Ep 1. A Mild Winter

In season 4, episode 1 of Alaska: The Last Frontier, titled "A Mild Winter," the Kilchers brace themselves for a winter with much less snow than usual in Homer, Alaska. The family is used to dealing with harsh winters, but the mild weather brings a new set of challenges.

Eivin and Eve Kilcher find themselves with an unexpected issue when they discover a leak in their greenhouse. Without the usual insulation of snow on the roof, the greenhouse is not keeping the plants warm enough. They quickly work to fix the leak and make adjustments to keep the plants thriving.

Meanwhile, Atz Lee and Jane work to continue building their new homestead in the backcountry of Alaska. With less snow, they are able to make more progress on building their cabin and starting a garden. However, they face a setback when their chainsaw breaks down, leaving them without a crucial tool for building and surviving in the wilderness.

Otto and Charlotte Kilcher also feel the impact of the mild winter when they discover a predator is attacking their livestock. Without the usual snow cover, the animals are more vulnerable to predators such as coyotes. They set up traps and try to identify the culprit to protect their livestock.

Atz Sr., the patriarch of the Kilcher family, reflects on his own experience with mild winters from his time as a commercial fisherman. He remembers periods of milder weather leading to more successful fishing seasons, but also the danger of unpredictable weather patterns.

Throughout the episode, the Kilchers adapt to the unusual weather patterns and reflect on the impact of climate change on their way of life in Alaska. They work together to overcome the challenges presented by the mild winter and continue living off the land in one of the most rugged and remote places in the world.

Overall, "A Mild Winter" offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the Kilcher family as they navigate the unpredictable wilderness of Alaska. The episode showcases their resilience, adaptability, and deep connection to the land as they face new challenges brought on by the changing climate.