If you fancy sipping champagne on a frozen lake, purveying handsome men yielding mallets and riding horses while battling for victory, then come to the St. Moritz World Cup on Snow. You’ll love it. I did.
Every January more than 12,000 polo fans, socialites, and fashionistas rub elbows on frozen Lake St. Moritz. Whether in the stands or the champagne tent, you’re surrounded by the Engadin’s snowcapped mountains dappled with six 5-star hotels and a sapphire blue sky reflecting ice crystals. It’s an otherworldly thrill as the hooves of dark stallions stir up clouds of white snow; charging down the polo field for an attack on goal.
But Ice Polo isn’t just an event. It’s a spectacle.
Haute winter style is on full display. Furs, Moon Boots, and outlandish hats, were this year’s must-haves. Don’t forget the jewels. Whether they were inherited from a great aunt, a Valentine’s gift, or you waltzed into Tiffany’s and bought your own diamonds – wear your ice! It is Ice Polo after all.
Just as important as the Polo and fashion is the social agenda.
Relax and catch some rays on fur-lined seats while listening to the light rock band. Hobnob in the Veuve Clicquot champagne tent. And don’t forget to secure an invitation to the ball. This year’s black tie event was held at the Hotel Kepinski that was light up in blue and raised over CHF 40,000 for the charity BEYOND.
If you are interested in the game of Polo and it’s your first time, fear not. Before each match at 11 AM and 2 PM, a presenter explains in English the strategy, riding style, and plays that you’ll see on the field. And if you (or any of your mates) think they can ride better than the players – swing your mallet on the mechanical polo horse to give it a go.
Champagne, stallions, fashion, snow-capped peaks, and a black tie ball… yes, St. Moritz’s Ice Polo is glitzy and absolutely romantic. What I enjoyed most was the warmth and spirit of the crowd. Indeed, you need not be intimidated by “Glamouritz”. Dripping in diamonds (or not, like me) everyone had champagne smiles and enjoyed the romance of an elegant day .
A word to the wise: St. Moritz Ice Polo is a much-loved event. Book accommodation early. If you can’t find a room in St. Moritz, try the swank Hotel Misani in nearby Celerina.
*I was the guest of Tourism St. Moritz
*Photo credits belong to St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow
Author, journalist and publishing consultant, Donna Sozio has been featured in 200+ media outlets including the Tyra Banks Show, Early Show, Fox News, Good Day LA, Seventeen Magazine, Yahoo! Personals, Match.com, Lavalife.com, WeBlogtheWorld.com, EcoSalon.com, OrganicAuthority.com and many more.
Her books The Man Whisperer (Adams Media) and Never Trust a Man in Alligator Loafers (Kensington) were Amazon.com bestsellers, had TV/Film options and were translated into German, Portuguese and Czech.
