Found by accident by a guide on the Hintertux glacier, the ice cave has been turned into a tourist attraction allowing the curious to take a peek into the frozen netherworldPhotograph: Anna Batchelor/GuardianAccess is by a circular hole set into a bank of snow several metres deepPhotograph: Anna Batchelor/GuardianA ladder leads the way to a chamber illuminated by an electric lampPhotograph: Anna Batchelor/GuardianIt is like Alice down the marmot hole, and you emerge into a staggeringly beautiful crystallised cavern Photograph: Anna Batchelor/GuardianHuge ice crystals and seven-metre stalactites adorn the cavernPhotograph: Anna Batchelor/GuardianThe crevasse is 25 metres below the ski pistes, totally cut off from life Photograph: Anna Batchelor/GuardianLong corridors lead to blue-tinged chambersPhotograph: Anna Batchelor/GuardianAnd eventually emerge into a dazzling white cavern called the 'ice palace'Photograph: Anna Batchelor/Guardian
