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The setting is described as a bleak January day. The man leaves Calumet Camp on the Yukon and heads to the divide between Paul Creek and Cherry Creek while the weather is sixty degrees below zero. His trail consists of thirty miles ahead.
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The main character is described in the exposition of the story as being a “strapping young fellow, big-boned and big-muscled, with faith in himself and in the strength of his head and hands.”
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After the man finishes his sandwich, he realizes he is beginning to lose feeling in his fingers.
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Despite the frost bite developing in his hands, the man continues on his travels to the Cherry Creek Divide, which is frozen solid and runs alongside the mountains.
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As he nears the middle of the frozen creek, the man breaks through the ice, and his feet plunge into the freezing water. After this obstacle, he decides to build a fire.
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The man proceeds to fight for his life against the elements of nature.
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An abundance of snow falls, blotting out the man's fire.
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After burning his hands upon many attempts, the man is finally able to create a fire as a source of warmth.
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The man begins his return home.
