Ep 10. West Coast Winter

As winter descends upon North America's West Coast, host George Kourounis journeys through some of the most powdery, frigid, and volatile terrain in the region. From the frozen tundra of Alaska to the coastal mountains of British Columbia, Kourounis navigates through challenging conditions to explore the stunning beauty and incredible forces of nature that make up this vast and diverse region.

In Alaska, Kourounis takes to the skies to get a bird's-eye view of the northernmost state and its rugged landscape. He gets a unique perspective on the massive glaciers that cover much of the state's interior, including the Hubbard Glacier, which is larger than Rhode Island. Kourounis also comes face to face with some of Alaska's most iconic wildlife, including caribou, musk oxen, and bears.

Traveling down the coast to British Columbia, Kourounis finds himself in one of the snowiest places on the planet - Whistler. Known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, Whistler is also a hub for backcountry enthusiasts who want to explore the vast wilderness beyond the resort. Kourounis joins a group of experienced guides to venture into the backcountry, where they navigate through steep chutes and dense forests to reach hidden powder stashes.

Not all winter adventures involve snow and cold temperatures, however. In Olympic National Park in Washington State, Kourounis explores the incredible beauty of a temperate rainforest. With over 170 inches of rainfall per year, this forest is home to some of the largest trees in the world, including Douglas firs and western red cedars. Kourounis also encounters some of the unique wildlife that calls this forest home, including elk, black bears, and the elusive bobcat.

As he makes his way back up the coast, Kourounis finishes his journey in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon, where he joins a team of researchers who are studying the effects of climate change on the region's mountain ecosystems. With warmer temperatures causing snowpack levels to decrease, the researchers are monitoring how this will impact water availability and wildlife populations. Kourounis accompanies them as they collect data and analyze the health of the forest and its inhabitants.

Throughout West Coast Winter, Kourounis showcases the beauty and diversity of North America's West Coast, while also highlighting the importance of protecting these fragile ecosystems. With climate change posing a significant threat to the region's wildlife and natural resources, Kourounis' journey serves as a powerful reminder of the need to take action to preserve these valuable landscapes for generations to come.