Thanks to the recent below freezing conditions, the ice has reached a sufficient thickness to safely support the tournament’s infrastructure. In combination with the tireless efforts of the organisers and all the companies involved, this means that the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz 2023 can go ahead as planned from 27 to 29 January.
On January 14, 2023, the tournament committee received clearance from the authorities to begin the first phase of general construction work for the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz. Due to the late start of construction, the number of personnel as well as their work shifts were immediately doubled. Additionally, helicopters were used to transport material needed for the basic construction onto the frozen lake. These efforts proved successful: the first phase of construction was expedited and completed, allowing for the second phase of construction to already begin.
The tireless efforts of all companies involved, along with the current low temperatures that will continue to drop over the next few days, have also played a significant role in the rapid progress of construction. These conditions have ensured that the ice thickness required for the start of the second construction phase needed for a safe, load-bearing infrastructure have been attained. This, in all needed areas defined by the authorities on January 18, 2023. Over the upcoming days, all preparations will continue at full speed, mobilizing all available resources to complete the entire infrastructure by the start of the tournament on January 27, 2023. The tournament committee hopes for continued suitable weather conditions along with stable temperatures.
Preparations have begun for the building of the 200-meter-long and 100-meter-wide snow polo field, the VIP and Chukker Club spectator stands, one public spectator stand, the VIP tent in which Badrutt’s Palace will provide catering per usual, along with the popular «Polo Piazza» for the general public with restaurants, bars and exhibition tents from the numerous tournament partners.
«We have remained hopeful until the very last minute that the nighttime freezing temperatures would ensure that the lake would freeze faster, and Mother Nature did not let us down,» Reto Gaudenzi, Founder & CEO of Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz, cheerfully expressed.
Gaudenzi continued: «It is extremely gratifying to see that the countless hours of work invested in the preparation of the tournament by our team, sponsors, supporters and players has paid off. I would like to say a massive thank you to all the partners involved for the fantastic cooperation. Now, we can look forward to and focus on an incredible tournament! And as always, entry to the tournament is free of charge.»
Snow Polo St. Moritz: incredible atmosphere
“The unique atmosphere on the frozen lake against a mountain backdrop which no doubt makes for one of the world’s most spectacular settings, enthuses our guests anew every year.
Demand for both VIP tickets and tickets for the gala night at the Badrutt’s Palace Hotel for the next tournament is extraordinarily high,» says tournament founder and organiser Reto Gaudenzi, and adds, “That goes to show that to world-class polo players and polo fans the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz is a definite highlight on the annual polo calendar and not something to be missed.”
Snow Polo St. Moritz: Free admission to the event grounds and matches
Limited tickets are still available for all tournament days on www.snowpolo-stmoritz.com/tickets/. Admission to the event premises on Lake St. Moritz is free as ever. The «Piazza da Polo», offering a wide selection of culinary delights prepared by the Badrutt’s Palace Hotel and local partners, is open to the general public.
All is set for the spectacular polo game on the frozen Lake St. Moritz that traditionally reigns over the last weekend in January! The various social events on and off the lake, promising to provide as entertainment as the action-packed sport, round off the three tournament days in the breathtaking Alpine setting.
Snow Polo and the Evviva Polo St. Moritz Ltd
1985 saw the first-ever polo competition and St. Moritz staging this world premiere. The Snow Polo World Cup has reigned over the last weekend in January in St. Moritz ever since.
In 2014, leading exponents of snow polo in Switzerland founded Evviva Polo St. Moritz Ltd and signed a long-term contract with the town of St. Moritz, thus securing a sustained continuation of the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz. The Board of Directors consists of Dr Piero Dillier (President), Reto Gaudenzi (Vice-president and CEO) and Arndt Küchel; Jürg Reinger is CFO.
A well-rehearsed team of local and regional partners and the See Infra Ltd is working hand in hand with the organisers to carry out the tournament. For more information, visit www.snowpolo-stmoritz.com.
Snow Polo St. Moritz online: snowpolo-stmoritz.com, @snowpolostmoritz