Ep 3. Winter's Edge

In Life Below Zero season 1 episode 3, Winter's Edge, viewers are taken deep into the frigid wilderness of Alaska to experience what life is like for those who choose to live off the grid. The episode follows a handful of Alaskans as they face the unique challenges of surviving in one of the most unforgiving environments on earth.

The first individual featured in the episode is Sue Aikens, who owns and operates the Kavik River Camp, a remote outpost that serves as a hub for hunters, scientists, and other travelers. Aikens must brave fierce blizzards and sub-zero temperatures to maintain the camp's infrastructure, which includes everything from generators to plumbing. Despite the harsh conditions, Aikens remains upbeat and optimistic, even when her snow machine breaks down in the middle of nowhere.

Next up is Glenn Villeneuve, who lives alone in the wilderness using traditional tools and technology. Villeneuve must hunt and gather everything he eats, and must also construct his own shelter and clothing. In the episode, viewers watch as Villeneuve sets traps for rabbits and foxes, constructs an igloo from blocks of snow, and tries to fix his snow machine before nightfall. Through it all, Villeneuve remains philosophical about the struggles of living in isolation and the importance of self-sufficiency.

The third segment of the episode introduces viewers to Chip and Agnes Hailstone, a couple who live off the land with their seven children. The Hailstones must navigate treacherous ice and snow to find food and materials for their daily needs, such as fish for dinner and wood for their stove. In the episode, the couple demonstrate their knowledge of traditional Inupiaq techniques, such as using dogsleds and harpoons to hunt seals. They also discuss the importance of passing down this knowledge to their children and the challenges they face in balancing modern technology with their traditional way of life.

Finally, viewers are introduced to Andy and Kate Bassich, who live in remote Alaska with their sled dogs. The Bassiches must travel long distances by dogsled to obtain food and supplies, and must also protect their dogs from predators such as wolves. In the episode, Andy is shown constructing a new dog house and repairing his sled, while Kate must navigate through icy terrain and dig through snow to locate their buried food supplies. The episode highlights the unique bond between the Bassiches and their dogs, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in surviving the harsh Alaskan wilderness.

Overall, Life Below Zero season 1 episode 3 offers an immersive look into the lives of Alaskans living off the grid. Through stunning cinematography and relatable storytelling, the episode showcases the resilience and determination of those who choose to call this frozen landscape home.