STAVELEY adventurer Leo Houlding sets off on his most 'hardcore' expedition to Antarctica next week.

The 37-year-old dad-of-two is leading a team on a three-phase trip to the continent which involves climbing a new route on one of the most remote mountains on the planet, the Spectre, and completing a trans-continental traverse using traditional man-hauling techniques and modern snow-kiting technology

“This is most adventurous and hardcore expedition concept that I've ever conceived of," said Houlding. "It represents true 21st Century, new school exploration, with a mixed international team, and in the greatest playground on earth. There is a realistic possibility of success, but the odds are not short, and of course no one has done this before.”

This logistically complex and ambitious undertaking aims to redefine modern exploration and adventure, and is being attempted in partnership with Berghaus.

Leo Houlding, joined by experienced French climber Jean Burgun and photographer/filmmaker Mark Sedon, from New Zealand, will depart from the UK on Tuesday to climb the 750m tall buttress of the 2,020m Spectre in the Gothic Mountains.

Once Houlding, Burgun and Sedon arrive on the Antarctic continent, via South America, their journey there will involve:

• A flight in a Twin Otter ski equipped aircraft and snow-kiting with 200kg sledges known as pulks for 300km to reach the Spectre

• Alpine style ascents of highly technical climbs and unclimbed peaks

• 400km of traditional man-hauling on cross-country skis, before finally snow-kiting a further 1100km back to the Union Glacier, concluding a complete trans-continental traverse before departing the Antarctic.

The trip has been described by Sir Chris Bonington as “pushing the limits of Alpine style exploration”. Houlding has estimated that the expedition will last around 70 days, running from early November until the back end of January 2018.

Leo Houlding has been preparing for an attempt on the Spectre since 2013. For over a year, Houlding has been working closely with the product team at Berghaus to develop clothing and equipment that is capable of performing in the extremes of temperature and conditions that the team will face in Antarctica. During the trip, Houlding, Burgun and Sedon will have to operate in temperatures as low as -50 degrees Celsius, and in winds of up to 80 knots, while at times hauling loads of 200kg. Everything must be carried for the entire duration of the trip.

Once Houlding, Burgun and Sedon have landed on the Antarctic, they will transmit updates as often as they can, but opportunities to send news and images are likely to be very limited. Details at www.spectreexpedition.com.