Austrian Skier Sees Mystical ‘Sun Candle’: People call it a ‘portal to another dimension’
On a chilly winter day at SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser in Brixental, Austria, one skier experienced a spectacle that seems more at home in the pages of a fantasy novel than on a snowy slope. On December 10, 2024, a rare optical phenomenon—a luminous “sun candle”—transformed an ordinary day into an extraordinary encounter with nature.
The phenomenon, a vertical beam of light created by ice crystals perfectly reflecting the sun’s low-angle rays, emerged as if summoned by magic against the glistening backdrop of the alpine landscape. The skier, who captured this fleeting marvel on video, later recounted the experience with a blend of awe and playful wonder. “It was fascinating, breathtaking—an experience unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” he reflected. With a wry smile, he even mused about the possibility of the radiant pillar being a portal to another realm.
A Viral Spectacle on Social Media
The captivating footage, shared by ViralHog, rapidly ignited the imagination of social media users around the world. Enthralled viewers found themselves drawn into the mystery of the sun candle—a reminder of nature’s unpredictable and enchanting artistry. As the video racked up shares and comments, many celebrated this ephemeral moment as a stirring invitation to look beyond the everyday and marvel at the unexplained.
For this intrepid skier, the encounter was more than just an extraordinary visual treat; it was a personal communion with a phenomenon that defies conventional understanding. Amid the serene snow and shimmering ice, nature’s luminous brushstroke left an indelible mark, urging all who witnessed it to appreciate the transient magic woven into our world.
As winter tightened its grip on the Austrian Alps during earlier months, such rare moments of natural brilliance continue to spark curiosity and ignite a sense of wonder—reminding us that sometimes, the world still holds mysteries that challenge our reality.
