David de Rothschild
David's commitment to the environment has sent him to some of the worlds most remote places. In 2004/2005 David became the youngest British person to traverse the continent of Antarctica after completing this he then went on to be part of a team that broke the world record for the fastest ever crossing of the Greenland Icecap.

As the founder of Sculpt the Future, an independently run initiative that looks at placing the power of change back into the hands of local communities around the globe, David is no stranger to using alternative mediums to gain awareness for environmental and social change. After finishing an advanced Diploma in natural medicine, David followed his dream, of setting up a naturopathic/ecological education centre in New Zealand, with the additional goal of pioneering new techniques to create a fully self-sufficient certified organic farm; while also focusing on raising the profile of sustainable farming and natural medicine. Having completed numerous extreme events, most notably winning his age group in the grueling 'escape from Alcatraz' triathlon, David has the passion, determination and focus needed to take on the new challenges that lay ahead.

Martin Hartley
Martin Hartley has committed the last ten years documenting the people and the places that are found at the ends of the Earth. Such photography is a race against time: when isolated communities make first contact with outsiders, traditional values are often exchanged for the trappings of modern civilization.

Any photographer intent on recording a society's way of life needs to tread a fine line between interaction and intrusion. Gaining a community's trust and friendship, by showing respect for their way of life, is essential. Photographing the hostile landscapes that these people inhabit has allowed Martin to communicate the emotions that individuals experience in these extreme locations. Being removed from the comforts associated with modern life by spending months at a time in places where the possibility of rescue is remote has enabled him to appreciate our fleeting presence on this planet.

Paul Landry
Paul Landry, was born and raised in Ontario. He worked for Outward Bound for numerous years where he found his passion for the outdoors. Paul moved to Baffin Island, where he set up his own business as a polar guide.

As the demand grew, he started guiding trips to the North and South Pole. He has been to the South Pole three times, and this will become his fourth time to the North Pole, including an expedition with dogs. Paul is highly experienced in polar travel and in driving dogs.

Sarah McNair Landry
Sarah is fresh out of high school. She has a passion for adventure and is keen to try any sport that she can. She grew up in Iqaluit, being able to dog sled along by the age of 8. She helped raise most of the dogs and knows them all well. Moving to Quebec, to finish her studies, she started cross-country skiing, racing and doing long distance marathons.

In 2003 she was part of the Kites on Ice expedition, a crossing of the Greenland icecap with dogs, ski's and kites. Her adventures did not stop there. In 2004/05 she took part on another expedition to the South Pole and back! Skiing unsupported to the pole, a feat that only 38 people have done, she became the youngest person ever to ski to the South Pole. On the return journey, the team used kites, covering amazing distances. Sarah works as both a guide, a kiting instructor and a kiting bum. She is now in the Dominican kite surfing, and when there are no winds she is busy writing her book with her brother Eric on their expedition to the South Pole.

The Dogs
Two dog teams will be flown from Baffin Island, Canada to St Petersburg, Russia, before undertaking the three month crossing. The dog team recently returned from the North Pole where they broke Peary's longstanding record of 37 days. The dog team is fit, experienced and strong. They have pulled together for numerous years, and work together to haul the heavy sled up and over pressure ridges. Both Sarah and Paul have known the dogs for many years, raised many of them and have used them for past expeditions.