Snow Polo in St. Moritz: Celebrating 40 Years of Equestrian Action in the Alps

The frozen Lake of St. Moritz once again played host to one of the world’s most exclusive and exhilarating sporting events this January: the 40th Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz.

This article was written by JQ Louise. Photography courtesy of Fotoswiss.

Over the course of three unforgettable days, an elite audience from around the globe gathered to witness the only high-goal polo tournament played on snow.

This year, I had the privilege of attending the Snow Polo World Cup fornthe very first time, and it exceeded every expectation. From the heart-pounding matches to the haute-couture-clad social scene, this event is truly in a league of its own. As I reflected on the weekend while sipping a glass of Perrier Jouet in the stands, I knew this would become an annual tradition—Snow Polo has officially won a permanent place on my winter calendar.

The Snow Polo World Cup is no ordinary sporting event—it’s a convergence of the world’s best polo players, celebrities, and discerning travelers who value exclusivity and just a good ole’ time.

The matches, featuring international polo stars such as Guillermo “Sapo” Caset and Nacho Figueras, delivered intense competition and breathtaking skill.

Each swing of the mallet and charge down the snowy pitch drew cheers from the crowd, underscoring why this event remains a bucket-list experience for polo enthusiasts.

“This 40th anniversary is an incredibly important milestone for all of us,” says founding father Reto Gaudenzi. “It is a very special opportunity to look back on the impressive development of the tournament and at the same time to celebrate the future of snow polo. We are very much looking forward to sharing this fantastic event with our partners, players, and visitors.”

The 40th anniversary celebrations included special tributes to the tournament’s origins. Attendees were treated to a retrospective of the event’s history, showcasing how Reto Gaudenzi’s bold vision transformed snow polo from a daring experiment into one of the most celebrated fixtures on the global sporting calendar. There was also a black tie gala at the famed Badrutt’s Hotel in the center of town—which of course was yet another excuse for the local glitterati to outdo one another in the fashion department. Trust me, the people- watching throughout this weekend in St. Moritz is second to none in the winter fashion department.

While the action on the frozen lake captivated audiences, the social scene was equally as dazzling. The Polo Village is filled with luxury boutiques and gourmet food and drink offerings. So, between breaks in the action on the pitch, there is plenty to explore nearby. And if you opt for a VIP ticket, you get access to a reserved seating area overlooking the pitch as well as a VIP tent that has seemingly endless options for fine dining, more champagne, and goodies from the event sponsors.

St. Moritz, of course, has a reputation as a playground for the world’s elite on any given weekend, and the Snow Polo just brings out the top of the top in all regards. The combination of luxury accommodations, fine dining, and world- class service ensures that Snow Polo World Cup players and spectators are treated to a weekend they are sure to remember for a long time.

This event is more than a sporting competition; it’s an invitation to be part of a global tradition that combines the best of sport, style, and sophistication. As I watched the final match unfold with the sun glinting off the frozen lake, I found myself already making plans for next year. Mark your calendars for 2026—this is one event you’ll want to make into your own annual tradition.

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