If we are talking about Antarctica, there is no need to resort to fantasy. Just look at the expeditions of Robert Scott and Ernest Shackelton for real life examples, one successful and the other not so much...

"Scott for scientific method, Amundsen for speed and efficiency but when disaster strikes and all hope is gone, get down on your knees and pray for Shackleton" (from Wikipedia)

Andof course there are many more real life examples