Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Swiss ski resort of St. Moritz, the 40th annual Snow Polo World Cup is an event unlike any other. Held over the last weekend in January 2025, this world-renowned tournament— the oldest snow polo competition globally— is a mesmerising spectacle that seamlessly blends high-octane sports with unparalleled luxury.
Picture this: a frozen Alpine lake, transformed into a pristine polo field, nestled amidst the iconic, snow-capped peaks of St. Moritz. With 322 days of sunshine a year, the winter sky here is a stunning, cloudless cyan blue, a shade that seems to have leapt straight from a Pantone colour swatch. The white, fleecy larch pines dot the mountains, creating a stark yet beautiful contrast to the vibrant playing field below.
On the frozen lake, layered with 50 centimetres of solid ice, agile ponies clad in studded snow shoes kick up frosty flurries as they charge across the field. The players—four per team—compete with unmatched intensity, their mallets striking the glossy red ball against the icy ground. Each match, consisting of four chukkas (periods) lasting just seven minutes each, is a whirlwind of excitement and thrill. But the allure of this three-day event goes far beyond the games.
The Ultimate Social Spectacle
At the Snow Polo World Cup, the games are only part of the attraction. The social scene is a spectacle in its own right, where crowd-watching becomes an event of its own.
Imagine an eclectic mix of Alpine-glam meets preppy-chic. Think metallic gold Jimmy Choo snow boots paired with tailored Ralph Lauren jodhpurs. Designer-clad pets are just as stylish as their owners, from fluffy puppies to massive mountain dogs with icy paws. Everyone sports fabulous sunglasses, and heels are a rare sight. Fur, oversized hats, floor-length coats, and thigh-high boots are the order of the day. It's haute couture meets Winterfell—high fashion taking a glamorous turn North of the Wall.
This prestigious event draws an affluent crowd of 12,000 attendees, including 700 VIPs who fill the marquee and grandstands. The skies above the Engadin Valley of St. Moritz are dotted with private jets, as it's estimated that around 80 of them make their way here over the course of the three days.
‘Private aviation plays a big role for the Snow Polo World Cup,’ says Reto Gaudenzi, the event’s Founder and CEO, affectionately known as the ‘godfather of snow polo’ for his role in organising the first-ever snow polo tournament back in 1985. ‘Many of our guests only travel [in] for the weekend.’
The tournament’s exclusive location adds to its allure. As Marine Eugene, European Managing Director of Flexjet, explains, ‘St. Moritz is a considerable distance from any commercial airline airport.’ While Zurich is over three hours away by car or train, Samedan, St. Moritz’s private airport, is just minutes from the town and the event venue, making it an ideal choice for the large numbers of VIP guests, visitors, teams, and players.
A Gala Affair Like No Other
Beyond the polo matches, the Snow Polo World Cup is renowned for its extravagant social events, particularly the much-anticipated black-tie Gala Dinner. This glamorous affair is one of the highlights of the weekend, with tickets highly coveted and almost always selling out. Six teams compete in the tournament, with Badrutt’s Palace Hotel proudly sponsoring their own team, which features the tournament’s only professional female polo player, the crowd-favourite Melissa Ganzi.
Join Us at the 40th Snow Polo World Cup
Don't miss your chance to be a part of this spectacular event in January 2025. Whether you’re eager to witness the exhilarating polo matches, soak up the opulent social scene, or attend the exclusive Gala Dinner, Sprezzatura World can make it happen.
With our exclusive access and bespoke services, we can arrange everything from securing coveted tickets to organising your entire stay in St. Moritz. Let us curate a once-in-a-lifetime experience tailored just for you.
Get in Touch with Us Today to Reserve Your Place at the Snow Polo World Cup and Gala Dinner.
Experience the thrill, the glamour, and the unparalleled beauty of the Snow Polo World Cup with Sprezzatura Travel. Your extraordinary journey begins here.
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