Life Below Zero Season 1 Episode 7 Cold, Dark and Alone

In the seventh episode of season 1 of Life Below Zero, titled "Cold, Dark and Alone," we follow the daily lives of Alaskans who have chosen to live in some of the most remote regions of the state, far from the luxuries and comforts of modern civilization.

In this episode, we see how the long Alaskan winters can take a toll on the mind and body of those who choose to live in the state's far-flung regions. Temperatures have plummeted to below -60 degrees Fahrenheit, and darkness engulfs the land for more than 20 hours a day. This brings unique challenges to the residents of these regions; they are forced to rely on their ingenuity, resourcefulness, and fortitude to survive.

The episode follows several Alaskans as they battle the brutal cold, forage for food, and gather resources for the long winter ahead. One of these residents is Sue Aikens, who runs the Kavik River Camp, a unique establishment that serves as a hub for the residents of the North Slope. Sue is shown fighting her way through the snow to gather enough water to last the day, communicating with her team via a two-way radio, and braving the elements while checking on the operations of the camp.

Another resident featured in the episode is Andy Bassich, who lives near the Yukon River with his dogs. Andy is seen breaking through the ice to retrieve fish, his primary source of food, and battling the harsh weather to tend to his dogs. He also relates how his life changed after losing his first love and partner, Kate, and how he has had to rely on his own strength to live in isolation.

The episode also features Glenn Villeneuve, who lives alone in Chandalar, 65 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Glenn is shown working on the snowmobile, fighting his way through the wilderness, and building a shelter to protect him from the unforgiving cold.

However, as the winter begins to wear on, even the toughest residents begin to feel the effects of isolation. Some start to feel stir-crazy, craving social interaction, while others fight a sense of despair that comes from being alone surrounded by darkness.

With stunning cinematography that captures the raw beauty of the Alaskan wilderness, the episode offers a glimpse into the daily struggles of those who have chosen to live in one of the most extreme environments on the planet. Despite the hardships they face, these people choose to stay and thrive in a land that offers unparalleled challenges and rewards.

Overall, "Cold, Dark and Alone" provides an immersive and captivating insight into the lives of those who live off the grid in Alaska, showing the huge hurdles that they need to overcome to sustain a life in one of the coldest and loneliest places on earth.