Snow Polo
Snow polo explained — frozen lake and snow-pitch rules, smaller teams, the orange ball, St Moritz World Cup, and the growing global scene from Aspen to China.
What is Snow Polo?
Snow polo is a winter adaptation of the equestrian sport of polo, played on compacted snow or frozen lake surfaces. The format preserves the fundamental nature of polo — mounted players competing to strike a ball through the opposing team\'s goalposts using mallets — while adapting the rules and conditions for the challenging winter environment.
The most celebrated snow polo event is the Snow Polo World Cup St Moritz in Switzerland, held on the frozen surface of Lake St Moritz since 1985. It has become one of the most iconic images in polo — horses and riders competing in the shadow of the Alps on a white expanse of frozen water.
Beyond St Moritz, snow polo events now take place across Europe (France, Austria, Italy), North America (Aspen), and increasingly in Asia. The format appeals strongly to luxury ski resort venues and has grown significantly in profile over the past two decades.
How Snow Polo Differs from Grass Polo
| Aspect | Snow Polo | Grass Polo |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Compacted snow or frozen lake surface | Grass turf |
| Ball colour | Orange (for visibility against white snow) | White or yellow |
| Teams | Typically 3 players per side | 4 players per side |
| Pitch size | Smaller than standard — typically around 100m x 50m | Up to 274m x 146m |
| Chukka length | Typically shorter — approximately 5 minutes | Up to 7 minutes |
| Horse shoes | Horses wear special snow or ice shoes — sharp studs or rubber pads for grip | Standard polo shoes |
| Safety board | Boards around the pitch to prevent horses sliding off the playing surface | No boards in grass polo (arena polo uses boards) |
| Dress code | Full winter weather gear — players and spectators both dress for cold | Traditional whites for players |
Major Snow Polo Events
Snow polo events are concentrated in the January–February winter window across Alpine and resort destinations.
Snow Polo World Cup St Moritz
Megève Snow Polo World Cup
Aspen/Snowmass Polo
Snow Polo Kitzbühel
Snow Polo China
Horse Safety in Snow Polo
Snow and ice present specific challenges for horse welfare. Major snow polo events take extensive precautions.
Snow shoes
Horses competing in snow polo wear specially designed shoes with studs or modified plates that provide grip on icy surfaces. Standard polo shoes are not adequate and would be unsafe.
Surface preparation
The playing surface is carefully prepared — compacted, graded, and assessed for safety before play. Frozen lake surfaces at St Moritz are extensively tested for thickness and stability before horses are permitted on them.
Horse acclimatisation
Horses need time to acclimatise to cold conditions, particularly when coming from warmer climates. Snow polo operations manage this transition carefully.
Veterinary supervision
Major snow polo events have on-site veterinary supervision, as they do at all major polo events. The cold environment creates specific welfare considerations.
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Snow Polo FAQs
Common questions about snow polo
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Last updated: May 2026