitude. Skiing may seem a little intimidating at first, but don’t be afraid of falling, it’s part of the learning process. Remember that we’ve all started at one time or another, and every time you hit the slopes, you’ll improve and gain confidence.
Practice is key. Make the most of every opportunity to practice and experiment with different terrain and snow conditions. And above all, enjoy every moment! Skiing is magical, it will take you to spectacular landscapes and offers a sense of freedom and adventure you won’t find anywhere else. So grab your skis and let yourself be carried away by the snow!
What RocRoi platform activity would you like to do that you haven’t tried yet?
Roser shares with us which outdoor activity she is looking forward to try with us at RocRoi, which we hope will happen very soon.
Roser: I’m really looking forward to try kitesurf! I am from Terres de l’Ebre, and it has always attracted my attention to see the people on the Trabucador beach enjoying this fun sport.
As an adventure-loving girl, kitesurfing is definitely at the top of my bucket list. Imagining myself flying over the water, powered by the wind and controlling the kite makes me curious. I’m sure it will be an amazing experience, full of adrenaline and fun.
