by Ana Maria Bodeanu


The 41th anniversary of the Snow Polo World Cup in St. Moritz took place in January 2026 and featured six high-goal teams competing on the frozen lake: World Polo League, The Kusnacht Practice, FlexJet, Taos, Mackage and Azerbaijan Land of Fire. Key players included Alejandro Novillo Astrada, David Stirling, and Max Charlton, alongside players from the UK, Azerbaijan, Argentina, Spain, Brazil, and the USA.

 

The horses, powerful, poised, and impeccably trained, move with remarkable grace and force across the ice, while players demonstrate a rare blend of precision and daring. The game is fierce and exhilarating, as players collide into each other, on horseback, on a surface that is less than a foot thick. Meanwhile, the commentator Jan Erik Franck, so called the voice of polo, entertains the crowd with his personal brand of humour, all while explaining the rules to newcomers and describing the game in real time. He is truly a highlight of the event. 


The hospitality tents offer everything from caviar hotdogs to one-of-a-kind cigars and Azerbaijani delicacies


But, like any activity of the Jetset crowd, the Snow Polo is about far more than sport. It is a carefully curated social ritual, drawing an international audience of aristocrats, entrepreneurs, and unfortunately since the rise on social media, some loud logos and influencers too. 


Fur coats, tailored ski wear, and statement sunglasses line the sidelines, turning the event into an unofficial winter runway. The hospitality tents offer everything from caviar hotdogs to one-of-a-kind cigars and Azerbaijani delicacies, as well as a warm escape from the unforgivable winter weather. Throughout the three day tournament, champagne flows freely, conversations span continents, and the atmosphere hums with exclusivity.


Beyond the field, St. Moritz itself amplifies the experience. World-class hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, private shopping suites, art gallery soirées and legendary après-ski members clubs ensure that days on the frozen lake seamlessly transition into glamorous evenings. From intimate dinners to lavish celebrations, the Snow Polo week becomes a highlight of the winter social calendar.


In an era where luxury is increasingly defined by experience, the Snow Polo World Cup in St Moritz stands apart. It is not just watched; it is lived. It embodies a lifestyle where tradition meets modern sophistication, where sport becomes art, and where winter reveals its most elegant face. And, for those who attend, St. Moritz in Polo season is unforgettable.