Lead Photo Credit: Matt Tufts
Nat Segal is a skier—not just by trade but by soul. She’s lived her life carving arcs on mountainsides, chasing joy in the sharp sting of alpine air. But Mountain Joy, a new short film from Helly Hansen, reveals a deeper story. It’s not about steep peaks or first descents. It’s about redefining a life in the mountains when the body doesn’t cooperate. It’s about pain—the kind that doesn’t go away—and the grit it takes to keep moving forward.
The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
Photo Credit: Matt Tufts
For Nat, the pain started after a knee surgery in 2020. This pain, however, was not the ordinary ache one gets while recovering. It was unrelenting, radiating from her back like a fire that would not go out. For years, she pushed through, as skiers often do. After all, pain is part of the deal for competitive athletes, right? But when it persisted, long after it should have, Nat knew there had to be more to it. The eventual diagnosis? Ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic inflammatory arthritis that attacks the spine and joints.
Imagine that: being told the body you’ve depended on to carry out your profession has turned on you. Nat, however, didn’t retreat. She dug deep, determined to find a way forward no matter what the struggle.
Finding Joy in a New Normal
Photo Credit: Ryan Collins
Mountain Joy isn’t a film about triumph in the traditional sense. There’s no clean line, no clear cut resolution. Instead, it’s a lesson on how one can adjust to life’s curveballs. For Segal, this meant rethinking performance. It meant getting her body the rest needed it, even if it took stepping back from the mountains she loved.
In the outdoor world, where grit is glamorized and toughness is a badge of honor, Nat’s story is radical in a way that is unexpected. She shows us that resilience isn’t just about powering through; it’s about knowing when to pause, recalibrate and heal.
The Mountains as Medicine
Photo Credit: Matt Tufts
The heart of Mountain Joy beats with a truth that many outdoor lovers know: the mountains heal. For Nat, even in her darkest days, the peaks called her back. As it turned out, skiing wasn’t just a job—it was her therapy. It reminded her of what her body could do, even when it felt broken.
“My aim in creating this project is to give people permission to show up in the outdoors where they are at, go at their own pace and hopefully share the idea that you don’t have to push through pain to find joy in the mountains,’ says Nat Segal.
Through her story, Nat extends an invitation: to see the outdoors not just as a playground, but as a transformative location. Whether you’re battling chronic pain, recovering from injury or just navigating life’s challenges, the mountains have a way of keeping your centered. In them they hold lessons in patience, perspective and, of course, joy.
Behind the Camera: Helly Hansen’s Commitment to Authenticity
Helly Hansen didn’t just produce Mountain Joy; they championed a story that transcends skiing. With cinematography by Ryan Collins and Matt Tufts, the film captures not just the sweeping beauty of snow-covered peaks but the quieter moments of struggle and reflection. It’s a testament to the brand’s dedication to showcasing the real lives of outdoor adventurers, their highs, their lows and everything in between.
A Story That Stays With You
At its core, Mountain Joy is more than a film. It’s a reminder that joy isn’t about perfection. It’s about process. It is a reminder to show up, day after day, even when the odds feel stacked. As Nat Segal glides through powder fields and pauses to take in the view, she teaches us something profound: that the mountains don’t demand greatness. They just ask that we show up and then they take it from there.
Watch Mountain Joy Today
Ready to be inspired? Mountain Joy premiered on Helly Hansen’s YouTube channel December 16. Let Nat Segal’s story remind you of the power of persistence and the healing embrace of nature. Whether you’re a lifelong skier or someone who finds peace in a simple hike, this film will leave you thinking about your own relationship with the outdoors—and with yourself.
About the Author
Rich Stoner is the founder of the après-ski lifestyle clothing and media brand, All About Après. He is also the co-host of the Beyond the Après podcast. No stranger to the ski and après-ski scene, Rich has been a long time contributor for many publications on topics like skiing, gear, beer and food. However, his passion is on the slopes and enjoying good times with good people. You can find him perfecting his craft carving turns and drinking beers in the Green Mountains of Vermont. @allaboutapres