The Kilchers look to the future as winter looms; Atz Sr passes on vital survival skills; Atz Lee embarks on a risky solo hunt to a remote and dangerous island.

Atz Lee and Jane make a decision about his cabin; Shane and Kelli brace for unexpected news on her health.

The Kilchers use every piece of heavy machinery they have available as they begin a complete homestead overhaul and try to ensure the survival of future generations. A massive snowstorm arrives while they work.

Otto feels the pressure of melting ice as the family comes together to rescue a tractor, and when they attempt to build tracks across the frozen river, Otto throws safety precautions aside.

A chimney fire leaves Otto's cabin close to destruction, while Elvin and Eve's decision to burn up dangerous brush piles threatens their family. On a treacherous ice-fishing mission, Atz Lee and Jane find themselves on thin ice.

With winter coming to a close, the Kilchers spring into action preparing the homestead; Eivin and August struggle to resupply the head of the bay; Jane and Eve embark on a ptarmigan hunt; Atz Sr. and Atz Lee build a weather station on Perl Island.

Pushed to their limits by the elements, circumstances and each other, the Kilcher family continue to work together to sustain the rich heritage of homesteading.

In preparation for the spring cattle drive, Atz Lee, Otto and August survey the homestead for signs of bears and employ surveillance to track their movements; Eivin and Eve take the kids on a kelp-harvesting expedition; Atz Sr goes bear hunting.

While collecting coal on the beach after a storm, Eivin and Eve find a capsized boat and begin looking for survivors; Otto, Charlotte and August build a shelter for their calves; Jane brings the family together with a new spring tradition.

With predators stalking the homestead, the need for safe grazing land is greater than ever; Atz Sr and Atz Lee head to Perl Island to begin plans for a new pasture; Otto and Eivin set to work transporting a small herd to the island by boat.

When Jane and Charlotte get word of a sick calf at the Head of the Bay, they trek through bear country to protect their herd; three generations of Kilchers build a line shack on Perl Island; Otto has a surprise for Charlotte.