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A Tradition Born in the Snow
Although polo itself dates back over 2,600 years — originating in ancient Persia — the idea of playing it on snow is a far more recent innovation. Polo first came to St. Moritz around 1899, when British cavalry officers introduced the sport to the mountain resort. After a long pause in polo activity, the local St. Moritz Polo Club was founded in 1959, setting the stage for future equestrian achievements.
It wasn’t until 1985 that polo on snow officially began. Visionary Swiss polo player and organizer Reto G. Gaudenzi orchestrated what became the world’s first snow polo tournament on the frozen lake, forever changing the sport and giving birth to what is now the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz.
From Century‑Old Roots to a Modern Classic
Over four decades, this tournament has grown into the most prestigious snow polo event in the world — unique in its scale, competitive level, and cultural impact. Attracting elite teams featuring some of the world’s best polo players, the event combines high‑octane sport with style, hospitality, and alpine glamour.
To this day it remains the only high‑goal polo tournament played on snow, drawing spectators not just for the sport but for the vibrant atmosphere of the tent city, gourmet cuisine, and social life that accompanies the competition.
Snow Polo World Cup 2026 — What’s New This Year
From January 23 to 25, 2026, the Snow Polo World Cup once again filled Lake St. Moritz with the thunder of hooves, the crack of mallets, and the cheers of an international audience. The 41st edition featured six world‑class teams battling for the coveted trophy over three days of thrilling matches.
This year’s competition continues to showcase elegance and strategy under intensely cold alpine skies, blending the game’s centuries‑old heritage with modern athletic prowess. The frozen lake at nearly 1,800 metres above sea level provides a dramatic backdrop, its pristine surface a challenging field where horses — specially trained for snow — and riders face unique conditions.
The tournament continues its tradition of blending sport with culture, with VIP lounges, culinary experiences, and social events turning the three‑day competition into one of the winter season’s most anticipated highlights.
The Legacy of Snow Polo — Moments Worth Remembering
Since its inception in 1985, the Snow Polo World Cup has etched many memorable moments:
– Early years: The tournament began as a bold experiment played in blizzards and freezing conditions — a spectacle that wowed spectators and players alike.
– Growth and reputation: Over the years, it attracted global attention and became a hotspot for polo’s elite, while inspiring similar snow polo events around the world — from Aspen to Cortina.
– Recent history: Even in recent years, titles have swung between top teams, illustrating both fierce competition and evolving talents.
Challenges such as weather variability have tested organizers — including years where rain or unseasonable temperatures forced adaptations or alternate formats — yet the spirit of Snow Polo has endured.
Why Snow Polo in St. Moritz Endures
What makes the Snow Polo World Cup so special isn’t just the sport itself — it’s the synergy of history, location, athleticism, and culture. Players and spectators alike are drawn not only to the challenge of polo on snow, but to the entire experience of St. Moritz: a blend of alpine beauty, luxury hospitality, and sporting tradition unmatched anywhere else on the globe.
As we look to 2026 and beyond, this event remains a celebration of polo’s timeless appeal in a winter wonderland, showcasing how even a sport with ancient roots can evolve and flourish in spectacular new forms.
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