NATURE: THE ALPS: Winter's Fortress

Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 15 at 3 p.m. on KPBS TV + Jan. 15 at 9 p.m. on KPBS 2 / On demand now with KPBS Passport!

NATURE presents a two-part series, "THE ALPS." The Alps connect eight countries, spanning 750 miles from the Mediterranean Sea to the Adriatic Sea. Experience the hostile and bitter cold ecosystems of the Alps, shaped by snow blizzards and avalanches on “Winter's Fortress.”

From sea level to peaks rising higher than 12,000 feet, with many of the world’s environments located within its boundaries, each mountain chain is more imposing and more diverse than the next.

1 of 9

Brown bears need a lot of food before hibernation.

Courtesy of Josef Weinländer, © Terra Mater Factual Studios & Wild Nature Film

2 of 9

Mountain hare in the middle of changing from its summer coat to winter coat.

Courtesy of Erwin Zupancic, © Terra Mater Factual Studios & Wild Nature Film

3 of 9

Mountain hare in its winter coat.

Courtesy of Albert Mächler, © Terra Mater Factual Studios & Wild Nature Film

4 of 9

Wild boar covered in deep snow.

Courtesy of Toni Nemeth, © Terra Mater Factual Studios & Wild Nature Film

5 of 9

Wolves in the Alps went extinct in the late 19th century. Now their tracks are again appearing in the snow.

Courtesy of Toni Nemeth, © Terra Mater Factual Studios & Wild Nature Film

6 of 9

Chamois, a species of goat-antelope native to the Alps.

Courtesy of Christian Messner, © Terra Mater Factual Studios & Wild Nature Film

7 of 9

Roe deer in an Alpine winter.

Courtesy of Christian Messner, © Terra Mater Factual Studios & Wild Nature Film

8 of 9

Europe’s biggest cat, the Eurasian lynx, is an elusive and solitary hunter.

Courtesy of Toni Nemeth, © Terra Mater Factual Studios & Wild Nature Film

9 of 9

The Matterhorn, a mountain of the Alps, is one of the highest summits in Europe.

Courtesy of Otmar Penker, © Terra Mater Factual Studios & Wild Nature Film

Discover how Alpine lynx, golden eagles, ibex, crocuses, griffon vultures and more face extreme seasonal fluctuations – from the volatile thunderstorms and landslides of summer to the avalanches and frozen temperatures of winter. On every mountain slope, ridge or meadow, nature’s drama is played out as animals fight for their survival in Europe’s majestic mountains.

Watch On Your Schedule:

THE ALPS "The High Life" and Part 2 "Winter's Fortress" are now available on demand with KPBS Passport, a benefit for members at $60 or more yearly, using your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, AppleTV, Amazon Fire or Chromecast. Learn how to activate your benefit now.

Join The Conversation:

NATURE is on Facebook, Instagram, @PBSNature on Twitter #NaturePBS