Unseen Peaks
After enduring discrimination and trauma due to her blindness, Addie seeks freedom through skiing, ice climbing, and rock climbing, facing both the challenges of these activities and acceptance within the outdoor community as a person with a disability.
Unseen Peaks was entirely produced, directed, filmed, and edited by Roo Smith
The chairlift hummed softly as it carried me to the top of the mountain, my heart racing beneath the heavy weight of anticipation. It wasn’t fear of the usual kind—no steep chutes or narrow couloirs awaited me at the summit. Instead, I’d be skiing blindfolded for the first time, led by the calm voice of an adaptive sports guide. It was my attempt to step into Addie’s world, to understand what it feels like to navigate the unpredictable terrain of the outdoors without sight. What I didn’t expect was how much this experience would redefine me as a filmmaker and a storyteller.
This is the story of how Unseen Peaks came to life - a film that has brought me to eight film festivals across the globe, secured my first Emmy nomination, and premiered at nearly 100 AMC theaters nationwide. But more than the accolades, this journey taught me about resilience, empathy, and the universal power of outdoor adventure.
FINDING THE STORY
When I first heard about Addie, I knew immediately that her story had to be told. Here was a woman navigating some of the most extreme outdoor challenges - skiing, climbing, ice climbing - all while blind. But it wasn’t just her athleticism that captivated me. It was her determination to redefine how people viewed her and others like her.
“I don’t want people to see me as a blind athlete,” she said during our first conversation. “I want them to see me as a climber, a skier, a person who loves the outdoors.” That single line became the heartbeat of Unseen Peaks.
As someone who grew up immersed in the outdoors, I’ve always felt at home among mountains, oceans, and forests. The ability to explore these spaces freely has shaped who I am. Addie’s story challenged me to imagine what it might be like to navigate these same places with different abilities - and to still find joy, freedom, and connection within them.
Addie’s openness during our initial conversations made it clear that this film would need to dig deeper than just her feats on the mountain. It would need to show the emotional and mental strength she brought to each challenge, as well as the trust she placed in the guides who helped her. This wasn’t just an adventure story; it was a human story about resilience, adaptability, and reimagining possibilities.
GAINING EMPATHY THROUGH Experential Pre-Production
Before filming began, I realized I had a steep learning curve ahead of me. I had documented countless outdoor adventures, but I had no experience working with someone who relied on senses other than sight to navigate those environments. To tell Addie’s story authentically, I needed to educate myself and immerse myself in her world.
The night before our first shoot, I stayed up researching visual impairment etiquette. I Googled everything from “how to guide a blind skier” to “common misconceptions about blindness.” While I felt awkward searching for such basic information, I knew I needed to approach this project with humility. My role wasn’t just to document—it was to honor her story.
On our first day together, Addie’s adaptive sports guide suggested I try skiing blindfolded. The idea terrified me, but I knew it was the right thing to do. If I wanted to capture the trust, vulnerability, and courage that defined Addie’s experiences, I needed to feel it myself.
MY EXPERIENCE SKIING BLINDFOLDED
Standing at the base of Eldora Ski Resort, I adjusted the blacked-out goggles over my eyes and clipped into my skis. Instantly, my world shrank. My balance wavered as I stumbled through the lift line, relying entirely on my guide’s arm. Every sound around me—the crunch of boots on snow, the hum of the lift—seemed magnified and overwhelming.
When we reached the top of the lift, my guide began giving simple commands: “Left. Right. Stop.” At first, my movements were hesitant and clumsy. Each turn felt like a leap of faith, as though the mountain might shift beneath me at any moment. The wind howled, drowning out his voice at times, and I felt a surge of panic whenever I lost connection with him.
At one point, I froze mid-run, convinced I was about to collide with an obstacle. My guide calmly reassured me that I was safe, but the fear lingered. It was a visceral reminder of how much trust Addie must place in her guides—and herself—every time she ventures onto the slopes.
That short, wobbly run taught me more than I could have learned from any book or article. It gave me a glimpse into Addie’s world, not just the challenges she faces but the joy and liberation she finds in overcoming them. It also deepened my commitment to telling her story in a way that honored her perspective
Filming Addie’s World
With a new sense of purpose, I began filming Addie’s adventures. Each day presented its own challenges and rewards, from the technical logistics of capturing her movements to the emotional depth of her reflections.
Ice Climbing
One of the first major sequences I shot was an ice climbing expedition. Addie tackled a frozen waterfall, her ice axes swinging with precision as she ascended. Her climbing partner guided her with steady commands, helping her navigate the icy terrain.
For me, this was one of the most visually stunning parts of the film. The stark contrast between the shimmering ice and Addie’s colorful climbing gear created a cinematic backdrop. But the real magic was in her movements—the deliberate way she searched for footholds and the confidence she exuded as she rose higher.
Filming this sequence was no easy feat. Ice climbing is inherently dangerous, and balancing safety with creativity required careful planning. I used drones for wide-angle shots that showcased the grandeur of the frozen landscape and handheld cameras for close-ups of Addie’s concentrated expressions. Every shot reinforced the film’s theme of resilience and determination.
Skiing
If ice climbing was about precision, skiing was about flow. On the slopes, Addie seemed completely at ease, her guide’s voice guiding her through smooth turns. Her laughter echoed across the mountain, a sound of pure joy that was impossible not to smile at.
Capturing these moments required me to snowboard alongside her, keeping pace while staying out of her guide’s way. One of the most rewarding parts of this shoot was designing the soundscape in post-production. By amplifying the guide’s voice and layering in the crunch of snow and the rush of wind, I created an auditory experience that mirrored Addie’s perspective.
