Chris and Jessi Morse: Life After Life Below Zero, Marriage, and Their Alaskan Adventures

Chris and Jessi Morse have built a life centered around adventure, resilience, and the Alaskan wilderness. Known for their appearances on Life Below Zero: Next Generation and Yukon Men, the couple gained attention for their off-grid lifestyle and determination to thrive in one of the world’s most challenging environments. Their story is not only about surviving Alaska’s extremes but also about the bond that has carried them through hardships and milestones alike.

Married in August 2012 in a rustic ceremony in Fairbanks, Alaska, the couple’s relationship has been defined by shared experiences in the wilderness. Over the years, they have faced moments of triumph and struggle, including rebuilding a family cabin, navigating intense winter conditions, and enduring the devastating loss of land to wildfire. Despite these challenges, Chris and Jessi have continued to embrace life’s uncertainties, forging new plans for their future while staying connected to the place they call home. In this article, readers will also discover what the couple has been doing since their departure from Life Below Zero, as they continue pursuing new goals in Alaska’s unforgiving landscape.

Chris Roots in the Alaskan Wild

Chris Morse’s connection to Alaska runs deep, rooted in his father’s bold decision to build a home in one of the state’s most remote areas. In 1974, Stuart Morse hitchhiked from South Carolina to Alaska, driven by a dream of living off the land. With only hand tools, determination, and a dog team, Stuart paddled 30 miles up the Tanana and Cosna Rivers until the water became too shallow for his canoe. There, he staked his claim and began building a cabin from scratch. By 1978, the log home was complete—a rugged yet warm haven built to endure Alaska’s harsh conditions.

In 1982, after several years of living off the land, Stuart left the Cosna when Chris’s older sister turned four. He sought a more comfortable life for his family, and the cabin was left abandoned, slowly deteriorating in the harsh elements. Three years later, Chris was born in 1985, never having experienced the Cosna cabin in its original state.

Chris spent his childhood growing up outside of Fairbanks on a small farm with no running water. Despite the challenges, he described it as a “slice of paradise.” He and his three sisters grew up surrounded by nature, spending their days outdoors and developing a strong sense of independence. Chris’s deep connection to the land remained, and as an adult, he eventually purchased property from his parents to continue living in the area when not at the Cosna.

In 1999, as a teenager, Chris returned to his family’s abandoned cabin alongside his father, Stuart, and his uncle Bob. The once-sturdy home had fallen into severe disrepair—the roof had collapsed, mold had spread throughout the interior, and mushrooms were growing through the bed. Determined to restore his family’s legacy, they began the challenging task of rebuilding the cabin. Over time, Chris took on the responsibility of maintaining and improving the cabin, continuing his father’s dream.

Jessi’s Introduction to Wilderness Living

Jessi, though born in Alaska, had little experience with remote wilderness living. Her first trip to the Cosna came in 2015 when she and Chris tied two borrowed canoes together and embarked on their journey, picking up where Stuart had left off so many years before. Determined to embrace a true off-grid lifestyle, they committed themselves to subsistence living at the Cosna cabin. What began as an experiment soon became a calling, and she fell in love with the snow-blanketed silence and untouched beauty of the region.

In their first year living in the restored cabin, Chris and Jessi faced significant hardships. With no reliable lighting, they depended on fragile kerosene lanterns and headlamps powered by AA batteries. Many nights were spent in near-complete darkness before they eventually upgraded to solar-powered lighting, improving their quality of life significantly.

Chris and Jessi Morse on Yukon Men (2016-2017)

Chris and Jessi Morse first appeared in Yukon Men (Season 6, Episode 2) as a young couple determined to embrace a subsistence lifestyle in the Alaskan wilderness. The episode showed them in Manley Hot Springs, preparing for a risky journey by lashing two small canoes together and equipping them with outboard motors. Their goal was to reach Chris’s childhood cabin on the remote Cosna River, which they hoped to make their new home.

Navigating the winding, debris-filled river proved difficult, especially with wildfire damage obscuring their path. As night fell, they struggled against rapids and fallen trees, testing their teamwork and survival skills. Though they faced uncertainty about the cabin’s condition, their determination to live off the land drove them forward.

Once settled in Tanana, Alaska, Chris’s inventive nature became a recurring theme. He often repurposed salvaged junk into survival tools, like crafting arrows from bicycle parts to hunt beavers. In one memorable attempt, he built a steam-powered generator to charge batteries—only for it to explode, leaving Jessi frustrated but still supportive of his efforts.

Their struggles intensified during a harsh winter episode, where they were stranded with low supplies. Jessi even showed signs of frostbite before being rescued, sparking debates about their preparedness for extreme isolation.

