Ep 1. Before the Freeze

Before the Freeze is the first episode of the first season of the reality television series Alaska: The Last Frontier. In this episode, we are introduced to the Kilchers, an Alaskan family who lives completely off the grid in a remote area just outside of Homer, Alaska.

The episode starts by showcasing the beauty of the Alaska wilderness - snow-capped mountains, thick forests, and icy streams. The Kilcher family, however, isn't interested in just the view - they rely on this wilderness for their survival.

We meet Atz Kilcher, the patriarch of the family, who has lived on this land for over 70 years. Atz was born in Switzerland in 1947 and his parents escaped from Europe to Alaska when he was just a child. They moved to establish a homestead in what is now known as Homer. Atz learned how to hunt, fish, and farm from an early age to help provide for his family. Atz's son, Atz Lee, and his wife, Jane, are also featured in this episode. They are responsible for running their own homestead and providing for their three children.

The Kilchers are preparing for the fall and winter months, which are the toughest seasons in Alaska. During the winter, temperatures can drop to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, and the family must store enough food to last them the entire season. The episode follows them as they gather supplies, hunt for food, and repair their homestead before the freeze.

We get a glimpse of the family's unique way of life - they use a horse and cart to haul supplies, they grow their own food, and they fish for salmon in the nearby streams. Jane and Atz Lee take their children camping, and we see them teaching their kids how to set up tents and build fires. It's clear that this family values hard work, self-reliance, and the simple things in life.

Throughout the episode, we also learn about the history of the area and the challenges the Kilchers face living off the land. Atz talks about how he and his family first arrived in Alaska with nothing but a few belongings and the desire to make a better life. He also shares how his family faced many obstacles, including wildfires, storms, and harsh winters.

Before the Freeze sets the tone for the rest of the season by highlighting the Kilcher family's daily struggles and triumphs. We see the family come together to work towards their common goal of surviving the Alaskan wilderness. The episode beautifully captures the spirit of Alaska's homesteading culture and the resilience of the people who call it home.

Overall, the first episode of Alaska: The Last Frontier is an engaging and informative introduction to the Kilcher family and their lifestyle. It's clear that this series offers a unique glimpse into a way of life that many of us may never experience. If you're interested in learning about the art of survival in one of the harshest environments on earth, this show is definitely one to watch.