Updated: March 30, 2010

Santa's icy home has long been a challenge for explorers. Starting in the 1700's, people tried, and failed, to create trade routes through the icy area as well as for the simple glory of going where no one had gone before.

The first to succeed in reaching his destination was Robert Peary, in 1909. His exhibition was proven in 2005 when British explorer Tom Avery duplicated his journey, using period equipment, and managed to reach the Pole five hours sooner than Peary.

In recent years, trips to the pole have been mounted for science, but also to raise awareness about climate change. Though the North Pole is warmer than the South Pole because it is surrounded by water, the ice that exists there has become thinner as the impact of our changing environment is felt. Some scientists are even concerned that the ice will soon melt away completely during the summer months, impacting the climate as well as politics as countries vie for that sought-after territory.

Now, 15-year-old Parker Liautaud is about to set off on his own trip. If he succeeds, he'll be one of the youngest people to have reached the pole accompanied only by a guide. Find out more about the arctic in the gallery, then follow Parker on his journey at the Facebook link below.