The film is based on the true story of Will stoneman (Mackenzie astin), a young man from South Dakota, an expert huskies guide, who lost his father in 1917, when he was about to enter the University.
After his father died, the debts besieged the young man Will and his mother. The only solution is to win the prize of 10,000 dollars, of the sled race that from Canada will cover 800 kilometers of icy surface. The harshness of the test and the expert and dangerous competitors will not intimidate the will of the young man.
Will he will be accepted into the competition after a few reluctance and in a short time he will win a mortal enemy and competitor, but also some allies, among which the journalist stands out. Harry kingsley (Kevin Spacey), ready to turn the young man into a symbol for the nation.