Ep 1. Brink of Winter

Life Below Zero is a documentary series that follows the lives of various families across Alaska as they struggle to survive in the harsh and unforgiving environment of the Arctic Circle. In the first episode of season 15, entitled "Brink of Winter," we see the residents of Alaska preparing for the coming winter season, knowing that the next few months will test their survival skills to the limit.

As the episode opens, we see Glenn Villeneuve, one of the stars of the show, travelling across the tundra with his dog pack. Glenn is a skilled hunter and survivalist who has been living off the land for over a decade. He knows that the coming winter will be particularly tough, and he must stock up on supplies while there is still time. Glenn is travelling to a remote cabin that he has built in the wilderness, where he plans to spend the winter months in isolation.

Another family we meet in this episode is the Hailstones, who also live off the land in a remote part of Alaska. Eddie Hailstone is busy preparing for the autumn moose hunt, which is essential for the family's survival. He and his wife, Cindy, and their children must hunt enough moose to last them through the winter months. We see the family working together to prepare their hunting gear and sharpen their knives, knowing that the hunt will be a tough and gruelling task.

Meanwhile, we also follow Sue Aikens, who runs the Kavik River Camp, a remote outpost in the Arctic wilderness. The camp is only accessible by small airplane, and Sue must be self-sufficient in order to survive. She spends her time fixing equipment, repairing buildings, and checking her generators to make sure that they will provide enough heat and light during the long winter months.

Throughout the episode, we see the families dealing with the challenges of living in such a remote and extreme environment. They must contend with the danger of wild animals, extreme weather conditions, and the constant threat of starvation. But despite these challenges, they remain committed to their way of life, and they know that they have the skills and experience to survive.

As the episode draws to a close, we see each family heading into the winter months, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead. For Glenn, this means settling into his remote cabin and staying vigilant for any signs of trouble. For the Hailstones, it means embarking on a gruelling moose hunt that will test their physical and mental limits. And for Sue Aikens, it means hunkering down at Kavik River Camp and preparing for the long, cold months ahead.

Overall, "Brink of Winter" is another fascinating look into the lives of the resilient and resourceful families who call Alaska home. It offers a glimpse into a way of life that is increasingly rare in modern society, and it is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit.