Elegance and Adrenaline in the Alps
The event
Sitting at 1,800 meters in Switzerland’s Engadin Valley is St. Moritz, a luxury alpine town that’s surrounded by dramatic, panoramic views of mountains, lakes and glaciers. It’s a haven for the wealthy elite and every year, over the last weekend of January, it hosts the Snow Polo World Cup. The event was first held in 1985 and now commands a budget of around $2.5 million to put on a snowy show like no other, creating its famous festival atmosphere in an Alpine environment that’s often blessed by the strong, warming sun overhead.
How you’ll be entertained
All the action takes place on the frozen lake of St. Moritz. Underneath is 70 meters of water and above is 50 cm of ice, on top of which the most glamorous and exclusive of snowsport events unravels for an attendance of over 20,000 people.
When the fervent crowds are not taking in the polo, which consists of six teams doing battle in the snowy conditions, there is live music entertainment, roulette wheels on ice and high-end social events both on the lake and in the plush resort town. Think champagne flutes, oysters and VIP tents by day, before the festival atmosphere floats from the ice into the town every evening.
Chic bars are bustling and the finest restaurants offer high-end cuisine that wouldn’t be out of place in the fanciest streets of Paris, London or Rome. Particular highlights that we think cannot be missed are the culinary delights on offer at the Kulm Hotel’s Michelin-starred K by Mauro Colagreco restaurant, as well as the Saturday night exclusively VIP black-tie gala which is held every year at the historic Badrutt’s Palace hotel.
Where to stay
The aforementioned Kulm Hotel is one of many luxury hotels in St. Moritz and is a 5-star superior accommodation with charming suites, fitness & sports facilities, and a private spa and wellness centre. The 5-star Carlton is another stunning option, discreetly perched high above the lake and allowing guests to enjoy its palatial architecture within a haze of serenity and beauty.
Another personal favourite of ours is Suvretta House, which boasts fairy-tale looks and sits a mile away from the hustle of St Moritz. The hotel’s traditional luxury offering includes a spa, swimming pool, tennis courts, restaurant scene and ski school.
If you’re after something a little different, and perhaps slightly more secluded, then the charming village of Pontresina is a short journey away. Here stands the Grand Hotel Kronenhof, a 5-star luxury establishment and wellness centre. The historic building with its contemporary touches is ideal if you want to enjoy all that St. Moritz has to offer from a more relaxed and slower-paced dwelling.
Other Activities
When you think about St. Moritz, however, it’s not all about the annual snow polo tournament that’s hosted there. The town is also famed for its world-class skiing opportunities. Having hosted two Winter Olympics and five Alpine Ski World Championships, the resort is one of the most renowned in the world.
So why not combine a weekend at the Snow Polo World Cup with some time on the slopes to take in the resort’s three separate ski areas, which are covered by 300 km of piste. You can choose to stay at one of the many luxury hotels in town, or we can find you a stunning chalet to call home for your stay. We’ll also be happy to organise all your ski passes, equipment hire, tuition and transfers, leaving nothing for you to worry about.
Get it booked
As we come towards the end of the year and prepare for 2023, at Blend Group we think a trip to St. Moritz is the perfect way to cure any January blues you may be anticipating. At Blend, we specialise in curating bespoke experiences for our valued clients, so if you’d like to enquire about a winter break to this exclusive resort, to take in a sporting spectacle and the stunning slopes, please get in touch with us here.