Equestrian Majesty in St. Moritz: Celebrating Four Decades of the Snow Polo World Cup

In the extraordinary setting high in the Swiss Alps, champagne flows and fur coats dazzle as world-class polo players showcase their prowess on the glistening surface of a frozen lake, captivating spectators from around the globe.

Equestrian Majesty in St. Moritz: Celebrating Four Decades of the Snow Polo World Cup

Forty years ago, the visionary Reto Gaudenzi brought a bold idea to life: polo on a frozen lake. By staging a tournament amid the snowy splendor of St. Moritz, he reimagined winter’s possibilities and gave birth to a new tradition. As the Snow Polo World Cup marks its 40th anniversary, it still captures a heady blend of high-society glamour, cutting-edge sport, and cosmopolitan flair.

First Snow Polo World Cup 1985. Photo courtesy Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz.
Players before the game, Reto Gaudenzi, 3rd from left, 1985. Photo courtesy Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz.

Though the world has changed dramatically since 1985, the essence of the Snow Polo World Cup remains surprisingly familiar. The event has always drawn a sophisticated crowd who come to marvel at the spectacle. Today, smartphones and drones hover around every polo match, but the core ritual endures.

Fur coats retain their allure on the grandstands, and Perrier-Jouët champagne continues to flow freely. Spectators casually tote bottles to their seats, creating a setting that is part lavish soiree, part sporting showdown. Inside the VIP pavilion, top-tier luxury brands showcase everything from tailored jet services to specialised medical offerings, alongside yacht charters and bespoke travel experts.

On the final day, the Kusnacht Practice team edged out Azerbaijan – Land of Fire in a riveting match, sealing a close 5–4½ victory. Captain Eduardo Greghi led his side with calm assurance, while Chris Mackenzie’s spectacular third-chukka goal from a nearly impossible angle kept the crowd on its feet. The winning trophy, designed by Azerbaijani artist Faig Hajiyev—whose career path closely echoes the tournament’s 1985 roots—paid homage to the sport’s enduring creativity.

Meanwhile, Mackage bested Taos in a tense penalty shootout to claim the Casablanca Trophy, and World Polo League overcame FlexJet by a score of 7–5½ in the Subsidiary Final for the Mackage Trophy. Isidro Strada was named Most Valuable Player, and Dolfina Aureliana earned the Best Playing Pony title, underscoring the significant role of both human and equine skill in polo’s magic.

This year’s Snow Polo World Cup concluded with over 26,000 guests enjoying three days of bewitch competition. Known affectionately as the “Godfather of Snow Polo,” Reto Gaudenzi couldn’t have been more pleased. Reflecting on the success, he noted the electric atmosphere, capacity crowds, and the exceptional caliber of play — epitomising St. Moritz’s unique brand of winter glamour. And while the tournament wrapped up and corks popped in celebration, plans were already in motion for the 2026 edition, slated for January 30 to February 1.