A lifestyle mecca on ice. A sophisticated alpine town that is transformed into a winter wonderland of luxury, sport and social splendor every year in January. When the Snow Polo World Cup calls St. Moritz, they all answer — the polo stars, the jet-setters, the gourmets, the gourmets, the gourmets and all those who know that the best of winter sports, hospitality and grandeur come together here to create an event that is second to none in the world.
Because St. Moritz is more than just a backdrop — it is a stage and a myth at the same time. Between sparkling snow crystals, the frozen lake and the dramatic mountain scenery of the Engadin Alps, an event is being staged that combines lifestyle and tradition, elegance and adrenaline, exclusivity and sporting excellence in a unique way. The snorting horses, the clink of hooves on ice, the colorful team colors against a bright blue sky — all this makes the Snow Polo World Cup a feast for all senses.
In 2025, this spectacle celebrated its 40th anniversary - and once again showed why polo on snow is more than just a game. It is an experience. A legend. And a symbol of alpine luxury in its most beautiful form. Four decades full of stories, triumphs and unforgettable moments — frozen in the glory of St. Moritz.
St. Moritz — the Birthplace of Snow Polo and World-Class Stage
Welcome to St. Moritz, the Birthplace of Snow Polo. What is now considered an international fixture in the polo calendar began in 1985 with an idea — or rather: a bold vision. Reto Gaudenzi, Charismatic Founder and Still the Face of the Tournament Today, Wanted to Bring Polo into the Winter Wonderland. First try? A Blizzard, a mini field (40 x 80 meters), a red ball. The result? The start of an era.
Four decades later, the St. Moritz Snow Polo World Cup is the world's first and only polo tournament to be played on a frozen lake — more specifically: Lake St. Moritz. With a playing field of 200x100 meters, surrounded by the Majestic Engadine Alps, the location offers a backdrop that is hard to find even in top international sports.
40 Years of Snow Polo — An Anniversary Edition with Goosebumps
From January 24 to 26, 2025, Lake St. Moritz was once again dedicated to polo. But this time everything was a bit more special, celebratory, emotional. 40 years of Snow Polo World Cup — that not only meant top sporting achievements, but also a look back at a success story that has become more magical with every Snowflake.
Around 25,000 spectators flocked to Engadin this weekend to see the best polo teams in the world live. On the pitch: Four top-class teams, including the home team St. Moritz, which prevailed in the thrilling final against Team Azerbaijan - Land of Fire. Led by Tito Gaudenzi, son of the founder, the victory was not only celebrated in sports — it was also an emotional gift to the history of this event.
Elegance on Ice: Polo, Prestige and Sparkling Champagne
As soon as you enter the area, you can tell that this is not just about Gates. This is about style**, ** suspense and scene. The Red Polo Ball on White Snow, the Hooves Rumbling on Frozen Ground, the Murmuring from the VIP Lounge — it is this unique mix of high-performance sport and social event that makes the Snow Polo World Cup a luxury event in Switzerland.
The focus is, of course, on polo. The conditions? Challenging. The height? 1.768 meters above sea level. The Requirements for Horses and Players? Extremely. Only the best survive on this surface - tight snow, cold mountain air, smooth playing surface. But that is exactly what makes polo on snow so fascinating and spectacular.
The Event as an Experience — Between Jet Set and Swiss Charm
But the Snow Polo World Cup wouldn't be St. Moritz if it didn't also stage the big stage of life. The lifestyle factor is high — and wanted. Between matches, people meet in the stands, over a glass of Perrier-Jouët or over a VIP lunch in a heated tent with a view of the playing field. Labels such as Cartier, The Kusnacht Practice or World Polo League use the event to present themselves to an exclusive, well-connected audience.
It continues in the evening: dinner at Badrutt's Palace, after-show drinks at Carlton, and of course the legendary Polo Night — an homage to everything that is sophisticated, lively and irresistible.
Luxury meets logistics — what happens behind the scenes
What looks so easy is in fact a masterpiece of organization. Construction starts weeks in advance. 3,900 tons of material, over 5,000 m³ of snow, around 5,600 working hours — all of this is required to build the playing field and event structure on the ice.
More than 150 employees and numerous volunteers ensure that everything runs smoothly — from safety to horse management to guest services. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important: recyclable materials, regional supply chains and environmentally friendly technology have long been part of the event's DNA.
An economic magnet for the region
In addition to sport and style, the Snow Polo World Cup also provides considerable economic impetus:
- Tournament budget: CHF 2.5 million
- Estimated added value for Engadin: CHF 22 million
- Full hotels, restaurants, boutiques — the event ensures high season in winter
Whether as an equestrian event, tourist highlight or brand platform — the Snow Polo World Cup is an investment that pays off for everyone involved.
Why this tournament is unique worldwide
Polo on sand, polo on grass, polo in the desert — there is everything. But polo on a frozen lake, surrounded by the spectacular Engadin Mountains, with a supporting program between haute cuisine and haute couture? This is only available in St. Moritz.
For four decades, we have succeeded in creating something here that goes far beyond sport: a festival of good life. A stage for top performance. A place of longing for everyone who loves beauty, adrenaline and alpine elegance in equal measure.
Conclusion: The St. Moritz Snow Polo World Cup — a total work of art
2025 wasn't just an anniversary. It was a celebration of the moment. An homage to 40 years of courage, vision and style. And a promise for the future.
Whether as a spectator standing room, as a VIP in a heated tent, as a player in the saddle or as a brand in the limelight — the St. Moritz Snow Polo World Cup is an experience for all senses.
And while the last hoof tracks slowly disappear into the snow, the certainty remains: 2026 is coming back. And it's going to be magical again.
