how experienced is the man? Is he a novice? Prepared?

The man is experienced in cold weather, just not in that area. The cold does not faze the man,but he is a newcomer to the Yukon. He is prepared for cold but not the many hazards nature throws at him if he doesn't heed her warnings.

What does the man seem to think of his own abilities?

The cold dose not faze the man, he is new to this type of cold.