The Coldest Journey was a 2013 Commonwealth-supported expedition to Antarctica with the aim of becoming the first team ever to cross the Antarctic land mass during the polar winter.
The team used cloud-based web technologies to connect with schools across the world as part of an educational programme designed to inspire a new generation towards high achievement.
The Ice Team was made up of Brian Newham (leader (formerly traverse manager)), Robert Lambert (expedition doctor), Ian Prickett, Spencer Smirl (lead mechanic/driver), and Richmond Dykes (mechanic/driver).
On 25 February 2013, Fiennes abandoned the expedition and was evacuated to Princess Elisabeth Station, due to frostbite suffered while attempting to fix a ski binding without gloves at −30 °C (−22 °F).
On 18 June 2013 the team officially halted its expedition to cross Antarctica and decided to focus the remainder of the time on scientific experiments.