Trift Glacier, Alpine glacier in Valais, Switzerland
Trift Glacier is an Alpine glacier in Valais with steep ice formations and a striking turquoise meltwater lake at its base. The ice descends across a broad valley, and the water beneath displays vivid color from minerals suspended in the melt.
The glacier has undergone significant retreat since the middle of the 1800s, reshaping the mountain terrain. This process of change prompted the construction of a pedestrian bridge in the early 2000s to provide new access routes.
The glacier has become a visible reminder of how Alpine landscapes respond to climate change over time. Local guides and visitors often reflect on how the landscape has transformed within living memory.
Reaching the glacier requires a combination of transport and hiking, involving a bus, a cable car, and several hours on foot to the viewpoint. Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring layers, as mountain weather can change quickly at higher elevations.
The glacier's retreat created room for a large lake whose water displays an unusual mineral-enriched color that shifts throughout the day. This distinctive appearance results from fine sediment particles suspended in the glacial melt, a phenomenon visible from multiple vantage points along the route.
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