Chris also struggled with “cabin crazy” — the anxiety and mental strain that can build during prolonged periods of darkness and isolation. During one particularly challenging winter, he found himself cutting down trees simply to gain an extra minute of sunlight near their cabin, a reminder of how psychologically taxing such extreme conditions can become.

Through successes and failures, Chris and Jessi’s journey on Yukon Men highlighted both their resilience and the brutal realities of wilderness living—proving that survival in Alaska demands adaptability, creativity, and unwavering determination.

Chris & Jessi Morse on Life Below Zero: Next Generation (2020–2023)

Chris and Jessi Morse joined Life Below Zero: Next Generation in 2020, appearing in 41 episodes as they pursued an off-grid lifestyle in Alaska. Their journey was marked by both determination and controversy, sparking lively debates among fans—particularly on Reddit, where viewers dissected their survival skills, decision-making, and the show’s dramatic editing.

Survival Struggles & Viewer Skepticism

The couple faced harsh criticism for perceived inexperience and risky behavior. In one episode (Living on the Edge), which aired on September 15, 2020, Chris suffered a serious leg injury while attempting to free a moose from a swamp. The injury was described as “quite a serious leg wound,” requiring evacuation by helicopter to reach the nearest medical facility. Reddit users debated the severity—some mocked the drama (noting he was back home after just seven stitches), while others pointed out the real danger of the wound’s proximity to his femoral artery.

Highs, Lows, and Dramatic Moments

Episodes like Hard Luck showed their fight to secure fish from the unruly Cosna River, while Unknown and Uncharted highlighted their relentless efforts to live off the land. Yet some scenes—like Chris using a winch near falling trees or Jessi riding with an exposed blade—left viewers cringing at the potential for disaster.

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Chris’s poker background (pre-Alaska) added intrigue. Fans noted his stoic, calculated demeanor, with one Redditor quipping, “He stares at a moose like it’s a bad bluff.” Jessi, meanwhile, earned praise for her level-headedness, though critics felt the show exaggerated their conflicts for tension.

Staying Connected with Family

Their time on the show frequently highlighted the challenges they faced while maintaining connections with family. Celebrating holidays and staying in touch was no easy task. Traveling from their remote cabin to the nearest village took four to six hours by snowmachine, while reaching Fairbanks could take two to three days. The journey often involved subzero temperatures and treacherous terrain. At Christmas, they sometimes relied on costly bush planes, with tickets often exceeding $800 to $1,000 per person. Despite the difficulty, they prioritized these visits to stay connected with loved ones.

The Unseen Struggles

Laundry Day: Jessi’s least favorite chore involved boiling water on a wood stove, then hand-scrubbing grease-soaked clothes in buckets—an hours-long ordeal leaving her hands scalded.

Climate Change Effects: They witnessed thick ice layers from winter rains starving caribou herds and salmon shortages devastating Indigenous communities. While they haven’t observed dramatic environmental changes firsthand, they have seen wildlife patterns shift, impacting traditional hunting methods.

Crafting a Future in Fairbanks

During the months they spent in Fairbanks, Chris and Jessi focused on building a creative income. Chris handcrafts knives, some requiring over 30 hours of intricate detailing, while Jessi produces pottery featuring Alaska’s iconic eight-star flag and nature-inspired designs. Their craft business has grown steadily, and they encourage others to monetize their hobbies, believing that turning passion into profit is possible with dedication and creativity. Their creative ventures were occasionally featured in Life Below Zero, providing viewers insight into how they sustained themselves financially in the off-season.

Departure & Legacy

Their exit came after wildfires destroyed their cabin, and Jessi confirmed they weren’t invited back for sixth seasons. Despite mixed reactions, the couple retained fans who admired their grit.

Off-screen, fame brought surreal moments—like strangers approaching them at Goodwill, reciting episode details. Chris, whose memory was affected by past concussions, often mistook fans for old friends.

While debates continue over their survival credentials, Chris and Jessi’s story remains a compelling—if polarizing—chapter of Life Below Zero. Whether seen as resilient pioneers or cautionary figures, their journey undeniably captured the brutal, unpredictable reality of life in the Alaskan wild.

After leaving Life Below Zero: Next Generation

Chris and Jessi continued to embrace their adventurous lifestyle in Alaska, focusing on homesteading, outdoor exploration, and creative pursuits. They returned to their cabin in the Cosna River area, where they had lived until a wildfire in 2022 destroyed 30,000 acres of subsistence land. Despite this setback, they made their way back in March 2024 and found their cabin still standing. The cabin was in good shape, with trees immediately surrounding it intact, although around 90% of the Cosna and surrounding lands had burned. This emotional return to their homestead was shared in an April 2024 social media post, where they described shedding joyful and nostalgic tears as they finally stepped back into their home after two years away.

