Photo of the Day (10.20.09)

Today’s beautiful Photo of the Day comes from Flickr user jrodmanjr. It’s an interesting composition – the lush green hills in contrast against icy cliffs and sky, separated by a thin formation of low clouds. Having never been to Switzerland, this is exactly the scene that I visualize when I imagine the stereotypical beauty of the country.

The shot was taken in Grindelwald, Switzerland (pop. 3,760) – which is a popular destination for winter sports and summer hiking. A starting point for ascents of the Eiger (featured in the photo) and Wetterhorn mountains, the town has an elevation of 1,034m. Another reason you might recognize it? It was used as the basis for the view of Alderaan in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.

Are you a Flickr user who’d like to share a travel related picture or two for our consideration? Submit it to Gadling’s Flickr group right now! We just might use it for our Photo of the Day!

1 dead, 3 hurt in Swiss ski lift accident

I’m scared of heights, and not afraid to admit it. To be fair, it’s not all heights that worry me; planes, for instance, do me no harm. But even the thought of particular situations make me a bit queasy. Hot air balloons, for instance, are the worst. A thin piece of fabric, a wicker basket, flames? No thanks. Another worrisome device that makes me nervous is the ski lift. Case in point:

Recently, near the Alpine Ski Resort in Grindelwald, Switzerland, one person was killed, and three injured when something terrible happened on a ski lift. The report is light on details, but you can let your mind wander with the horrors that come with someone dying on a ski lift. “Mountain rescue officials said other passengers on the chairlift had to be evacuated from the ground as high winds made the use of helicopters too dangerous.”

I’m sure more and more details will surface over the next few days. Until then, here are three tips for ski lift safety, from yours truly:

  1. Don’t get on a ski lift.
  2. Never go skiing. Ever.
  3. Why are you even leaving the house? It’s much safer inside…