Winter and Summer on a Little Planet

# When Winter and Summer Play Tag: A Twilight Dance at Col du Galibier

Picture this: a magical realm where winter and summer have a tête-à-tête, swapping places like they’re in an eternal game of tag. Welcome to the stunning Col du Galibier in the French Alps—where the incredible takes center stage, and the weather takes its cue from a particularly indecisive director!

In this mesmerizing panorama, you can actually see the visual bridges between two seasons, all wrapped up in a breathtaking 360×180 degree view. Imagine witnessing the stars and nebulae of the northern winter chatting it up with the summer Milky Way, forming perfect arcs against a backdrop that seems to flirt with both snow and sun. It’s practically a celestial rivalry played out against the rugged, curved horizon, and trust me, the view will make you want to throw on your best hiking boots and stride right into the image—whether you’re dressed for a snowball fight or a sun-soaked barbecue.

Let’s break it down: the towering Col du Galibier, standing tall at a dizzying 2,642 meters, is not just a high-altitude mountain; it’s like the VIP lounge of alpine adventures. In summer, you might find the winding road alive with cars gliding through the night, their headlights casting enchanting beams across the pass like the world’s most exclusive nightclub. On the flip side, winter is the bouncer, making access difficult unless you arrive armed with ski gear and a touch of bravery. You best bring your A-game if you’re planning on navigating the white wonderland—snowflakes don’t take kindly to amateurs!

Now, cycling fans, lean in closer. You might recognize this iconic mountain as a legendary route featured in the Tour de France—the race that leaves fans guffawing at pro cyclists who seem to have leg muscles powered by small engines. The Col du Galibier is like the final boss level for cyclists, where they tackle the ascent with a fierce determination that often makes watching a stage feel like participating in an extreme sport…from the couch.

So, whether you’re planning a summer escapade to chase shooting stars or a winter adventure where you’ll pretend you’re an alpine superhero (cape not included), Col du Galibier serves up a delightful dish of seasonal allure. After all, who wouldn’t want to stand at the pinnacle of the earth, straddling two seasons, and feel the thrill of watching winter and summer duke it out for cosmic bragging rights?

Image via NASA https://ift.tt/fVopz4m