What is the Snow Polo World Cup St Moritz?

The Snow Polo World Cup St Moritz is the world's most celebrated snow polo event, held on the frozen surface of Lake St Moritz in Switzerland. It has been played since 1985 and takes place typically in late January each year.

How is snow polo different from regular polo?

Snow polo is played with three players per team rather than four, on a smaller field, with a brightly coloured ball for visibility on snow. Horses wear specialised shoes for grip on ice. The chukka duration may be shorter, and safety protocols are adapted for the frozen surface.

Is the Snow Polo World Cup actually played on ice?

Yes — the tournament is played on the frozen surface of Lake St Moritz when conditions allow. The frozen lake provides a naturally flat white playing surface. Ice and snow conditions are assessed carefully for safety before and during play.

When is the Snow Polo World Cup St Moritz?

The event is typically held in late January. Exact dates vary by year — check the official Snow Polo World Cup website for confirmed dates each season.

How do I get to St Moritz for the Snow Polo World Cup?

The nearest major airports are Zurich (approximately 3 hours) and Milan Malpensa (approximately 3 hours). Switzerland's excellent rail network connects St Moritz via Zurich and Chur. Early hotel booking is essential as January is peak season in St Moritz.

What should I wear to watch snow polo at St Moritz?

Dress for alpine winter conditions: thermal base layers, an insulated waterproof jacket, warm waterproof boots, hat, gloves, and sunglasses. Many spectators layer smart casual attire over thermals for the hospitality and social elements of the event.

Frozen Lake · St Moritz, Switzerland · Since 1985

Snow Polo World Cup St Moritz

Polo on the frozen surface of Lake St Moritz — the world's marquee snow polo event, held each January in the Swiss Alps since 1985.

Snow Polo

St Moritz, Switzerland

Late January

Since 1985

Tournament at a Glance

Venue

Frozen Lake St Moritz, Engadin, Switzerland

Season

Typically late January

Founded

1985

Setting

Natural frozen lake surface — a unique polo venue

Format

Invitation teams; smaller format adapted for snow polo

Status

Widely regarded as the marquee snow polo event worldwide

Last updated: May 2026

History & Significance

Founded in 1985

The Snow Polo World Cup St Moritz has been played since 1985, making it one of the longest-running snow polo events in the world. What began as an innovative experiment has become a landmark fixture in the global polo calendar.

A Unique Setting

The tournament is played on the frozen surface of Lake St Moritz in the Engadin valley of Switzerland. When conditions allow, the lake provides a naturally flat, white playing surface unlike any other polo venue in the world.

Growth of Snow Polo

The success of St Moritz has helped establish snow polo as a recognised discipline, with similar events now held in other alpine and winter destinations. St Moritz remains the original and most celebrated of these competitions.

Prestige & Sponsorship

The event has attracted significant luxury brand sponsorship and media attention, cementing its position as a prestigious and high-profile polo occasion alongside the world's leading grass tournaments.

How Snow Polo Differs from Grass Polo

Snow polo is a distinct adaptation of the traditional game. Several rules and format elements differ from standard grass polo to account for the unique playing surface and conditions.

Smaller Teams

Snow polo is typically played with three players per team rather than four, reflecting the different dynamics of play on snow.

Smaller Field

The playing area is smaller than a standard grass polo field to suit the frozen lake surface and the different pace of the game on snow.

Modified Ball

A specially coloured (typically red or orange) ball is used to maximise visibility against the white snow surface.

Horse Preparation

Polo ponies competing on snow require specialised shoeing — typically with studs or rubber shoes — to provide grip on the icy surface. Horse welfare and safety are paramount concerns.

Shorter Chukkas

Chukkas may be shorter than the standard seven minutes used in grass polo, adapted to the physical demands of playing on snow and ice.

Safety Considerations

Given the unusual playing surface, additional safety protocols are in place for both horses and players. Weather and ice conditions are assessed before and during play.

Ice & Weather: The Snow Polo World Cup is dependent on the frozen lake. Organisers assess conditions closely. Schedules can be adjusted for safety — visitors should check official communications for any changes.

Spectator Information

Watching the Match

Spectators gather along the lake shore and in grandstand areas to watch play. The combination of snowy mountains, the frozen lake, and the drama of polo makes for a visually spectacular experience.

Hospitality & Social Scene

The Snow Polo World Cup is as much a social occasion as a sporting event. Luxury hospitality, après-ski culture, and the broader St Moritz winter season combine to create a glamorous event environment.

Arrival & Timing

Arriving early is advisable to secure good viewing positions along the lake. The event typically spans several days in late January, with matches taking place across multiple sessions.

Weather Contingency

As an outdoor event on a natural frozen lake, the Snow Polo World Cup is weather-dependent. Organisers monitor conditions closely and schedules can be adjusted. Visitors should be prepared for alpine winter weather and potential schedule changes.

What to Wear

Dressing correctly for the Snow Polo World Cup means preparing for alpine winter conditions while maintaining the event's stylish atmosphere.

Thermal base layers

Essential for warmth during extended outdoor standing in alpine temperatures

Insulated waterproof jacket

Alpine conditions can include wind, snow, and cold even on clear days

Warm boots

Waterproof, insulated boots are essential — the lake surrounds can be icy and wet

Hat and gloves

Ear protection and warm hands are essential when watching outdoors in January in the Alps

Sunglasses

Glare from snow at altitude can be intense even on overcast days

Smart-casual over layers

Hospitality and social elements of the event call for style — layer smartly over thermals

Getting to St Moritz

By Air

The nearest airports to St Moritz are Zurich (approximately 3 hours by road or train) and Milan Malpensa (approximately 3 hours). Both offer excellent international connections. Engadin Airport (Samedan) serves smaller aircraft closer to St Moritz.

By Train

Switzerland's rail network provides excellent connections to St Moritz via Zurich and Chur. The Glacier Express and Bernina Express are scenic options. The journey from Zurich to St Moritz by train is a celebrated alpine rail experience.

By Road

St Moritz is accessible by road via mountain passes that are typically kept clear in winter. However, train travel is often more practical and reliable in winter alpine conditions.

Accommodation

St Moritz offers a wide range of accommodation from internationally renowned luxury hotels to more modest options. January is peak winter season — booking accommodation well in advance is essential for Snow Polo World Cup week.

Dates

The Snow Polo World Cup St Moritz is typically held in late January, taking advantage of peak winter conditions on the frozen lake. The event spans several days.

Official Source: For confirmed dates and tickets, consult the official Snow Polo World Cup St Moritz website at snowpolo-stmoritz.ch.

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