As the season of ice approaches those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, I thought it would be more than appropriate to celebrate one of the most gorgeous features of the season (beyond Christmas lights or snow-capped mountains, of course): ice
Here are some of the world’s most beautiful and glorious glaciers. I’ve been to many of them, and every time I’ve stepped foot on a glacier I am humbled by their size and power. They’re like worlds of their own, completely insulated and separate from the space around them. Grab a hot beverage and enjoy.
Fox Glacier, New Zealand
This photo illustrates the eerie-blue colours you’ll find on a glacier. The Fox Glacier is my favourite as compared to the Franz Josef Glacier, two popular things to do on South Island in New Zealand.
Glacier Lagoon, Iceland
You didn’t think we’d leave out Iceland from the list, did you?
Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
Many of Argentina’s glaciers are retreating, but the Perito Moreno is still alive and well.
Hubbard Glacier, Alaska
One of the stunning things to see in Alaska is the endless Mother Nature making her mark on the landscape. This shot of Hubbard Glacier looks like an icy hand stretching out into the water.
San Raphael Glacier, Chile
Yet another reason to explore Patagonia. Breathtaking.
Prince William Sound, Alaska
That is so incredible it almost doesn’t look real.
Jungfraujoch, Switzerland
Known as the ‘Top of Europe,’ just getting to the Jungfraujoch is an experience in itself, one of the many things to do in Interlaken. You’ll arrive via railway, the highest railway in Europe. The photo shows one of the ice tunnels that was carved out by man, though some routes in the expansive complex are natural.
Greenland
From this angle, it seems like Greenland is all glacier. And in some respects, you’d be right!
Pasterze Glacier, Austria
Pasterze is the largest glacier in Austria.
Upsala Glacier, Argentina
These blue peaks are a common sight throughout Patagonia.
Matanuska Glacier, Alaska
There is no arguing that Mother Nature is an artist.
Skaftafell Glacier Park, Iceland
Unbelievable.
Aletsch Glacier, Switzerland
So many unique colours, all in one shot.
Furtwängler Glacier, Tanzania
This stunning photo is quite sad as that small bit of ice is all that is left of the Furtwängler Glacier, which you might know better as the Snows of Kilimanjaro from Ernest Hemingway
Biafo and Hispar Glaciers, Pakistan
This shot is of “Snow Lake”, a favourite along the icy trekking routes of northern Pakistan.
Lambert Glacier, Antartica
We close with the continent that is ice, Antarctica. It looks so peaceful from the air.
Photos by Steve & Jemma Copley, Daniel Orn, doug8888, Dawn, VinceHuang, AlaskanDude, basheertome, joka2000, longhorndave, Dawn Endico, diego cupolo,dibaer, cesargp, dave hancock, RemusShepard
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Some breathtaking shots there Andy. Glaciers really do encapsulate the ‘rawness’ of the Earth.
I can only imagine the actual experience of going to one! I’ll have to add a trip to a glacier to my list!
Cheers,
A
Wow this photos are incredible!
I think my favorite is the Upsala Glacier in Argentina
Theres something about mountains of ice that is so stunning!
I’m glad I discovered this site, consider me a new frequent reader!
@Adam – I’m surprised you’ve not been to one yet? Go for it – its an unreal experience.
@Devin – We’re glad to have you. Pull up a chair and get cosy.
Ack! I can’t take it – these are shots are just too amazing! How have I lived this long without seeing a glacier up close and personal?!
It’s just been one of those things I suppose, haven’t been in an area with Glaciers! it can be one of my goals for 2010!
Some amazing pictures here Andy. Truely astonishing how beautiful nature can be.
Thanks for all the kind words folks. Glad you enjoyed the icy tour
Love this post! I can’t believe there’s a glacier in Tanzania?! Some great pics, makes me want to get outside and play
Yup -those glaciers are everywhere, even warm places! Playful things for sure.