Rock Climbing
In contrast to the high-adrenaline outdoor scenes, the climbing gym offered a quieter, more intimate setting. Here, we filmed Addie’s meticulous process of “scanning” the rock wall with her hands. She paused often, assessing each hold’s shape and texture before deciding her next move.
This sequence highlighted the mental aspect of climbing—problem-solving, focus, and adaptability. It also provided a glimpse into the patience and persistence that define Addie’s approach to every challenge she faces.
INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVALS TOUR
Once Unseen Peaks was complete, I had no idea what kind of reception it would receive. I believed in the film and in Addie’s story, but the leap from personal conviction to public acclaim can feel like a canyon. I began submitting it to film festivals, not knowing how audiences would react.
The first acceptance came from Mountainfilm in Telluride, and I remember that moment vividly. Mountainfilm is a renowned platform for outdoor and adventure documentaries, and being selected felt like a huge validation. Addie’s story had a place among some of the most compelling outdoor narratives of the year.
Attending the festival in Telluride was surreal. The audience’s reaction during the screening was electric - laughing at Addie’s quick wit, holding their breath during her daring climbs, and tearing up during her reflections on resilience and identity. The Q&A afterward was equally moving. Audience members asked thoughtful, heartfelt questions, many of them sharing how Addie’s story inspired them to face their own challenges.
Internationally, the film also resonated. When Unseen Peaks was screened in the UK, I was struck by how universal its themes were. During one Q&A, an audience member shared how their own experience of navigating life with a disability mirrored some of Addie’s struggles and triumphs. Moments like that reminded me of why I make films—to create connections and foster empathy across seemingly disparate experiences.
THE AMC PREMIERE - SEEING MY WORK ON THE BIG SCREEN
One of the most surreal moments of this journey was the AMC premiere. Knowing Unseen Peaks would screen in nearly 100 theaters nationwide felt like an incredible milestone—not just for the film, but for my career as a filmmaker.
I’ll never forget walking into the theater on opening night. Seeing the film’s title on the marquee and hearing the quiet buzz of anticipation as the audience settled into their seats was exhilarating. As the lights dimmed and the opening sequence began, I found myself scanning the audience for their reactions. Watching them laugh, gasp, and even wipe away tears was more rewarding than any accolade.
For Addie, I imagine it was just as significant. Her story was being shared on a scale neither of us could have predicted. The visibility it gave her journey—and by extension, the adaptive sports community—was something we both hoped would inspire others to embrace their own “unseen peaks.”
THE EMMY NOMINATION
The news of the Emmy nomination came in a flurry of texts and emails. At first, I thought someone was joking. When I saw the official announcement, it finally sunk in: Unseen Peaks had been recognized on one of the most prestigious stages in the world of storytelling.
The nomination wasn’t just a personal milestone, one that validated a lot of quiet days working in solitude to make a lot of my films you see here on my website, it was a testament to the power of Addie’s story and her courage to share it with the world. For me, it was a moment of profound gratitude. Gratitude for Addie’s trust, for the guides who supported her on and off camera, and for every person who watched the film and saw themselves reflected in her journey.
REFLECTIONS ON THE JOURNEY
Looking back, I realize that Unseen Peaks wasn’t just a film about Addie—it was also a story about growth, both hers and mine. As a filmmaker, I learned to approach my craft with greater empathy and intentionality. Skiing blindfolded, climbing alongside Addie, and navigating the emotional complexities of her story pushed me outside my comfort zone in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
Empathy is often romanticized, but the truth is, it’s uncomfortable. It requires vulnerability and a willingness to confront your own assumptions and limitations. For me, that meant asking questions I was embarrassed not to know the answers to, stepping into situations where I felt completely out of my depth, and trusting others to guide me—literally and figuratively.
Through it all, Addie’s unwavering spirit was a source of inspiration. Her ability to find freedom, clarity, and joy in the outdoors reminded me of why I fell in love with these spaces in the first place. It also challenged me to think more deeply about how we can make the outdoors accessible and welcoming for everyone.
The Universal Power of Storytelling
What struck me most during this journey was how universal Addie’s story is. At its core, Unseen Peaks isn’t just about adaptive sports or overcoming disability—it’s about the human desire for connection, freedom, and purpose.
Whether you’re climbing a literal mountain or navigating the metaphorical peaks and valleys of life, Addie’s journey serves as a reminder that we’re all capable of more than we imagine. Her courage and determination challenge us to look beyond our perceived limitations and embrace the challenges that come our way.
As a filmmaker, my hope is that Unseen Peaks sparks conversations—about inclusion, resilience, and the transformative power of the outdoors. If even one person walks away from the film feeling inspired to try something new, connect with someone different from them, or push through their own fears, then I’ll consider this journey a success.
CONCLUSION: GRATITUDE AND GROWTH
As I write this, I’m filled with gratitude—for Addie, who trusted me with her story; for the incredible team who brought this film to life; and for the audiences who have embraced it so wholeheartedly.
Unseen Peaks has been more than a film. It’s been a journey of personal and professional growth, a celebration of resilience, and a call to action to create a more inclusive world.
This journey has reminded me why I tell stories: to connect, to inspire, and to shine a light on the unseen.
And for that, I’ll always be grateful.
Unseen Peaks is not just a documentary; it's a call to action.
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Roo is a Emmy nominated documentary filmmaker and photographer based in Boulder, Colorado but travels all around the world for his filmmaking career. He has directed documentaries for Patagonia in California, produced films for Outside Magazine throughout Europe and Africa, camera operated for Netflix in the Rocky Mountain West, photographed among indigenous communities in South America, and has received notable recognition in his hometown of Orcas Island in Washington State for his work telling uplifting stories in the outdoor space.