Life Below Zero: Northern Territories Season 1 Episode 1 Winter Is Coming
- March 17, 2020
In the premiere episode of Life Below Zero: Northern Territories season 1 titled "Winter Is Coming," viewers are plunged into the harsh and unforgiving world of the Northern Territories of Canada. This episode introduces six individuals who have chosen to live in remote areas where temperatures can drop to -60 degrees Fahrenheit.
First, we meet 47-year-old Sue Aikens, who runs Kavik River Camp, a small hotel that caters to hunters and adventurers in the wilderness. Despite the camp's remote location, Sue has established a thriving business by offering amenities like hot meals and a warm bed in the midst of the frozen tundra.
Next, we are introduced to 45-year-old Andy Bassich, who is running a dog-sledding camp on the Yukon River. Andy is originally from Washington D.C. but fell in love with the Alaskan wilderness while visiting as a tourist. He now lives in a cabin with his 40 sled dogs, which he uses to traverse the rugged terrain on a daily basis. Andy faces numerous challenges, including finding enough food for his dogs and repairing equipment in sub-zero temperatures.
We also meet 30-year-old Erik Salitan, who operates a hunting and guiding business in Wiseman, the northernmost community in Alaska. Erik lives off-the-grid with his wife and child, relying on solar panels for electricity and a wood-burning stove for heating. Erik shows viewers how he prepares for the harsh winter months by stocking up on supplies and repairing his snowmobiles.
Another resident of Wiseman is 62-year-old Chip Hailstone, who lives with his wife and seven children. Chip is an experienced hunter who relies on his expertise to provide food and clothing for his family. He teaches his children how to trap and hunt, instilling the survival skills necessary to live in such an extreme environment.
The final two subjects are a couple, Martha and Jeff Kilpatrick, who live in Black River, an isolated town with no roads or stores. Martha and Jeff have built a home and a garden oasis in the middle of the wilderness, where they rely on hunting, fishing, and gardening for sustenance. Martha is an accomplished artist and uses her talents to create beautiful pieces inspired by the natural world around her.
Throughout the episode, viewers are given a glimpse into the daily routines and struggles of these individuals living in one of the harshest environments on Earth. From repairing snowmobiles to mending dog harnesses, each person must rely on their skills and ingenuity to survive. The looming threat of winter adds an extra layer of difficulty, as everyone must prepare for the long and brutal months ahead.
In conclusion, Life Below Zero: Northern Territories season 1 episode 1 sets the stage for a captivating and heart-wrenching series that showcases the incredible resilience of those who choose to live off the grid in one of the most inhospitable regions of the world. Viewers will be both amazed and humbled by the grit and determination exhibited by these individuals in the face of such adversity.