Finding the Way Back: How the Mountains Healed a Soul

For Christine Bérubé-Martin, the path to the peaks wasn’t a straight line. It was a winding, often difficult journey that began in Gaspésie, Québec, and led her through the depths of personal loss before delivering her to the vast, quiet wilderness of the Yukon and British Columbia.

In the latest episode of Rab Team Mountain People, produced by Pilchard Productions, we follow Christine to Sol Mountain Lodge during the winter solstice. It is here, amidst the rugged beauty of the Monashee Mountains, that she reflects on a life reclaimed. Once a child who felt most alive in a tent under the stars, Christine lost her way following the death of her mother at age ten. After years of struggling with addiction and a lost sense of direction, she found her "anchor" in the backcountry.

"That's where I felt my utmost self. It brought the little child out of me... that child that liked being outdoors. That is what actually brings the kid out of me every day I go out there." — [02:57]

The Balance: Nursing and the Backcountry

Now a nurse in the Yukon, Christine balances the high-stakes, emotionally heavy environment of the hospital floor with the restorative silence of the mountains. She views her time on a splitboard not just as a hobby, but as a necessity for her mental well-being. By choosing the right partners—whether on a medical "dream team" or a skin track—she has learned that vulnerability is a strength and presence is the ultimate goal.

Christine’s story is a reminder that the mountains don't just offer adrenaline; they offer a reset. She describes her lifestyle as a way to "grow young," maintaining the wonder of that ten-year-old girl who never wanted to go back inside. For her, the energy needed to be a "jolly nurse" for her patients is cultivated directly from her "missions" in the wild [03:28].

Key Highlights from the Film:

• Location: Filmed on location at Sol Mountain Lodge in the Monashee Mountains, BC.

• The Message: Exploring the intersection of professional burnout, grief recovery, and the healing power of nature.

• The Team: A collaboration between Rab and Pilchard Productions (Ben Howells).

Watch the Short Film:

Ready to be inspired? Watch the full episode of Team Mountain People featuring Christine Bérubé-Martin below: