Mario Quezada and Clare Morrisette-Calvert : Life Below Zero’s Alaskan Homesteaders

When Clare Morrisette-Calvert and Mario Quezada traded city life for a 15-acre homestead deep in Alaska’s wilderness, they weren’t seeking fame. Yet their authenticity, grit, and quiet determination soon caught the eye of National Geographic producers—and eventually, audiences across the country. Featured in Life Below Zero: Next Generation, the couple showcased what it truly means to survive, adapt, and thrive off the grid.

First appearing in Season 5, Episode 15, titled “Blood Trail,” which aired on March 7, 2023, Clare and Mario invited viewers into a life most only imagine—one defined by subzero temperatures, daily subsistence, and a bond tested by isolation and wild terrain. What made their story stand out wasn’t just the setting, but the sincerity with which they lived it.

This article provides an in-depth look at Clare and Mario’s journey—from their early lives and the motivations that led them to Alaska, to the building of their homestead and their appearances across Seasons 5 to 7 of Life Below Zero: Next Generation. It also explores how they balanced filming with daily life, their division of responsibilities, and what became of them after the series. Their story stands as a grounded example of real-world resilience and partnership in Alaska’s unforgiving wilderness.

Clare Morrisette-Calvert

Clare Morrisette-Calvert was born in 1993 and raised in Middleton, Wisconsin. A graduate of Middleton High School, Clare developed a love for the outdoors early on, nurtured by ten summers spent at Girl Scout camp. Those immersive wilderness experiences sparked a lasting connection to nature and a sense of independence that would shape her future.

Following high school, Clare worked in national parks for five years before pursuing a degree in Parks and Recreation at the University of Montana. While living in Missoula—a city deeply connected to outdoor living—she expanded her expertise in conservation and sustainable land use. It was there that she met her future husband, Mario Quezada, a West Point graduate and Army veteran.

Clare is the daughter of Maria J. “Mia” Morrisette, a pioneering social worker in advance care planning, and Mike Calvert, a longtime mental health professional in Madison. Her upbringing, grounded in empathy, service, and mental strength, prepared her well for the demands of remote living.

Those foundations were put to the test during her first winter in Alaska, where temperatures dropped to -40°F and daylight was scarce. “It would rise at 11 and set by 2,” Clare recalled in a March 2023 interview. The harsh conditions became a crash course in survival, but Clare adapted quickly—learning to handle firearms, hunt, and navigate the challenges of off-grid living with growing confidence and grit.

Mario Quezada: A Veteran Drawn Back to the Wild

Mario Quezada was born in November 1989 in Nevada and grew up in Las Vegas—a place worlds apart from the rugged wilderness he now calls home. His early exposure to the outdoors was limited, mostly to fishing trips with his father at man-made ponds. That perspective shifted dramatically after he graduated from West Point and was unexpectedly assigned to Alaska. Though unfamiliar with the landscape, Mario was immediately taken by its raw beauty and vastness.

During a live Q&A on March 9, 2023, he recalled the surprise of arriving in a place so vastly different from anything he had known. What had once been casual weekend fishing turned into real subsistence opportunities, and the remote terrain pushed him to develop practical skills. Initially overwhelmed, Mario found that Alaska’s demand for independence aligned perfectly with his nature.

After his military service ended, he spent several years working various jobs in the Lower 48 but struggled to find purpose. Reflecting on that period, he admitted, “I was working these jobs that weren’t really fulfilling me.” The contrast between that life and the sense of clarity he once felt in Alaska became impossible to ignore. Eventually, he made a life-altering decision: to return north and embrace a simpler, more intentional lifestyle—one where nature, solitude, and self-sufficiency formed the foundation of daily life.

Marriage and Relocation to Alaska

Mario and Clare had known each other for several years before their journey to Alaska began. They first met in Missoula, Montana, where their mutual appreciation for self-reliance and outdoor living laid the foundation for a strong relationship. While Clare was still completing her studies in Montana, they reconnected. By the time Mario made the decision to return to Alaska, their relationship was already firmly established. Without hesitation, Clare chose to follow him—an act that would shape the course of their lives together.

In spring 2022, they married at a courthouse in Fairbanks, Alaska. Shortly afterward, they purchased a 15-acre homestead located approximately 40 miles north of Fairbanks, in the Hayes Creek area. The property includes:

• A main cabin without running water
• A guest cabin
• A wood-fired sauna
• A workshop and generator shed
• A fenced yard for their eight sled dogs

Access to town requires a three-mile ride via snow machine or ATV to a parking lot where they keep their truck. Winters in the region are extreme, with temperatures often falling below -30°F.

Becoming Part of Life Below Zero: Next Generation

Their involvement with Life Below Zero came unexpectedly. When they purchased their off-grid property, the previous owners had already been in contact with the show’s producers. Mario and Clare were approached during the ownership transition, and after a couple of interviews, they were invited to join the cast. Within a month, the crew arrived, and filming began.

A four-person crew—including a producer, safety manager, and two camera operators—lived on the property during filming, staying in the guest cabin and temporary platform tents. Filming typically spanned 3 to 5 days per episode, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

First Episode: Daily Life, First Hunts, and Small Victories

Their television debut aired on March 7, 2023, in the episode titled “Blood Trail.” The episode showcased their early days on the homestead, featuring moose hunting, sled dog management, daily off-grid routines, and preparations for the harsh winter ahead.

Set against the backdrop of an approaching Alaskan winter, the episode followed their efforts to hunt, gather food, and adapt to life deep in the wilderness. While they did encounter moose and bears, their most notable success came from bird hunting—particularly grouse.

Clare’s first grouse marked a symbolic milestone in her shift from city life to subsistence living. In one memorable moment, Mario returned from the field with six grouse, covered in feathers—a humorous yet vivid image of their new daily reality.

Due to limited internet access, the couple watched their debut episode on a home computer. The excitement extended far beyond their cabin. The local gas station—reportedly the last for 300 miles—enthusiastically celebrated their appearance. Meanwhile, Clare’s sisters gathered their children to watch the episode and sent live reactions, turning the moment into a heartfelt family event.

The episode provided viewers with a genuine glimpse into their philosophy of homesteading and the practical challenges of creating a life in one of the most remote and unforgiving corners of Alaska.

Mario and Clare: From Newcomers to Alaskan Homesteaders (Seasons 5–7)

Mario and Clare arrived in Life Below Zero: Next Generation during a critical time in Season 5, stepping into the harsh Alaskan wilderness with determination and grit. First introduced in Episode 15 (“Blood Trail”), the couple quickly set out in pursuit of big game. They were prepared to take whatever opportunity came their way, intent on building a sustainable, self-reliant life far from civilization.

In their earliest days, survival was the focus. By Episode 16, they had already begun protecting their dog teams—an essential part of off-grid transportation—by constructing a sturdy fence around their homestead. This marked the beginning of their investment not just in surviving Alaska, but in building a future within it.

With each passing episode, Mario and Clare’s adaptability became more evident. They worked together to train their dogs (Episode 17, “Frozen Footsteps”), improved their trail systems, and navigated Alaska’s unforgiving terrain with growing skill. By Episode 18, they were confident enough to take on a dangerous black bear hunt—an ambitious challenge that showed their resilience and shared courage.

As spring approached, they shifted focus to infrastructure. In Episode 19, they made critical changes to their cabin to maintain water flow as ice conditions changed. And in Episode 20, they began setting traps—an indication that they were diversifying their food sources, blending active hunting with passive gathering to strengthen their survival strategy.

Season 6: Establishing Roots

Season 6 documented Mario and Clare taking deeper steps to solidify their homestead and survival strategies. In Episode 5 (“Turning Point”, aired September 26, 2023), they began building a shed to protect their generators — a clear step toward weatherproofing their infrastructure for the brutal Alaskan winters.

Earlier, in Episode 2 (“Winter from Hell”, September 5, 2023), they were shown testing their limits with their sled dog team in the White Mountains, facing intense winter conditions head-on. In Episode 3 (“Ensnared”, September 12, 2023), the couple expanded their self-reliance strategy by fishing in frigid waters to diversify their sled dogs’ diet.

Later in the season, Episode 6 (“Patience is a Weapon”, October 10, 2023) captured them enduring the harsh realities of a subsistence lifestyle, emphasizing the day-to-day effort and mental strength required to live off the grid. In Episode 7 (“Training Grounds”, October 17, 2023), they focused on improving their dog kennel to ensure better quality of life and long-term care for their sled team.

In Episode 14 (“Brain Power”, November 24, 2023), they repurposed planks from a wind-felled tree to craft makeshift skis — an innovative step that showcased their adaptation to deep snow travel. And in Episode 15 (“Built to Last”, November 28, 2023), they capped off the season by building a more resilient shelter to protect their equipment from Alaska’s changing seasons.

Season 7: Living with the Land

Season 7 marked a transition for Mario and Clare from adaptive newcomers to confident Alaskan homesteaders. Their efforts expanded beyond survival into mastering their environment and preparing for long-term sustainability.

In Episode 3 (“Reap the Rewards”, aired January 30, 2024), they faced the structural deterioration of their cabin’s foundation, a critical issue that highlighted the vulnerabilities of living in a remote, harsh environment. Addressing this challenge demonstrated their growing understanding of seasonal preparation and infrastructure management.

Episode 5 (“In Her Blood”, February 13, 2024) featured Mario seeking new protein sources along the Chatanika River. This venture reflected his willingness to explore new hunting grounds and expand their food supply options beyond familiar terrain.

In Episode 6 (“The Messenger”, February 20, 2024), Mario and Clare were shown dip-netting for salmon along the dangerous cliffs of the Copper River — a risky yet rewarding endeavor that underscored their teamwork and persistence in gathering protein before the seasonal transition.

Their presence in these episodes illustrated how far they had come from their debut — no longer just adapting to Alaska, but actively shaping their homesteading future through informed decisions, physical endurance, and consistent partnership.

Across Seasons 5 to 7, Mario and Clare’s journey unfolded as a true Alaskan story—full of determination, learning, and quiet triumphs. From building fences and tracking black bears to constructing essential infrastructure and expanding into new hunting areas, their transformation was steady and authentic.

Season 5 captured their arrival and adaptation, full of firsts and foundational efforts.

Season 6 showed their focus on infrastructure and subsistence, with long-term thinking beginning to take root.

Season 7 reflected mastery and growth, with the couple confidently navigating their environment and living in sync with the land.

Balancing Reality and Filming

Filming while maintaining their remote lifestyle brought unique challenges. With four to five crew members present, everyday tasks like hunting required more time and coordination. The added footprint often slowed things down or made hunting less effective. Mario’s eventual moose harvest, which happened after the crew had left, wasn’t captured on camera—but it was a personal achievement that held great significance.

They’ve grown to appreciate the patience, coordination, and trust that comes with sharing their lives with a film crew. The process, though demanding, has deepened their storytelling skills and reinforced the authenticity of their way of life.

Shared Responsibilities and Community Support

Life in the bush is built on cooperation. Clare takes the lead on cooking—especially grouse, which they prepare in cast iron with simple seasoning. Mario handles hunting, property maintenance, and caring for their sled dogs. Their strengths complement each other, creating a functional and fulfilling rhythm of daily life.

Support from their surrounding community has also played a vital role. From enthusiastic neighbors to a proud local gas station and cheering family members, the reception to their TV debut has been warm and encouraging. It’s a reminder that their story resonates beyond the isolation of their remote homestead.

Life After the Show

Season 7 of Life Below Zero: Next Generation marked the final season for Mario and Clare, with their final confirmed appearance airing on February 20, 2024, in the episode titled “The Messenger.” Their multi-season journey on the show concluded with a well-earned sense of stability and resilience in their remote Alaskan homestead.

Since stepping away from the series, Mario and Clare have maintained a low public profile. While it’s unclear whether they still reside near Hayes Creek, they have not publicly indicated any departure from their off-grid lifestyle.

Their time on the show reflected a strong commitment to subsistence living — hunting, fishing, and building infrastructure to support life in remote Alaska. Their journey stands as an example of steady growth, resilience, and cooperation in one of the most challenging environments in North America.

Clare Morrisette-Calvert – Quick Facts

Field	Details
Full Name	Clare Morrisette-Calvert
Born	1993
Age	31 years old (As of March 2025)
Nationality	American
Hometown	Middleton, Wisconsin
Education	B.S. in Parks and Recreation, University of Montana
Previous Residence	Missoula, Montana
Early Career	National Park Service (5 years)
Known For	Life Below Zero: Next Generation cast member
TV Debut	March 7, 2023 – “Blood Trail” (S05E15)
Notable Skills	Firearms, homesteading, cooking, hunting, sled dog care
Spouse	Mario Quezada (married Spring 2022 in Fairbanks, Alaska)
Residence During Show	Hayes Creek, Alaska

Mario Quezada – Quick Facts

Field	Details
Full Name	Mario Quezada
Born	November 1989
Age	35 years old
Nationality	American
Hometown	Las Vegas, Nevada
Education	U.S. Military Academy at West Point
Military Service	U.S. Army Officer (stationed in Anchorage, Alaska)
Known For	Life Below Zero: Next Generation cast member
TV Debut	March 7, 2023 – “Blood Trail” (S05E15)
Post-Military Life	Returned to Alaska for intentional off-grid lifestyle
Notable Skills	Hunting, trail building, cabin maintenance, dog team management
Spouse	Clare Morrisette-Calvert
Residence During Show	Hayes Creek, Alaska

References:

https://madison.com/news/local/middleton-native-now-living-the-alaskan-dream-in-national-geographic-show/article_cf215160-df8c-5705-b964-0617b2c1e31f.html https://www.facebook.com/events/d41d8cd9/live-qa-mario-clare-new-cast-of-life-below-zero-next-generation/6169017379785162/ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13049144/ https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/madison/name/maria-morrisette-obituary?id=33328326