As winter closes in, the quest for sustenance becomes essential as Alaskans fight to stay ahead of the season. In Noorvik, Chip and Agnes Hailstone race against Mother Nature in a dangerous quest to set whitefish nets on thin ice. North of Eagle, Kate and Andy break trail through towers of ice to gain access to their lifeline--the Yukon River. Across the state, Erik is on a vital hunt for red meat. Meanwhile Sue Aikens is in Fairbanks, fervently awaiting the green light from her doctor to escape city life and return home to the North Slope.

In the depth of winter, Alaskans living in the remote bush fight to ready themselves for their darkest days. In Kavik, Sue struggles through a blizzard that threatens her life and the camp she’s responsible for. In Weisman, Erik tends to the arduous task of getting wood and water as well as readying his cabin for the Alaskan winter. In Eagle, Andy makes a final push to forge a trail for much needed supplies. In Noorvik, Chip and Agnes take a window of opportunity to replenish their food supply with valuable caribou.

Mechanical breakdowns and invading predators threaten survival as four end-of-roaders battle the dark Alaskan winter. In Kavik, Sue’s become the prey when a predator invades her camp. In Noorvik, a broken snow machine causes Chip’s life to grind to a halt. In Wiseman, Erik hunts for fur in order to buy fuel. Near Eagle, a simple task of getting wood on his snow machine leaves Andy stranded miles from home.

A fierce winter storm threatens Sue's all important fuel supply, and Erik struggles to capture a thieving wolf. In Noorvik, Chip and his family resort to “rabbit driving” to get meat after a largely unsuccessful winter hunting season. In Eagle, puppy Jack is tested to see if he has what it takes to make the sled team.