Although the Cosna landscape may take decades to recover enough to support large game like rabbits, lynx, and moose, they remained determined to continue living off the land. Through the same Facebook post, they shared that they began searching for 50 or more acres of undeveloped land, preferably off the road system, for their next homestead. While they plan to continue traveling to the Cosna, their visits are now likely to be shorter, lasting weeks rather than months or years at a time.

Embracing Alaska’s challenging climate, they continued to thrive through extreme winter conditions, enduring temperatures as cold as -65°F. Even in such harsh weather, they actively engaged in outdoor activities like snowmobiling, hiking, and fishing. Their travels took them to the White Mountains in search of the Fortymile caribou herd, where they successfully hunted caribou while navigating snowy blizzards and steep terrain.

Jessi pursued creative achievements by publishing her first book, A Winter’s Dream, a self-published poetry and photography collection that reflected their Arctic life. As a fun gesture to celebrate in Dec 2024, Jessi convinced Chris to dress up as the Grinch in sub-zero temperatures for a Christmas-themed photo shoot, adding a touch of humor to their otherwise rugged lifestyle.

In addition to their personal ventures, Jessi became a Mountain House Ambassador, promoting the ‘leave no trace’ initiative by encouraging the recycling of outdoor meal pouches. They also participated in spear fishing seasons, practicing sustainable harvesting methods to gather food from Alaska’s rivers.

During summer, Jessi temporarily closed her art studio to join the fire service, contributing to wildfire control efforts and community protection. Throughout the winter, they maintained positivity by embracing the extreme conditions, often sharing motivational messages that encouraged others to ‘choose joy’ despite the challenges. Chris and Jessi’s post-Life Below Zero journey reflects their dedication to adventure, creativity, and resilience as they continue to thrive off-grid in Alaska.

Chris and Jessi Morse: Marriage and Relationship Through the Years

Chris and Jessi Morse’s relationship has been shaped by their love for adventure and their enduring bond. The couple married in August 2012 in Fairbanks, Alaska, where Jessi wore a beautiful white dress and Chris sported a tweed suit, embracing a rustic theme that reflected their lifestyle. Over the years, their relationship has grown through shared experiences in the Alaskan wilderness, strengthening their connection.

Celebrating a Decade of Marriage

In 2022, they celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary with a lively thrift shop outfit theme. The evening was filled with close friends and family, singing, dancing, and playing games, making it a memorable celebration that reflected their lighthearted approach to life. The event symbolized their decade-long journey together and the moments they had cherished along the way.

Reflecting on 12 Years of Togetherness

Two years later, in August 2024, Chris and Jessi marked their 12th anniversary and reflected on 17 years of togetherness. Chris shared a heartfelt Facebook post expressing gratitude for their relationship, describing Jessi as his compass and partner in every adventure. In his poetic tribute, he recalled their midnight hikes, morning messes, and the way they faced life’s challenges together. He described their bond as ‘two halves of a whole,’ blending love and laughter through each chapter of their journey.

Living an Adventurous Life

Their relationship has been defined by their mutual dedication to an adventurous lifestyle. Chris has often expressed his appreciation for Jessi, encouraging others to ‘marry your best friend’ and emphasizing the value of finding a partner with shared passions. From braving harsh Alaskan winters to exploring remote ice caves and celebrating milestones, their partnership has been a reflection of their resilience and love for the life they’ve built together.

Chris Morse: Wiki Bio Facts Table

Fact	Details
Full Name	Chris Morse
Date of Birth	1985 (Age 39 as of March 2025)
Place of Birth	Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
Famous For	Appearing on Life Below Zero: Next Generation and Yukon Men
Occupation	Survivalist, Craftsman, Former Reality TV Star
Spouse	Jessi Morse
Married Since	August 2012
Television Appearances	Yukon Men (2016-2017), Life Below Zero: Next Generation (2020-2023)
Notable Skills	Wilderness Survival, Knife Making, Creative Engineering
Significant Events	Restored his family’s Cosna River cabin; Survived harsh Alaskan winters
Creative Ventures	Handcrafts knives, helps manage Jessi’s pottery business
Wildlife Encounter	Suffered a leg injury while rescuing a moose from a swamp
Lifestyle	Lives off-grid in Alaska; Practices subsistence living
Recent Update	Returned to their Cosna cabin in March 2024; Searching for new homestead land