How experienced is the man, and how do you know?

The man is a newcomer and has never experienced winter in the Yukon. He is ignorant of the dangers he faces. 

"He was a newcomer in the land, and this was his first winter."

"That man from Sulphur Creek had spoken the truth when telling how cold it sometimes got in this country. And he had laughed at him at the time! That showed one must not be too sure of things."