The 2000-mile journey across the continent has for many years been considered too perilous to try and the expedition's six-man "Ice Team" - led by Sir Ranulph Fiennes - will have to overcome one of earth's most hostile environments if they are to succeed, exposing themselves to temperatures dropping close to -90c and operating in near permanent darkness.

For more than 100 years the world has witnessed a golden era in modern exploration, as adventurers from across the globe have battled against each other to overcome the great polar challenges. Today only one true challenge remains - to be the first to cross the Antarctic in winter. ... Achieving their goal will further cement Britain's reputation as the world's leading nation of explorers and be a fitting conclusion to an extraordinary period in human history.

If anything should go seriously wrong, a search and rescue mission would be impossible since aircraft cannot fly in such cold conditions due to the threat of their fuel freezing. In the event of a major incident, the crew will have to sit out the winter on the ice until summer when a rescue attempt can be made.